2002 World Equestrian Games

Opening Ceremony, Royal Andalusian Extravaganza

The opening ceremony of the 2002 World Equestrian Games was one that sizzled, thrilled, charmed and moved. On the drums and guitar rhythms of pure Spanish flamenco music, hundreds of horses and dancers performed in an almost two hour show.

The ceremony started shortly after 7 PM when the whole arena and area around it was strictly secured by the military and police, As King Juan Carlos II and the queen were invited to officially open the Games, snipers, a military escort and a whole battallion of police agents were on duty to provide safety for the royal family. Even the photography and tv-crew had to have their equipment checked before the ceremony was to start.

The national anthem of Spain welcomed the royal couple before the presentation of the participating nations started. While American fans cheered aloud for their hord of competitors, no crowd received more applause and support than the Spanish home team.

The honorary chair member of the International Equestrian Federation, Dona Pilar, held a short speech before King Juan Carlos II said his one-sentence opening of the 2002 World Equestrian Games