By Murray Evans
The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - Mike Tunstall doesn't always notice the extra security people, but the Finchville horseman knows they're patrolling at this year's World's Championship Horse Show.

That is important, Kentucky State Fair officials say. Security usually is tight at the fair. But show security is being emphasized this year, following a recent attack that led to the death of three show horses.

There are more security officers at the show this year, said Harold Workman, the president and chief executive officer of the state fair board.

"With a show this size and this caliber, you're going to have people wandering in locations that they don't need to be in, some of them intentionally, and most of them unintentionally," Workman said. "We want to be able to identify who is supposed to be there - and if they're not, we're going to ask them to leave."

The fair uses three layers of security, he said, with state police serving as the top level. Louisville police provide a second level, and the fair also contracts with two private firms.

In addition, some owners of horses at the show hire their own security.

Show horses are high-stepping, muscular animals with long, arched necks that are judged for their distinctive walking styles.

The World's Championship, held in Freedom Hall, is considered the most important event of the year for those on the show-horse circuit. More than 2,000 horses from 44 states are entered this year.

The show, which started in 1902 and has missed only two years since, is celebrating its 100th year of competition. At the arena, signs honor winners of the five-gaited grand championship, the show's top class.

Wild Eyed and Wicked won that title in 2000 and 2001. But the gelding was one of five American saddlebred horses stabled at the Double D Ranch in Versailles found with severe swelling in their left front legs on June 30.

Wild Eyed and Wicked and two others - Meet Prince Charming and Kiss Me - had to be euthanized in mid-July because of their injuries. Kentucky State Police continue to investigate.