On the Line

I have to admit, I had my doubts when Sidelines’ current issue was in the planning stages. It was a risky move putting a balding man in a suit who doesn’t actually ride on the cover of a horse magazine. . .  .

But now we’re feeling pretty good over here at Sidelines for putting Alltech’s Dr. Pearse Lyons on the cover of our September issue. It was staff writer Lauren Gianinni’s idea to feature Dr. Lyons on the cover, and she arranged the photo while promising that it would be a winner. Lauren also interviewed Dr. Lyons for the cover story. The story is great but the photo was still keeping me up at night until I saw her proof. As covers go it’s certainly unique, but now it’s been justified just a little bit more.

Yesterday the head of Alltech came to the rescue of World Equestrian Games organizers, who have had to cut their budget by $500,000 due to lower than expected ticket sales and sponsorships. Kentucky.com details the story here. As title sponsor, Alltech has already spent 32 million on WEG, and now, a mere three weeks before the Games, Dr. Lyons has spent another 3.5 million to ensure that WEG is a success.

He’s a pretty interesting guy, and his story is well worth the read.

Of course, all this raises the issue of why WEG needs rescuing: a bad economy, high ticket prices, ridiculous hotel costs, etc. etc. etc. It’s a shame that no one told organizers they wouldn’t attract a sold-out crowd by selling endurance tickets for $30 a pop or general admission show jumping for $178. There just aren’t enough of us die-hards out there who will spend that much! I wish there were! The discount ticket sale that began in mid July ends on Monday, which should give hope to those procrastinating until the very last moment. But in looking on ticketmaster today, all the $42 discounted tickets for dressage and show jumping seemed to have been snatched up.

I want WEG to be a success as much as the next person, after all, I’ll be there. Selling out isn’t really an option anymore, but I hope that everything else goes according to plan. I know that organizers are working hard (and probably giving themselves ulcers from worrying about everything), and I don’t envy their task one bit. But I can’t WAIT for the next 21 days to pass!