The Samorin Equestrian Centre in Samorin, Slovakia has thrown its helmet into the ring of potential venues for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Dressage-News reported that the FEI will not re-open the bid process with only two years remaining, but FEI President Ingmar De Vos has been tasked with securing an alternative to Bromont, Canada, which backed out in July, followed by a bid by Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Samorin in Slovakia is reportedly launching its effort to stage the multi-disciplinary event. While Tryon has solid financial backing, Samorin can rely on its connections with Frank Kemperman and the CHIO Aachen organization to host the show.

The World Equestrian Games stages the seven FEI endorsed equestrian disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, reining and vaulting as well as para-dressage.

Samorin is currently hosting the 2016 World Endurance Championships. The Samorin Equestrian Centre is owned by Slovakian businessman and endurance enthusiast Mario Hoffmann.

– article submitted by Libbie Johnson