That prototype will now be submitted to a committee at the Kentucky Horse Park, along with other prototypes from other companies that are being considered, for a final review and decision.
"They are working on several barn renovations and construction of new barns to have all new stalls for games," Tarter said.
And it's definitely an exciting time for everyone involved being this is the first time the Equestrian Games have been held outside of Europe.
Showcasing abilities
"It's definitely some place we want to be," Tarter said. "Not only national, but world (attention) will be a great way to ... show our abilities and ... to put equipment into the world's greatest (equestrian) facilities - built by people of Kentucky."
He added that he knows Gov. Steve Beshear and his wife both are big supporters of the local economy, and he thinks giving this type of job to a Kentucky business not only helps generate the state's economy, but also secures some jobs for a while.
Nicholson said he couldn't comment on the visit to Tarter or the decision-making process of which company would manufacture the stalls as it's still premature at this point.
Tarter said from his understanding the equestrian games are asking for a total of 1,900 horse stalls. They are asking that 350 be produced for the first phase of the job, which would have to be completed by next summer. The remaining stalls would be manufactured as funds permit.
Tarter said the family business, which has been in operation since 1945 and is in its fourth generation, would be more than ready to take on the job if chosen.
"Actually we were calling on those folks as well in early spring," Tarter said. "We knew the games were coming and we wanted to be a part of it. We wanted to have stalls in that showcase and we hope to be a significant sponsor to the 2010 equestrian games (even if we aren't chosen for the job.) ... It's a really big deal."
But Tarter said it's because of all the employees of the company that even made it possible to be considered.
"My people here at Tarter Industries of Liberty and surrounding areas have done a great job on the engineering side of it," he said. "They did a great job on the design of it. I can't say enough about the employees and team members here that have helped getting the likes of these people here and interested. ... There's great talent in the area and we're lucky enough to have that."
