The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 is a few days off. In fact, it is a little over a thousand days off. But an event like this doesn’t come together overnight, and so, the organizers have already been hard at work planning and preparing for several months. Today marked a huge milestone in those preparations, the launch of the official logo.

Creating a logo was one of the first tasks that faced the Normandy 2014 Organizing Committee. It is also one of their most important responsibilities, since the logo is an enduring symbol for all that this event represents. Horse sport is based on the special relationship between animal and rider, a bond that makes equestrian competition unique in the world of sports. This bond between horse and rider is the central element of the logo. Apple blossoms provide the backdrop and refer to the Normandy region, which is often symbolized by the apple.

The colors are significant as well. Green symbolizes the rich farming heritage of Normandy as well as Alltech’s dedication to natural animal health and nutrition. White represents the commitment to fairness at the heart of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy.

Watch this brief animation to see the creative evolution of the logo.