Explanation of the course:

after jumping the 1st obstacle in direction ingate the course continues in a comfortable right turn to a triple bare 1.55m x 1.90m. For a second fence in a course this is quite a serious test, and riders have to continue the forward movement for a perfect approach with 6 strides to the oxer No. 3 (1.50m x 1.60m). Sand coloured poles made the fence even more difficult.

A left turn of approx. 90°, and a Chinese dragon appears. A black-red narrow plank fence (1.60m), directly besides the open water jump. The plank’s top line is slightly curved. Also the next fence No. 6 had the maximum Olympic size of 1.60m.

Right turn to the first of three double combinations. No 6a oxer over a liverpool, and 6b liverpool again, this time combined with a vertical. For some spectators it was probably kind of unusual that no treble combination was seen in the Final Olympic Team Competition. But the two course designers used this permitted variant in a very interesting way.

After the first combination a right turn takes the rider to the big open water jump no.7. Certainly it is necessary to hit the gas paddle now, but after landing the task is: control, because the next double is in front of you. 22.20 m leading to a double of verticals. Every rider had his own plan, some did five, some six and a few of them seven strides – not always with success. The water jump as centre piece of this line was framed by two combinations

Oxer no. 9 followed after a left turn. This was a real big jump (1.52 x 1.75m) followed by a right turn to no.10, a vertical 1.60 m high, a narrow red Chinese fan.

A recovery phase is necessary now, and some 60 or 70 m of just cantering leads the rider to the final line. No. 11, wall 1.60m high, one of the most beautiful obstacles here in Sha Tin. This wall represents batched rolls of colored cloth. I am quite sure that many of my customers will order this wall after the Games.

A straight line with four short strides leads to the last double no. 12a and b, a double of oxers. Dark poles without contrast increase the difficulty. And finally the last fence appears as no. 13, a vertical of 1.60m.

This harmonious course with some technical tasks, with impressive dimensions, an interesting line and an exact calculated time allowed of 88 seconds. This was for some of the riders an additional difficulty can be considered as a real Olympic task for the competitiors from all over the world.

Have a look at the course plan.