The equestrian events in the London 2012 Olympics are being held in Greenwich Park, which is one of the Royal Parks of London and was enclosed in 1433. The Park encompasses 183 acres and is one of the largest green spaces in south east London. The selection of this site for the equestrian and pentathlon events has been quite contentious as Greenwich Park is part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and, due to the amount of traffic and the renovation required for the temporary arenas, holding these large scale events on the grounds will destroy some of the landscape of the park. According to some
sources, parts of the park will not be restored until 2015 but The Royal Parks have shared
plans that have the park being reinstated through 2013. To prevent ruining too much of the grass in the park, some of the paths and the barns that the horses are stalled in are elevated.
No doubt Greenwich Park is a breathtaking and historic site for the Olympics and I hope that it raises the popularity of equestrian events, which is one of only two Olympic events where men and women compete equally against each other (the other being sailing). Eventing has received more attention in Great Britain as Zara Philips, granddaughter to the queen, made her Olympic debut this year and won a silver medal. The US will be cheering on Beezie Madden, who is riding in her third Olympic games, and Reed Kessler, only 18 years old, in the jumping events. Take a few moments to watch these events if you're able to catch them on tv. The athleticism of the horses and their riders is truly something spectacular.
wow. the park looks great. hope to see more of it during the equestrian events of the olympics.
ReplyDeleteI had a quick stroll around the Maritime museum and saw it from the boat last year. It's a stunning building situated in such a lovely village. A few close friends actually live there so I'd pop in from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually the first time I watched the event because of Zara, and I must admit that it was a nice surprise. You're right. The athleticism involved in this sport is something else.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the equestrian events get a bad rap (guilty as charged!) But I really like how they tried adding interest with the shapes of the obstacles. Plus, I have to say, I found it pretty cool that one of the royals was competing.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you say the horse events have a bad rap is interesting since I have a degree in animal science and was in classes with the "horse people" who wouldn't interact with anyone who wasn't also like them. I guess for me the bad rap comes from there. I wonder where it comes from in general since riding horses isn't exactly easy.....
ReplyDeleteThere must have been a ton of work put into transforming that park into the arena but it looks like a nice area for it.
I've lived in Greenwich. it's a very nice park, and I'm sure it's going to suffer a little, but I don't see how it can get permanently damaged. people always find something to complain about. the olympics in general are bad for london in a way, with the increase in traffic, the amount of people and the amount of extra pollution this will cause. all you can try is to minimize the impact, and I know London is doing just that. I wouldn't worry too much. especially not after seeing how careless people are here in Asia when it comes to the environment...
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are very cool. I love how the jumps are made to look more aesthetically pleasing for the Olympics. I will try to catch some of this if I can.
ReplyDelete*Erin
Well, one thing is for sure! You and Greenwich Park just raised awareness of the equestrian stuff just now to me :) I had no clue about it!! lol
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking! How wonderful to be able to compete in such a scenic, historic site. Walking there would be amazing, I can't imagine what it would be like to ride there.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great park! Love the photos!!
ReplyDelete:)
Allison
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Horsies!!! That was seriously my first thought once I saw this post's title. :)
ReplyDeleteI never realized that equestrian is one of two ( only two?! ) events where the genders compete equally. That was surprising, to say the least for me. But that makes it all the more awesome.
Also, the "obstacles" ( ? ) for this event look so pretty. Especially that moon and the horseshoe with the Rings above it.
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I've been watching the Olympics off and on, hopefully I get the chance to check this out.
ReplyDeletexo erica
Funny I was just playing that "if you could rock any summer Olympic sport and win gold, what would it be?" game with a friend at dinner tonight and I said the equestrian events. So cool! Great post.
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved seeing the pics of William, Kate and Harry cheering on their cousin!
I just saw this on TV and I was wondering about the location as I didn't recognise it despite having lived there for several years. Thanks for clarifying this one! Have a great day.
ReplyDeletebeautiful location!!! it's so cool that a member of the royal family is competing =]
ReplyDeletei've been super obsessed w the games...as usual XD
amazing place!:)
ReplyDeletesuch amazing photos
ReplyDeleteSo interesting! And I absolutely love the photos! Those horses are so amazing . . . not to mention, handsome. The riders are pretty great, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI really wish I could attend this awesome event, great photos too!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
that is one dreamy place! I would love to see it for myself someday.
ReplyDeleteLoving all the Olympics fever that's going around! Really hadn't paid attention to the equestrian portion of the events before now. I will now!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of the equestrian part of the Olympics, just a majority of table tennis, gymnastics, swimming, field hockey, basketball, etc. I LOVE the Olympics!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited, I've got tickets to the dressage freestyle on the 9th! I her Olympic freestyle is amazing so I'm SUPER excited!
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