Rio Test event Aussie report

Equestrian Australia’s delegation from the Rio Test event were pleased to see the strong progress that has taken place at the Deodoro Olympic equestrian venue while attending the competition last week, but acknowledged there are still areas to be addressed 12 months out from the Games.

The test event showcased a great cross country course and significant upgrades to the venue facilities, which have the hallmarks of an Olympic venue in the making.

EA advisor and Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Olympic course designer Mike Etherington-Smith, provided high praise for the cross country course.

“What’s been done till now is superb. Now it’s about maintaining the progress and continuing to develop it. 

“The canvas is there for a good course.  There is terrain and there will be quite a number of gear changes around the course. But one thing is certain is spectators attending the event will have great viewing and we can expect great broadcast pictures,” said Etherington-Smith.

The test event did not feature any international horses, but provided countries like Australia with the opportunity to hear firsthand from the Rio Organising Committee, FEI, horse transport organisation and other major stakeholders.

EA’s High Performance Manager Chris Webb said the venue is shaping up to be world class, however there are still some issues that need addressing between now and the start of the Games.

“The venue itself is really great and certainly the buzz from the test event is it will provide a great backdrop for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Naturally, like other nations, we had concerns relating to the Glanders outbreak earlier this year and the biosecurity processes in place.

“Although we had a lengthy briefing from the Rio Organising Committee, FEI, Rio Government officials and transport agencies, there are still procedures that need finalising before the Games next year and we’ll be looking for additional reports over the coming months.

“We recognise that 12 months out from the Games the detail still needs to come and we’ve noted with relevant officials the areas we still have come question marks around.

“For us the focus now is getting our teams ready for Rio, with key milestones coming up later this month including Eventing Nations Cup in Aachen and the Jumping regional qualifier in Hagen.  With less than 12 months to go our attention is squarely on performance and ensuring our horses and riders have the best possible preparation ahead of Rio,” said Webb.

Equestrian Australia has already qualified teams in Eventing and Dressage, with the Jumping team to compete later this month in Europe to secure their spot at the Rio Olympics.