A few hiccups, but mostly good reviews for WEG

On one of the first mornings of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, John Long found himself playing traffic cop, giving directions to spectators confused by a lack of signs at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"We did miss the ball on that," said the director of the United States Equestrian Federation about the lack of signs, which were quickly augmented by organizers.

A week later, as nearly 51,000 spectators basked in a sunny day at the popular cross-country eventing competition, Long said he's "absolutely elated." The Games have brought in 234,243 visitors, students, volunteers and members of the media in a week.

One of the largest sporting events in Kentucky's history has experienced its share of hiccups in the first week, but nothing to overshadow exciting competitions, increasing crowds and perfect fall weather.

"I think we've been very blessed with the way things have gone so far," said Jamie Link, the CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation, the event's organizing committee.

As for the city itself, residents have been able to enjoy the Games' atmosphere as much as they choose. Anticipated traffic woes didn't materialize, helped in great part by a highly effective shuttle system operated by LexTran.

Traffic has not paralyzed downtown; Spotlight Lexington has brought some big crowds to the Courthouse Plaza and Cheapside Park during the more popular performances, such as those by Trombone Shorty and Laura Bell Bundy.

"I'm very, very pleased," said Renee Jackson, president of the Downtown Lexington Corp. "I think after this, people will come downtown more often. Everybody seems to be having a good time."

A blessing or a curse?

In some ways, the Horse Park has been hampered by its greatest asset — its 1,200-acre size. Visitors who exclaim over its far-flung beauty will in the next sentence complain that their feet hurt from walking from venue to venue.

As German event rider Andreas Dibowski remarked: "You need a bicycle or a motorbike, but the grounds are perfect."

Link said he wished there were more resources to move more people, but that would require more golf carts, which get complaints for too much traffic and for blocking pedestrians.

"It's a balancing act," Link said. "We have been able to help those who need help most" with shuttles.

Auxiliary venues have been helped by growing attendance at the Games. Trade show vendors at the Games were initially furious at the lack of business, given the costs of renting booths.

Alessandro Albanese, who owns an equestrian clothing business, paid $45,000 for his large booth in the outdoor part of the trade show.

"This is my fourth WEG and this is the worst organization I ever saw," Albanese said.

He and other vendors signed a petition to get more picnic tables in the space, so people could eat and spend time there. Link said that, in addition, they've changed exit routes so that people leave through the trade show rather than walking out by the USEF headquarters.

Discounted tickets

Lower than expected ticket sales meant that many people have been able to buy tickets to Games competitions at big discounts, or occasionally get them for free. That has enraged some people who paid full price and were told Games tickets would be quickly snapped up.

Sallie Cosgrove, a veterinarian from Michigan, said she felt "cheated" by the Games organizers and the USEF, which pushed "exclusive" early sales with its members. She's had her lawyers write organizers to ask for a refund and may continue with legal action, she said.

"Having been to Jerez and Rome (where two previous WEGs were held), I am disappointed," Cosgrove said. "The venue is acceptable, but what is lacking compared to the other two WEGs is the entire atmosphere."

Our face to the world

Still many spectators have praised the competition, from the hooting, hollering atmosphere of the reining, where the U.S. took gold in team and individual events, to the elegant grandeur of grand prix dressage, where they could see one of the finest dressage riders in history.

"The atmosphere is fantastic," said Christian Stocker of Hamburg, Germany, who was waving a German flag for German cross-country riders on Saturday. Stocker, who also attended the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany, said the German organization "might have been a little better, but it's not such a big place."

Horse Park Director John Nicholson said he has been pleased with nearly everything, but in particular the 6,000 volunteers who arrive early and leave late. They drive shuttles, give directions and greet and guide people all over the park.

"When you see how great they're doing, their politeness and good humor, I'm very humbled they're willing to give so much of their time with such good grace," he said. "This is the face we're showing to the world."

This story was originally published October 3, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "A few hiccups, but mostly good reviews for WEG."