It’s just two years until the equestrian world descends on little old Lexington, Ky. and the city is making ready. This is the first time the WEG has been held outside of Europe. The last games were in Aachen, Germany in 2006.

At a recent press event, the Alltech 2010 World Equestrian Games gave the public a pulse check on the progress the WEG Foundation is making on improvements to the park, the access roads, staffing and other issues.

So far, organizers report that the $24 million outdoor stadium is about seven days behind schedule, while the $49 million indoor arena is four to six weeks ahead of schedule. That arena should be completed in May, with its first event held in July.

Anyone who’s attended Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event at the horse park knows that the access roads can be a problem. Phase one of the park road upgrades has been completed and now crews are working on widening the park’s east-west access, adding a “horse lane” and widening all lanes to accommodate buses and horse trailers.

As for tickets, well, 18 percent of reserved seating has been sold to horse groups. Tickets for the general public will go on sale in September 2009.

Ariat International was named the official apparel sponsor of the WEG. Lexington-based Alltech committed $10 million to be title sponsor and at least eight other companies have agreed to sponsor the games.

And those wishing to help out still have an opportunity to volunteer. Overall, about 7,850 volunteers from 48 countries and 50 states have registered. The goal is to register 15,000 volunteers, but 10,000 to 12,000 might be adequate. The foundation's official estimate is that it needs 6,000 people to work 25,000 shifts during the 16-day event and some jobs before and after the Games.