Enny Hall, former British eventing team vet, has been appointed head of the London 2012 Olympics veterinary team. Also joining the 2012 team as venue general manager is Jeremy Edwards, former 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics venue manager and 2008 Beijing Olympics equestrian site manager. The appointments were announced on 4 November, in a progress report to the FEI general assembly in Taipei by 2012 equestrian manager Tim Hadaway. The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) is currently recruiting an equestrian services manager and will appoint jumping and dressage managers next year in time for the test event on 4-6 July.

Mr Hadaway showed delegates in Taipei images of ground preparations starting in Greenwich Park — including work on a water jump and a drop with an impressive background. "We're on time and on budget with preparations," he said. "Which is great news and something we're very proud of."Mr Hadaway unveiled details of the grooms' accommodation "possibly the best they've ever had at a championships" in the four-star Devonport House Hotel in Greenwich, just 300m from the stables.

He also revealed that Britain's most famous showjumping brothers, John and Michael Whitaker, have been helping Olympic bosses assess the suitability of arena surfaces for the jumping arena. Surface-testing took place in Lancashire during September and October. Pedens Bloodstock has been appointed to transport horses to the Games.