Greenwich surface for equestrian Olympic events approved
The arena surface to be used for the equestrian Olympic events has finally been approved – after two rounds of additional testing following criticism.
At the official test event in Greenwich Park showjumpers complained that the surface was “pudding-like”, “tacky” and “dense” (news, 14 July 2011).
And last year H&H reported showjumpers still found the surface “too heavy” after more tests in Birmingham in October.
The mix, which is supplied by Andrews Bowen, is composed of non-waxed sand, felt and fibre. Around 8,000 tons of surface are required for the arena and warm-up areas.
The final tests took place near Preston last month (20-21 December). And the FEI finally signed-off the surface last week.
Showjumper Geoff Billington and H&H dressage columnist Richard Davison tested the surface.
International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) representative John Whitaker and fellow showjumpers Peter Murphy and David McPherson were also there but not jumping.
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A spokesman for Olympic organisers LOCOG added: “The IJRC was given the opportunity for John to ride on the surface but were happy he watched.”
The FEI’s Ingmar de Vos said: “The riders gave some very positive feedback and this was backed up by the technical reports from the officials.”
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (19 December 2012)
A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.