Greenwich Park Sunday September 2, 2012 A sky full of rain was not what we wanted, a day at the Dressage ahead of us. But no amount of bad weather was about to deter us- this new generation of Britains. The Volunteer Army – what dedication they have shown – was once again present, a smile on each face, helpful comments en route. We were sped through security with military precision and once in the Park, the drizzle had stopped. Greenwich Park in its glory rose out of the mist, its view over London, unparalleled. Down the hill to refreshments – too early for queues – the coffee and croissants most welcome. Slipping into our seats our breath was taken away, the arena stunning against a backdrop of Wren. Rarely can sport have been set in such splendor, the Queen’s House, Naval College and Observatory. “So much better than tele”, my mother observed, “I’d no idea that they had done such a good job”. As one we rose to welcome the athletes (waving only, clapping frightens the horses), the cold forgotten in the face of their courage. This delicate sport is both complex and neat, the rider and horse merged as one. Control is its essence as the power of the beast is entirely transformed into grace. Its speed is reduced, its movements restricted and it executes exactly as bidden; half and full passes, piaffes (alternate diagonals), reining back (moving backwards), flying changes (changing lead legs), trotting and cantors. The various events are classified by impediment to ensure the optimal consistency and fairness. Each rider’s background was announced over the tanoy, each personal disability explained. However, the class we were watching (Grade 4 – least disability) seemed quite difficult to fathom with a wider range of impediment than expected; Nathalie Bizet (part sighted) who was 10th,James Dwyer (loss of limb) who was 6th to the winner (restricted joints), Michele George. It’s already been said but it’s still worth repeating; the Games have altered the way that we think; more positive and constructive, more happy and hopeful, more tolerant and understanding of others. If all this can take place in such a short space of time, roll on Rio in 2016. Dick Morgan September 2012.