Horse Play

[Untitled #14  from the Horse's Eyes Series by Susan Unterberg. 

Collection of The Met © Susan Unterberg.]

My interest in Paralympic Equestrian Dressage got me thinking about the majestic setting in which the 2012 teams will compete -- historic Greenwich Park. (It's an especially exciting year for top-ranked Team GBR, riding on home turf and receiving unprecedented television coverage in the UK.) Of course while Para-Equestrian competition is focused solely on dressage, Olympic events encompass show jumping and cross country, too. This is where the work of course designer Sue Benson comes in. If you're interested in the connection between design, Greenwich Park, and riding, I spotted a nicely detailed (challenges, controversies and all) story here.

Also, since equestrian events begin this weekend, a few more links:

[Book via British Museum shop ]

NBC's Olympic coverage schedule

Greenwich Park history and architecture

The Horse: from Arabia to Royal Ascot

London Gardens

U.S. Para-Equestrian Association 

UK Para-Equestrian site

Horses in art

Chastain Horse Park (Therapeutic Riding)

You might also like Lori Vrba's work.