USA Equestrian (formerly AHSA) announced today that the Kentucky Horse Park, home to the Federation's headquarters, has begun work on a new international ring. The site, which is opposite the Park's first international all-weather arena used for grand prix show jumping and the Rolex Three Day Event, will create one of the finest show facilities in the U.S. with the goal of attracting top international competitions.

The second all-weather ring will feature a permanent bank and warm-up arena. The project is due for completion in time for the spring 2002 show season. Once completed, the Kentucky Horse Park will be capable of hosting top-level competitions. The Park is currently preparing to bid for the 2006 World Equestrian Games and has been identified as the venue to host some of the equestrian events of the 2012 Olympic Games if Cincinnati is successful in its bid to become the host city.

"This second ring will provide another international facility for the Horse Park to hold major competitions," said international course designer Richard Jeffery, who is involved in the planning and landscaping of the new ring. In addition to the riding space, there will also be extensive landscaping, the extension of electrical services and more access roads.

For more information, please contact Christine E. Stafford, Director of Communications on (859) 225 6923 or via email at cstafford@ahsa.org cstafford@ahsa.org. AHSA press releases are available on our web site - http://www.ahsa.org/ .