Australian delegation in Rio for Olympic Equestrian Test Event

With just one year to go to the 2016 Rio Olympics, Australian delegates will join 15 nations at the Olympic Equestrian Test Event - the Aquece Rio (“Warm Up Rio”) International Horse Trials that gets underway on 6 August.

Australia’s delegation will consist of National Performance Director (Eventing) Prue Barrett, Australia Team head Veterinarian Graham Potts, Sydney Olympic gold medallist and Rio hopeful Stuart Tinney, High Performance Advisor Mike Etherington-Smith and High Performance Manager Chris Webb.

The CIC2* competition at Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Venue will be contested by local horses and will allow for the testing of a wide range of components prior to the 2016 Games, including biosecurity procedures, stabling operations, the Field Of Play (both the Main Arena and Cross Country), training arenas, technological aspects such as results, scoring and timing, spectator flows and management, accreditation and media operations. The event also allows for comprehensive testing of the footing in both the Main Arena and on the Cross Country.

The test event also provides an opportunity for national federations to seek more information on the recent update provided regarding glanders and EA looks forward to receive a full briefing from the local organising committee and FEI on biosecurity measures in Rio.

With 364 days to go to the Rio Olympics, Australia’s riders are busy preparing to Rio. Australia’s European based eventing and jumping riders are honing their skills ahead of crucial August events. Eventing riders are gearing up for the Aachen round of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing Series from 11-14 August while Jumping riders are preparing for the regional qualifier on August 25 where Australia will be looking to secure team qualification for the Rio Games – team announcement coming soon! 

Related Links:

Australian Team for Aachen CICO3* Named

AOC Press Release: Time to step-up says Rio team leader

FEI Press Release: Equestrian sport joins one-year countdown to Rio 2016 celebrations