I have been asked to write a weekly update of training and general news in the lead up to the Olympics, and thought it best to fill in those who know little about equestrianism on how we train our horses to do amazing things and shed some light on the time and dedication needed in this sport. Unlike pure show jumping and dressage - specific sports which require specific training - eventing is an equestrian sport in which horses must be versatile and therefore be trained in a number of disciplines.

In eventing, the horse must be graceful, submissive, supple and relaxed for the dressage as well as incredibly fit, agile and determined for the grueling cross country. Finally, after being pushed to extremes, the horse is expected to jump carefully during the show jumping competition.

For an average competition horse competing at CCI*** level, its weekly routine would basically consist of being exercised once a day for roughly an hour with one day off.

At least one day a week it would be galloped for fitness work, normally at a slow gallop pace (35-38 kph) up and down hills for 25 minutes. Another typical day would feature jumping over show jumps.

This either consists of course training, which is jumping a course like those set up during competition, or grid work consisting of a straight line of fences used to hone the horses' jumping technique and athleticism.

The remaining days are taken up by schooling on the flat, which is dressage training.

However, as we approach the Olympics, which because of the travel and climate conditions will be considerably more stressful than other competitions, the horses are being subjected to an intense fitness regime.

They gallop once every four days with no days off and, after their hour of schooling, they are taken out into the country and trot up hills for a further 45 minutes. We know from lessons learned by the racing industry that horses traveling to Hong Kong perform best when supremely fit and as lean as possible.

Care of the horse is also paramount in the lead up to Olympic competition. The person in charge of looking after the horse is Elodie, the head groom. As well as feeding, mucking out and watering, she takes their temperature every morning and helps us weigh them once a week. Furthermore, our team vet, Clive Hamblin, takes a blood sample every other week. With these three procedures, Clive can tell whether the horse is being underworked, pushed too hard or generally unwell. Thus we can monitor the horses' performances ahead of the Games.

(China Daily 06/20/2008 page15)