The Virtual Equestrian - WEG 2002 - Opening Ceremony Page 1

WEG Jerez 2002 - News

Opening Ceremony - by Berni Saunders
Tuesday 10th September 2002 - Page 1

World Championships in equestrian sports have been held since the previous century. In 1966 the first competition for Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing took place. Driving was introduced in 1972, Endurance and Vaulting in 1986. The modern concept of conducting several championships at a single venue is just 12 years old and this popular formula gives many nations the opportunity to show their equestrian skill by bringing the disciplines together in a wonderful carnival atmosphere and spirit of good will.

The opening ceremony was a grand affair with colour action and sound that captured the spirit of Spain and whetted appetites for the displays of equestrian perfection that the huge crowd had come to experience over the next 11 days. The opening ceremony for Jerez was unique and memorable as it showed the rest of the world the special role of the horse in this region. The depth of knowledge and the special skills which are part of the Spanish equestrian art and military background made a very different display from any other part of the world.

After the introduction of each of the competing nations the fun began.

The show was produced by Alquimia and was created and produced by Manuel Coronado The Head of Production was Jose F Bravo and Art Director Jose Ramon Giner, who was assisted by Maria Jesus Trujillo. Choreography was striking and the work of Pilar Perez Calvete. The fabulous costumes were by Isabel Soto and the Special Effects by Efektos Secundarios.

Popular Spanish singer Jose Merce performed and the Presenter was Miguel Primo de Rivera.

The equestrian support was provided by the Royal Guard, National Spanish Pure Bred Horse Breeders' Association, El Hierro de Bocado Stud, Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Jerez Military Stud.

There were 400 volunteers dressed in Andalusian costume and 600 other volunteers who made up the numbers to put on this outstanding display. The sound system boomed out 200,000 watts of sound. There was a folding mechanical structure which included 300 movable parts. 20 inflatables shaped like bunches of grapes, 2 units of giant baloons depicting the mascot and the stage was 200 meters.

The Spanish air force were involved in the aerial display and the AGUILA Acrobatic Flying Team and P.A.P.E.A. Parachute Acrobatics Team added a segment of something very different for this horse crazy audience - they were great.

The horse acts were simply wonderful - the stallions in hand, the stallions ridden in side saddle by small children were stunning in their perfect manners and willingness to please. The carriages were spectacular and the harnesses ornate and works of art in their own right.

My pictures are numerous, but I felt that they were all important to show you the depth of content and spectacle that was the World Equestrian Games - Jerez, Spain 2002, Opening Ceremony... enjoy the show.