The BEF recommended Greenwich after some of the sport's most experienced officials, including representatives from the Olympic disciplines, considered a range of options and it has now been fixed as the venue for the equestrian competitions.
The main value of the site is that it places equestrian sport at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Expected to be approximately 20 minutes from the main stadium and Olympic Village it will be at the Olympic hub for the first time in the Games' post-war history. It will unite the three disciplines in one place and this together with its proximity to the International Broadcast Centre and its accessibility via upgraded public transport systems makes Greenwich the best all-round site.
The park with its natural rolling and tree lined features is visually stunning and the stadium beyond the Queen's House promises to be one of the finest settings ever seen in an Olympic Games. It will create a wonderful atmosphere which cannot fail to excite television producers, giving equestrianism the best possible chance when negotiating for precious air time.
Some useful links for more information:
View a video from when some of the riders visited Greenwich Park.
Visit the London 2012 mini-site for Greenwich Park
Read more about the venue on the London 2012 website.
Read our frequently asked questions here.
Download a Fact Sheet about the venue here.
Read Lord Coe's article in the Telegraph exploding some of the myths here.
Tim Hadaway, the LOCOG Equestrian manager, explains how London 2012 are working closely with agencies like Royal Parks, Natural England and English Heritage to make sure there is no long term impact on the park. See his blog here
