At the entrance to Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park is an Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games special commemoration that's growing every day.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has set up a 6-foot diameter globe of rusty horseshoes with black metal tags engraved with the name of every competitor. As medals are awarded, said board member Alex Boone, gold, silver and bronze tags are added with winners' names. The tags are affixed to roughly the spot on the globe that each rider hails from.

Boone said there is a second globe set up now in the Equine Village that anyone can add their name to for a minimum donation to the foundation of $5.

The globes, made of 575 horseshoes each, were made by Metalwerks artist Doug Wilson, of Jessamine County. Wilson said the globes took about 3 months each to make and weigh about 1,300 pounds apiece.

The globes are made to eventually be mounted on an axis. Boone said the one with spectators' names will become a permanent addition to the Horse Park.

The other one may raise money as well. Boone said they are considering auctioning it off. "Depending on interest," Boone said. "If some country can't live without it and wants to take it home."

Attendance rising

The number of visitors to the Horse Park continued to climb Thursday, with attendance of 34,211, a number that includes ticketed visitors, school children, members of the media and volunteers.

Special Breyer horse a hit

The popular Breyer model tent at the World Equestrian Games has been a lively spot for those seeking a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Breyer has created a special edition, sold-only-at-WEG model horse adorned in patriotic colors that has been flying off the shelves at $15.

For the die-hard Thoroughbred fans in attendance, the Breyer tent has been a favorite spot as well, selling models of both undefeated champion mare Zenyatta and 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. The recent retirement of Rachel Alexandra ensures the two divas will never meet on the track, but their dopplegangers are fittingly side by side in the Breyer tent.

Show jumping entries

Games officials announced that 41 countries have submitted definite entries for the Show Jumping World Championships, which begin on Monday.

In all, there will be 136 riders and 138 horses, and 27 countries will field teams. Officials also announced that Russia has withdrawn show jumper Ljubov Kochetova from its definite entry.

Rider keeps Pony Club close to heart

Look closely at event rider Paul Tapner's chest, and you'll see a little green and gold something extra next to his Australian flag. Tapner was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, he said, for "exceptional services to the Pony Club movement."

Tapner said he rode with Pony Club for years, until "they kicked me out to go be a professional rider."

He remains dedicated to promoting Pony Club, which teaches youngsters to ride, he said, showing up for any and all occasions. Pony Club, literally near and dear to Tapner's heart.

Veterinary student blog from WEG

For a "behind the tail" look at the Games, check out www.aaep.org/blogs/wegthetale.html, where 33 fourth-year veterinary students from around the country are blogging about their on-the-grounds experiences with the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

U.S. names para-dressage team

The U.S. Equestrian Federation on Thursday named the team and individual riders for para-equestrian dressage competition, which begins on Tuesday.

Team riders will be Rebecca Hart on Norteassa; Robin Brueckmann, on Raison D'Etre; Laura Goldman, on Carlingford JD; and Susan Treabess, on Moneypenny.

Team members also will compete as individuals, according to the USEF. Other individual riders, who also serve as alternates, are: Jonathan Wentz, on NTEC Richter Scale; Wendy Fryke, on Lateran; Jennifer J. Baker, on Kranak; Mary Jordan, on Paxton Abbey; Kim Decker, on Dashers Destiny; and Erin Alberda, on Delectari.

UK Healthcare staying busy

UK HealthCare, the official medical provider for the Games, has been busy. Since the Games began, 173 people have been treated for various ailments. Officials said there have been 25 trauma cases and seven patients transported to the hospital.