Lexington, KY - From the Opening Ceremonies to the daily breed demonstrations, the American Saddlebred has been represented by some of the best and the brightest of the breed, both human and equine alike.

In what proved to be a wonderfully produced and perfectly orchestrated demonstration of the breed's best attributes, the American Saddlebred put on an impressive display during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) Opening Ceremonies, which took place on the evening of Saturday, September 25.

As they entered the arena to Bluegrass band Cherryholmes playing Bluegrass classic, Blue Moon of Kentucky, the Saddlebreds, along with their riders, drivers, and other human participants on foot, reenacted the typical scene at an early 1900s Kentucky County Fair, complete with popcorn and Coca-Cola vendors, horse grooms, and horse show patrons, all dressed in early 1900s period attire.

The 1900s County Fair patrons in the arena admired the three-gaited, five-gaited and fine harness Saddlebreds among them, as Cherryholmes continued the Bluegrass theme with Orange Blossom Special, and were soon joined in the arena by fellow native breeds, Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds, who each took turns in mock races around the track, as the announcer called the races and announced the winners.

Headlining the event for the American Saddlebreds was William Shatner, driving his fine harness Saddlebred, CHCall Me Ringo, joined by his wife Elizabeth Shatner, riding atop three-gaited Saddlebred gelding, Boston Legal. Joining them in the arena representing the American Saddlebred were three-gaited Saddlebreds, Let's Talk and CHNew York Style; five-gaited Saddlebreds CHCallaway's Born To Win, CHSprinkles, CHAccording To Lynn and Bono; and fine harness Saddlebreds CHLady Vol and Cherished King.

Amidst the action depicting the Kentucky County Fair Horse Show, the Saddlebred contingent - equine and human alike - stood at attention while My Old Kentucky Home was sung by Kentucky native, Wynona Judd.

Saddlebreds made another appearance later in the evening, as Michele Macfarlane of Scripps Miramar Ranch in San Diego, California, dazzled the Opening Ceremonies crowd with her parade of horses and carriages. Each Saddlebred involved in the Opening Ceremonies performed flawlessly, representing the breed with all the grace, beauty and athleticism that are the hallmarks of the American Saddlebred breed.

Video footage of the Opening Ceremonies and many other WEG events is available for viewing at the USEF Network website, here. Saddlebred demonstrations are also taking place daily, the full schedule and locations for which can be found, here. Video footage for Saddlebred demonstrations, as well as footage from other demonstrations and WEG events, are also available at Club Equestrian, here. Video footage of Saddlebred and other demonstrations and events will continue to be added throughout the duration of the Games.

ENDS