Lexington, KY - Support of equine athletes and their human counterparts isn’t new to Kentucky Equine Research (KER). The global equine nutrition research and consulting company showed its commitment again when the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced on September 2 that KER is the Official Sponsor of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

"Our Para-Equestrian Dressage Team is deeply appreciative of the commitment by KER," said Kathy Meyer, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at USEF. "We could not be more pleased with the continued support shown by Dr. Joe Pagan and his experienced team in Kentucky."

The Kentucky Equine Research/U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team will consist of 10 horse/rider combinations representing the United States.

“We are thrilled and honored to support the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team," stated Kimberly S. Brown, Global Marketing Manager for KER. "We look forward to hosting the team at the KER farm while the riders complete final preparations for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. These men and women are inspirations to us all!"

Mary Jordan, a para-dressage WEG competitor, said of KER’s official sponsorship, "It’s an incredible show of support for the Para-Equestrian Team and a historic time for para-equestrians in the U.S. because this is the first time we have been included in WEG. In this day and age, that kind of generosity from a company makes a statement and is appreciated. Everybody on the team is beyond thrilled and delighted to have the support. The coupling of being offered a world-class facility to train in before the Games, and to have KER take the title sponsorship, has been an incredible blessing to the team.

“I can’t believe the support everyone at KER has given me and the team," Jordan continued. "I’m not sure any other team gets that kind of support. It makes us want to try our hearts out!"

The Kentucky Equine Research/U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begins arriving at the 144-acre KER facility near Versailles, KY, on September 17. There the team will be joined by USEF Para-Dressage Coach and Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen, Team Veterinarian Stacey Kent, DVM, Assistant Coach Sharon Schneidman, and U.S. Executive Director Hope Hand. The USEF Para-Equestrian Team Leader is Pam Lane.

In addition to supporting the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, KER sponsors the Australian Endurance Team, whose members will also spend much of their time at the KER facility leading up to the Games.

The Kentucky Equine Research farm not only is home to one of the most prolific private research facilities in the world, but also has a covered arena, two outdoor arenas (one of which is standard dressage size), and new stabling with living quarters.

The USEF stated, "KER has been a valued sponsor and partner of the USEF and its U.S. Equestrian Teams for more than 10 years. The company currently holds the exclusive position of Official Equine Nutritionist of the United States Equestrian Federation."

To view the press release on the USEF website, visit www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=6103.

For more information on USEF Para-Equestrian programs, please contact Lane at [email protected].

To learn more about para-equestrians, visit www.ipec-athletes.de/, and to contact the U.S. Para-Equestrian group, contact Hand at [email protected].

ENDS