EQUESTRIAN: Australia’s Eventing team has had its first opportunity to ride on the main arena at the Olympic Equestrian Centre at Deodoro.
London Olympian Christopher Burton is part of the four member team and says the venue meets their expectations.
“It’s fantastic, I would say it’s as good as it’s ever been,” Burton said.
“It’s up to standard, it’s finished on time and it’s in great shape. We’re really looking forward to getting out there.”
Sunday marked the first training session for the athletes since their horses arrived in Rio on Saturday.
Sydney Olympic gold medallist Stuart Tinney will compete with Pluto Mio and the 51-year-old is feeling confident that his horse will rise to the occasion.
“Pluto travelled really well, he’s perked up a little bit,” said Tinney. “The trip has been good for him.
“I think he’s spotted that there’s a big event coming up.”
The seasoned campaigner also competed at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and he liked what he saw.
“The arena is great, really good. There was one open side which is not too claustrophobic and it seemed a nice surface.
“I was here for the test event this time last year. I think they were on the right path then and they’ve finished it off. From what I’ve seen so far it looks fantastic.
Eventing competition begins at the Olympic Equestrian Centre at Deodoro on August 6.
