The World Games 2010 Foundation today unveiled the Official Image of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, created by artist LeRoy Neiman.

The painting features each of the eight equestrian sports that comprise the World Equestrian Games, illustrated in Neiman’s brilliantly-colored, energetic style style. As the Official Commemorative Artist of the 2010 Games, creating the piece was a return to a subject, and a place, for which Neiman has had a lifelong love.

“The horse has always been a favorite subject of mine, from the work horse to racehorses,” said Neiman. “Kentucky is horse country, where this noble animal is prominent and appreciated. It has been a joy to paint the eight different disciplines for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. I’m looking forward to attending in 2010 with sketchbook in hand.”

The painting will be stored and displayed at the International Museum of the Horse at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the 2010 Games. A travel schedule for the painting is in development.

Cobalt Artworks of Louisville, Ky., plans to present a retrospective exhibition featuring Neiman’s collection of equestrian work in downtown Lexington during the 2010 Games.

Official merchandise including signed and official posters and notecards of the print, are now available at the 2010 Games online store. Merchandise featuring the individual disciplines as depicted in Neiman’s painting is also in development.

Best known for his images of sporting events and leisure activities, LeRoy Neiman has been the official artist of five Olympics, four Super Bowls, as well as the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

The World Equestrian Games are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe, nor have all eight disciplines previously been held together at a single site–both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.