August 31, 2010--The popular show MythBusters tests the validity of urban legends and myths—and now we’re going to do the same. We are going to challenge some of the biggest rumors and myths about the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Myth six:

“The walking distances at the Games are going to be brutal.”

With over 1200 acres of land, the Kentucky Horse Park is a large park, but this does not mean you will be spending the day hiking.

Looking at the walking distances from general parking to the spectator entrance at the Games and within the park, they will be comparable to the walking distances at many other events and tourist attractions.

First let’s look at the walking distance from the general parking lot at Spy Coast Farm. If you park in the middle of the parking area, the walk to the entrance of the Games is just over a half mile. If you park in the spot furthest away from the entrance, the walking distance is less than eight-tenths of a mile to the gate. That is around eight city blocks.

It’s football season, so let’s compare that walk to a University of Kentucky football game. Anyone going to a football game expects to walk a little bit to get to the stadium. The purple parking lot, next to the softball field on UK’s campus is the permit lot furthest away from the stadium. It is a about a half mile from that lot to the nearest stadium entrance. The closest non-permit lot is a seven minute, half-mile walk from the stadium, and you pay $20 to park in that lot.

Keeneland, which will be open for its fall meet during part of the Games, also requires some walking. Parking lots nearest to the track entrance fill up fast, and if you have to park in the fields on Keeneland’s main roadway, you can expect to walk over a mile to get to the entrance of the race course.

Again, the Kentucky Horse Park is a large park, but the 2010 Games have been designed to make it spectator friendly. Think about it like an amusement park or even Disney World. There are a ton of things to do once you get in, and you won’t be walking the whole time.

Also, to reduce time spent standing at the box office, purchase your tickets in advance and print them at home so you are ready to go straight through the security gates.

Once spectators go through the gates at the 2010 Games, they will walk into one of the biggest attraction areas on the grounds. This area contains the Alltech Experience, Kentucky Experience and Trade Show, which all feature a variety of activities, entertainment and shopping opportunities for spectators.

Although spectators could probably spend their whole day in this area, there is world championship competition to be seen, so competition ticketholders will eventually head to their seats. The walking distance to the different competition venues will vary, but none are greater than a mile.

When compared to visiting a Disney World theme park, these walking distances are nothing. According to many Disney World forums, the average visitor walks five to seven miles a day at Disney World. And many people who have tracked their steps, especially those visiting more than one park, have walked more than 10 miles a day.

Lastly, walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise, so put on your walking shoes and get in your recommended 30 minutes a day of cardio while you enjoy the 2010 Games. And by the way…an hour of walking burns around 200 calories.

After comparing walking distances for the 2010 Games with a variety of other events and attractions, it is safe to say that the myth “The walking distances at the Games are going to be brutal,” is officially busted.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. Tickets to the 2010 Games are still available and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, through the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000, or at your local Ticketmaster outlet.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which marks the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $167 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Kentucky Ale and the University of Kentucky. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games please visit, www.alltechfeigames.com.