Equestrian Jumping - Greenwich Park

At the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Equestrian Jumping competition will require horse and rider to navigate a short course with precision, speed and perfect technique. Commonly known as ‘show jumping’ in the UK, jumping as we know it today developed out of necessity. Until the 18th century, hunters were able to gallop across open fields in pursuit of foxes. But when fences were built in the English countryside during the process of enclosure, riders and horses needed to adapt – and Jumping was born.

About Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is located on the south bank of the River Thames in south east London. It is a great place to see views of central London and the Docklands. Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, dating back to 1433. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1997. Within the Park is The Royal Observatory and the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich Park includes the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum, which, together with Greenwich Park, are part of a World Heritage Site. A temporary Cross Country course is being designed for the Park. The course will be created in 2012. A temporary main arena will be built in 2012 within the grounds of the National Maritime Museum.