Chicago 2016 Olympic Planners Choose Equestrian Venue

Tempel Farms is Selected for Proposed Games Site

Chicago hopes to host the 2016 Olympic Games, and the Chicago 2016 Committee is saddling up for the challenge.

On Saturday, May 3, 2006, the Chicago 2016 Committee announced the selection of Tempel Farms as the proposed site for the Olympic Equestrian Complex.

The local reception to this news has varied. Many residents have expressed relief that area Forest Preserves will not be altered to construct the Olympic equestrian venue, while others bemoan the possibility that development of such a facility may benefit a private organization after the Olympic Games, instead of the general public.

"This is a great day for sport and for athletes," reported Pat Ryan, Chicago 2016 chairman and chief executive officer. "Tempel Farms will provide a perfect setting for the equestrian competition, and its facilities give us a great opportunity to ensure a lasting legacy for equestrian athletes."

What is Tempel Farms?

Located in scenic Old Mill Creek, Illinois, Tempel Farms is a Lake County equestrian landmark. The family-owned property boasts 4,000 acres, including several outdoor riding arenas, an indoor arena and an Olympic-quality cross-country course. Founded in 1959 by the late Tempel and Esther Smith, the facility includes training, breeding and dressage facilities and staff.

The largest privately owned collection of Lipizzan horses resides at Tempel Farms, where annual public performances (held from June to August) draw crowds from several surrounding states. Spectators admire the graceful white horses and historically costumed riders, as together they perform such classical dressage exercises as the "capriole," "courbette," "levade," "pas de trios," "passage," "piaffe," "quadrille," and "the airs-above-the-ground." The historic barns welcome visitors after each performance.

Tempel Farms hosts annual equestrian competitions, such as Dressage at Tempel Farms, The North American Young Rider Championships, The United States Dressage Federation Young Rider Clinic Series and well-known equestrian workshops and clinics.