Equestrian vaulters from around the world will descend upon the Bluegrass state in July in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, performing dance and gymnastics on cantering horses in two events.

Athletes and horses from around the world will compete at the Kentucky Horse Park in two of the most important vaulting competitions of the year: the American Vaulting Association (AVA)/United States Equestrian Federation National Championships and the Kentucky Vaulting Cup.

For the first time in the sport’s 40-year American history, the AVA will be bringing its national championships to the Midwest. The Championship will be the first competition in the new 6,000-seat indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Association expects 300 competitors to compete in this national championships from July 9-12, 2009.

“We’re excited to be bringing this unique and spectator-friendly sport to the home of all that is equestrian—Kentucky,” said AVA President Sheri Benjamin.

From July 30-August 2, the new indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park will be the site for the Kentucky Vaulting Cup, an international vaulting competition (CVI) and the official vaulting test event for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The CVI will bring vaulters from around the world to participate in the event and experience the venue before competing in the world championships in 2010.

Events are included with admission to the park, which is $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 7-12, children 6 and under are admitted for free, and $3 for daily parking. There is a one-time $5 event parking pass that will be available to competitors only that can be purchased upon arrival at the park.