Showjumping Fence and Course Design Beijing Olympic Games in Hong Kong

Course designer and jump specialist Olaf Petersen and Frank Rothenberger joined forces to form the new company that was allocated the task of providing the fences for the Olympic Games. This alliance of two of Germany’s best known course builders certainly worked well as they produced exciting fences for joint course designers Venezuelan Leopoldo Palacio and American Steve Steven’s super tracks over the time.

Olaf Petersen and Frank Rothenberger

The appointment for the designers and builders for 2008 Olympic Games came only in August 2006. ‘Right afterwards Leopoldo and I met in Hong Kong for the test event and sussed out the options,’ Stevens said. ‘Later we met at my base in the Tampa area of Florida and began planning the types of fences that we wanted to use and make. The designs were developed then in co-operation with German based Frank Rothenberger and Olaf Peterson, who is the Technical Delegate for Jumping in Hong Kong, then their business built the fences.’

Peterson and Rothenberger had also collaborated on the Olympic Games in Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney. The first half of the obstacles were shipped to Hong Kong in February before the remaining ones arrived just weeks before the competition.

‘Course designing is the next best thing to competing,’ said Stevens. The Florida native had a successful career as a jumper. His best horse was VIP, who won the AGA Championship before being sold to Debbie Dolan. After that he focused on course building. This Olympic Games is his first assignment after he was assistant to Leopoldo at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and Bert De Nemethy (USA) in Los Angeles in 1984.

‘The biggest challenge in Hong Kong is the location of the water feature,’ said Stevens. ‘We have to take the reflections of the floodlights into account. There are only three possible spots in the arena where the water can be put so that it doesn’t blind the horses.’

In general, having the events under floodlights has not been a problem. ‘There are more shadows at midday than at night,’ he commented. ‘China of the Future’ was the theme for the design for the Hong Kong Equestrian at Shatin, with motifs from China’s history, culture and landscapes being the guidelines for course designers Leopoldo and Stevens. Designing a suitable fence has several requirements: the fence needs to be visually appealing, durable and yet moveable, and it also needs to convey a message that resonates with spectators and television viewers alike.

The Great Wall of China was an obvious choice, but its inclusion was not without concern. ‘Our biggest worry was the Great Wall,’ said Stevens. ‘It is the most stunning and best known symbol of Chinese history but you don’t want to see it demolished by a horse knocking down a part of it.’ In cooperation with local advisers, the solution was found. Instead of having a replica wall, there is a photograph of the wall on one side of the fence. This overcame cultural issues and would keep the respect for the wall intact.

For the first time in the Olympic Games the design and building team comprised the best available from around the world. Most countries had delegates invited to assist, including Australian John Vallance, who was part of the course building crew. ‘It has been a worthy experience to be part of such a wealth of knowledge in the team. Problems were able to be overcome very quickly and everyone knew their roles,’ John said.

On the night of the individual final, the Liverpool under an oxer leaked out onto the arena creating a pool on the landing side and it took the crew of twenty only a short time to make amendments. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson had to take Ninja back to the warm-up area to take another fence before continuing.

Stevens commented on their ideas. ‘We wanted to have courses that would flow and be interesting yet not too tricky. This is what modern jumping is all about. There is no need to build mountains. It has to be safe for everyone. For example, if the horses just step on the white border behind the water and the field is sorted by that, then it is very good.’ said Stevens.

The dynamic course building team certainly displayed the colour and richness of the Chinese culture. Courses and fences changed daily and continued to create interest throughout the week, bringing new challenges for the Olympic level horses and riders. It was a great spectacle.

Leopoldo Palacios and John Vallance