The Stable complex and
other facilities at the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre, exceeded
the expectations of everyone that I spoke to - it was absolutely
first class. Great credit to the Athens 2004 organising committee
who obviously researched the requirements thoroughly ... and
spared nothing to give the world's top riders and their horses the
very best, in order to make the equestrian events of the 2004 Athens
Olympic Games, memorable.
The layout of the centre
is innovative and takes advantage of the fall of the land and other
natural aspects to create a very functional and comfortable facility.
The magnificent view over the entire stable and training area makes the
spectators feel 'involved' and yet the design prevents public access to
the competitors areas and does not compromise safety and security
issues.
There are 6 bays of 64
stables and 2 of 32. A huge feed 'warehouse', farriers facilities
and in each stable block, there are feed rooms, lockers, and a horse
wash. There were also a number of 'site offices' for the team's
administrations within every group of stables. Many round yards
were situated within the stable area and the close proximity provided
great convenience for exercising horses. The round yards were kept
watered to ensure minimal dust and the risk of respiratory irritation.
The stables are beautifully constructed from rendered solid brick with
high quality hardwood lining. A round window in the gable
and skylights, makes an attractive feature and keeps the area bright and
inviting. Inspect zappers were fixed overhead, one over
every two stables. Horses were 'holidaying' in 5 star luxury.
There is a state of the
art Veterinary facility equipped with all of the appropriate diagnostic
equipment to ensure that the best care is available to horses during
their stay in Greece. Three horses were taken off the showjumping
course by the horse ambulance with tendon injuries. They received
the care of Professor Leo Jeffcott (GBR) who is one of the world's
best. Dr. Jeffcott was the Dean of the School of Veterinary
Science at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital at Werribee
in Victoria, Australia for quite some time and is well respected and
fondly remembered for his wonderful contributiion.
The horse ambulance as it
takes Showjumping finalist Royal Kaliber (USA) to the Vet Hospital
following his injury when jumping off for the silver medal. It was
a terrible disappointment for Chris Kappler, who would have felt
somewhat comforted by the standard of care that his wonderful stallion
received.
The centre is built on a
huge expanse of land (I am guessing at about 200 acres) which
adjoins the local racecourse. Until the Olympics this land was
undeveloped. Locals expect that now the road system is good and other
services have been installed, the area will probably go ahead. There is
not a huge equestrian following in Greece and from my investigations,
the Greek competitors that took part at the Games are all based
overseas.
Greece does not have a
horse breeding industry, and any horses that find their way into private
ownership are usually racetrack rejects. It seems that the centre
has opened huge opportunities for Greek enthusiasts to get involved in
Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing and the development of these
interests will need help from countries with proven know-how.
All horse lovers hope
that this magnificent facility will be put to good use and be make
Greece a destination for the top international competitions. Good
luck, to our newly acquainted friends!
Race track, grandstand &
stables
This aspect ... sitting
in the Dressage stadium with my back to the Media Centre and Showjumping
stadium, to the right is the grandstand of the racetrack. The
terra cotta rooftops are the stables and other buildings to do with
keeping horses in work for racing.
Race track stables
From the same position in
the Dressage stadium, I now look across a little further to the right
and through the corner of the two banks of seating, this gives a
better view of the stables at the racetrack.
Markopoulo Olympic
Equestrian Centre.
The far right/back of the
stable complex and an idea of how vast and well designed it is.
Veterinary facility.
