Riders briefed about London 2012 plans after Zara speaks out

Riders on Britain’s teams have been “fully briefed” about Greenwich Park as the equestrian venue for the 2012 Olympic Games, and will be kept in continual communication as plans progress, said British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chief executive Andrew Finding.

Mr Finding said the BEF is working closely with the communications team at the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and team managers to “answer any questions the riders may have” over the venue choice.

Speaking to H&H on Monday, Mr Finding denied that Zara Phillips had in any way been reprimanded after voicing her “annoyance” to The Times last weekend that Greenwich would leave no legacy for equestrianism in Britain.

“What’s the point in that?” she had asked, questioning why Burghley or Windsor had not been chosen instead.

She told the paper: “What is annoying is that they will put something there and then take it down later.”

But Mr Finding told H&H: “It’s time we as a sport — and the whole nation — got behind the Olympics. There are far too many detractors, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) reiterated its “confidence” and “faith” in LOCOG on Friday (6 March).

Read this news story in full in the current issue of Horse & Hound (12 March, ’09)

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