London 2012 Olympics: no water restrictions for Greenwich Park equestrian event Eventing horses do not gallop as fast as racehorses but are travelling over fixed obstacles and undulating terrain at about 22 mph, and the cushioning properties of both turf and artificial footing have become a major undertaking for the sport. For the past decade, Burghley's circuit is cordoned off to protect it, and it has a specially designed irrigation system. The four-mile Olympic cross-country track at Greenwich has been specially aerated, seeded and watered almost daily for the past two years. Aside from the footing, other steps to minimise horse and rider injury on the cross-country include the use of frangible pins, which enable jumps to collapse upon extreme impact. Many hundreds of thousands of gallons may also be required to prepare the artificial dressage and show jumping surfaces in the Greenwich equestrian arena. Historically, British arena-based competitions have used "waxed" sand and fibre mixes, but following rider concerns during last July's test event, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) prescribed the "dry" mix, which is more water reliant. Last year Locog took water to Greenwich by tanker for the test event and was accused of "running out" by the FEI's footings consultant, Leopoldo Palacios. But Evans said a piped supply had now been installed. The potential impact of the temporary hosepipe ban on the Olympics overall will centre on "look and feel," especially lawns and flower beds, Evans said. He said the main Olympic Park had a non-potable supply [water not suitable for drinking] from the Old Ford water recycling new plant that turns waste from an adjacent sewer for use in irrigation and toilet flushing. This will provide 40 per cent of the park's needs.