The Olympic arena, with seats for around 18,000 spectators, has been created out of a former football field and athletic track, transforming an area of 105 x 75 meters into an Olympic playing field for the world's best human and equine athletes.

A view of the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian venue at Sha Tin. Photo taken on May 22, 2008.  [Xinhua]

The venue at Sha Tin is where all but one of the Olympic equestrian events will take place between August 9 and 21. The cross-country for the Eventing competition will be held at Beas River on August 11.

A view of the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian venue at Sha Tin. Photo taken on May 22, 2008.  [Xinhua]

The main arena is the focal point of the Sha Tin venue and, with most of the competitions taking place at night, it needs top-quality floodlighting, Wright said, adding that such floodlighting had been installed.

A view of the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian venue at Sha Tin. Photo taken on May 22, 2008.  [Xinhua]

But the sand surface in the Olympic equestrian arena, and in all the training arenas, is one of the most important element, he said.