Only in Britain where we have the finest event courses in the World and could show everyone what Badminton and Burghley can produce can we go to a small park in London where there will be insufficient room for all the horses and they will have to be moved in and out. No trade stands (look at Brurghley's contribution to the economy). FEI President says she has no interest in the legacy. The Princess Royal said it was not a good idea. The residents are not very happy either. The in depth infrastructure of volunteers that have been developed over the years at Burghley of quality and knowledge will never be created at a one off event. The reaction to emergencies when all your volunteers know exactly how every thing works can never be rehearsed this only comes with experience. There will be no legacy to the Equine Sport by this venue when anyone with half a brain could have come up with a better idea. Having over the last ten years visited every major equine center from Sweden to France with the National Bodies I well appreciate how far behind the UK is. One has only to look at the success of the girls in dressage from Emma to Laura who are trained or live in Germany to realise how much the Equine structure in the UK has failed the top riding disciplines. The strides other nations have made in eventing by altering the structure of the competition and better breeding methods bodes ill for BE. Only the skill that hunting gives our riders has kept them to the front.

'overstone': Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'd like to clarify some things on the points you make though...For further info you should refer to our Greenwich Park microsite, which details everything we're doing on the planning application etc.

I'll take your points in the order you wrote them:

1. 'Only in Britain where we have the finest event courses in the World and could show everyone what Badminton and Burghley can produce can we go to a small park in London...' Actually, one of the reasons that London won the right to host the Games was that we offered a compact Games – a key requirement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Greenwich Park is a stunning venue in London just 15 minutes from the Olympic Village in Stratford. For the first time ever this means that the Equestrian events will be in the centre of the Games with riders being able to stay at the Village enjoy all the action and be in an historical and beautiful setting.

What's more, it is incorrect to assume that any existing UK venue can host all three Equestrian disciplines simultaneously without significant additional cost and adaption, and a requirement to provide an additional Athletes' Village. But it is cost effective for us to use Greenwich Park, as it enables us to deliver two sports - both Modern Pentathlon and Equestrian - at one venue.

2. 'there will be insufficient room for all the horses': There is more than sufficient room for all the horses at Greenwich Park. What's more, the events will happen in a spectacular and challenging environment. Where else in the world would you be able to jump over the Meridian Line?!

3. 'no trade stands': Under IOC rules we are not able to offer trade stands at the venue. The Games are a unique event which are organised differently from other major equestrian events.

4. 'FEI President says she has no interest in the legacy. The Princess Royal said it was not a good idea. The residents are not very happy either.': The choice of Greenwich Park has the full support of the FEI, the BEF and the Princess Royal (who was quoted in Horse and Hound recently as saying just that).

We have the support of the majority of residents in Greenwich (almost 85%, according to a Nielsen survey in October 2009), and have recently submitted a detailed planning application outlining what we intend to do to develop the venue and to protect the sensitive areas of the Park. We will not cause long term damage, and will not be cutting down any trees. The equestrian community should get behind us, as have many riders who have actually visited the Park, and enjoy what will be a sensational event in 2012.

5.'The in depth infrastructure of volunteers that have been developed over the years at Burghley of quality and knowledge will never be created at a one off event.' We will be launching a UK-wide campaign to find a first class team of volunteers, working with the national governing bodies to ensure the workforce takes advantage of the extensive expertise and experience we're so fortunate to have available to us across the UK's Equestrian community. The team will have plenty of opportunities to prepare for the Games, including a Test Event in 2011 and training and 'rehearsal' sessions on the run up to the Games in 2012.

6. 'There will be no legacy to the Equine Sport by this venue': Hosting the events at Greenwich will bring the sport to a new inner city audience and will boost the sport’s profile. This is a legacy for the sport in itself. In addition to this, Greenwich Council in conjunction with HOOF is discussing the development of a riding school within the borough of Greenwich.

I hope that goes some way to answering your concerns.

Tim

Well done London ,as a Dressage Judge i am delighted in my native city, having a go at organising a brilliant event in Greenwich Park and involving new people in the horse experience, new energy and knowledge. I will be delighted to get involved as a teacher and artist. Margaret Hedge.

a requirement to provide an additional Athletes' Village. But it is cost effective for us to use Greenwich Park, as it enables us to deliver two sports - both Modern Pentathlon and Equestrian

Tim, I live accross the road to Greenwich Park and my whole family and as far as I know all my neighbours are excited about the Equine event.

So thank you for answering the sour puss 'overstone' on his comments.

I also look forward to learning to ride again with my children.

GO OLYMPICS AND GO GREENWICH PARK!!! my front yard :)