Floating floors

Associated Press

Published: Friday, July 27 2012 6:20 a.m. MDT

United States Equestrian team groom Sarah McKenna, right, pets Twizzle, after a training session with rider William Coleman for the equestrian eventing competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 26, 2012, in London.

David Goldman, Associated Press

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Summary

but not just because they're excited about the start of equestrian events Saturday.

Horses and riders are floating on air — but not just because they're excited about the start of equestrian events Saturday.

The main equestrian arena, spectator walkways, exercise track and stables have all been built on platforms to protect the hallowed grass grounds of Greenwich Park, London's oldest royal park.

"It's amazing the lengths they've gone to to protect the grounds," says Linda Zang, dressage coach for the U.S. eventing team, whose five horses easily passed a pre-competition fitness test Friday.

Of the three elements that go into eventing — dressage, jumping and cross country — only the cross country will be run on solid ground.

—Nicole Winfield — Twitter http://twitter.com/nwinfield

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