The 2000 Olympic Games will mark the return of the Games to the southern hemisphere for only the second time in their long history, after Melbourne 1956. However on that occasion equestrian disciplines were hosted in a separate event in Stockholm (Sweden) due to quarantine problems and the difficulties of shipping all horses to Australia.

From 15th September to 1st October more than 250.000 visitors will converge on the city of Sydney, identified the world over by its shimmering harbour, the distinctive sails of its Opera House and the famous single-span Harbour Bridge.

All three equestrian disciplines (Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping) will take place in the $37 million brand new venue. A modern complex which extends on a 400 hectares area, located in Sydney West Precint, 28 kilometres away from the Olympic Park in Home Bush (where the Olympic Stadium, most of the competition venues, the Olympic Village and the Main Press Centre are located) for an estimated 21 minutes long trip. Horsley Park is well connected with the city with a very efficient bus service, but there is also a railway station nearby. Although there are not many parking areas available on site, the arrangements made by the organisers for the Olympics appear good with an enormous car parking space located only five minutes from the venue and provided with non-stop shuttle service.

Sydney International Equestrian Centre, which has been under construction for the last five years, represents the best equestrian installation in the country and it will provide the perfect environment for the Olympic competitions. "All this area was covered with bush ?recalls the Competition Manager Franz Venhaus who has been following step by step the development of the venue- It took us a while to realise what it would eventually look like for the Olympics and now it is like a dream which comes true."

The main arena (120 x 80 metres) where all disciplines will take place, is surrounded by 20.000 seats. The sand footing was created by Danish expert Hermann Duckeck, who has been responsible for the footing of every Olympic Games since 1988. 340 stables in total are on site, ready to be filled in by the 266 horses who are expected to compete at the Olympics. Training facilities at Horsley Park include 15 arenas (either in grass or sand), an indoor school (70 x 35 metres), 3 km. cross-country training track, 5 lunging rings, a sand galloping track (1 km.), and various hacking areas.

This is the first preview article of a series of features on 2000 Olympic Games prepared by Lucia Montanarella, SOCOG Press Officer for the Equestrian Competitions.

OLYMPIC PROGRAMME

15th September OPENING CEREMONY
16th September Three Day Event Team Competition (dressage 1st part)
17th September Three Day Event Team Competition (dressage 2nd part)
18th September Three Day Event Team Competition (cross-country)
19th September Three Day Event Team Competition (show jumping)*
20th September Three Day Event Individual Competition (dressage)
21st September Three Day Event Individual Competition (cross-country)
22nd September Three Day Event Individual Competition (show jumping)*
25th September Show Jumping (1st qualifier)
26th September Dressage Team Competition (Grand Prix 1st part)
27th September Dressage Team Competition (Grand Prix 2nd part)*
28th September Show Jumping Team Competition*
29th September Dressage (Grand Prix Special)
30th September Dressage (Grand Prix Freestyle)*
1st October Show Jumping Individual Final*
1st October CLOSING CEREMONY
* denotes medals award

Related Links
The Official Website for the FEI