The Challenges of Equestrian Arena Surfaces: The Unprecedented Use of a Raised Platform at the 2012 Olympic Games.

This research studied the construction of the equestrian arenas for the 2012 Olympic Games, which were built on a raised platform, a novel design for an equestrian venue. The study examined the development and testing of the arena surfaces from 2011 to the final games in 2012, particularly verifying that the forces experienced by horses were similar to those on solid ground.

Study Design and Methods

• The study tracked the development of the Olympic equestrian surfaces from 2011 to the event in 2012.
• Assessments were conducted at three stages: the Olympic test event, a developmental mock-up arena, and the actual Olympic venue in 2012.
• To measure the impact of the surface, the researchers used a Clegg impact hammer, which measured the peak vertical deceleration. Peak load and peak loading rate were measured by an Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester.
• The study used General Linear Models, with the structural characteristics of the arena as explanatory variables, to identify surface heterogeneity.

Results and Findings

• The study found that peak vertical deceleration and peak load were significantly higher, and the peak loading rate was notably lower, after iterative testing and modifications to the arena.
• By the time of the final testing at the 2012 Olympics, the data were comparable to surfaces on solid ground, confirming that the forces experienced by the horses were similar to those experienced on more traditional, solid-ground surfaces.

Importance and Implications

• The research highlights the importance of rigorous testing of surfaces throughout their development stage to ensure the safety and proper function for equestrian sports.
• The findings revealed how different external factors like time passed since the installation, type of construction, surface composition, and water management could influence the functional properties of the surface.
• This study lends vital insights that can be applied to planning and developing future temporary arenas for equestrian events.