Equestrian’s Olympic Legacy
Equestrian made its Olympic debut in 1900 and became the first entirely mixed sport at the Games in 1964. The sport will be showcased once again at Paris 2024, with events set against the stunning backdrop of the Palace of Versailles, located about 10 miles west of Paris.
Olympic Equestrian Events, Schedule, and Venue
All equestrian events for Paris 2024 will take place at the magnificent Palace of Versailles. The equestrian programme runs from 27 July to 6 August and features three disciplines: eventing, jumping, and dressage. There are six gold medals up for grabs.
- 29 July: Eventing Individual Final (Jumping), Eventing Team Final (Jumping)
- 2 August: Jumping Team Final
- 3 August: Dressage Team Final (Grand Prix Special)
- 4 August: Dressage Individual Final (Grand Prix Freestyle)
- 6 August: Jumping Individual Final
What is Dressage at Paris 2024?
Dressage, the oldest equestrian discipline, involves rider and horse performing a series of movements to music across the gaits of walk, trot, and canter. The Olympic competition consists of three Grand Prix tests:
- Grand Prix: Qualifying round
- Grand Prix Special: Team final
- Grand Prix Freestyle: Individual final
Scores are awarded by seven judges based on individual movements, and total scores are given as a percentage.
What is Jumping at Paris 2024?
Jumping tests the horse’s athletic ability, precision, and partnership with the rider as they navigate a series of obstacles. Time penalties are imposed for toppling obstacles, exceeding the time limit, or if the horse refuses to jump. In the event of a tie, a jump-off determines the winner.
What is Eventing at Paris 2024?
Known as the triathlon of equestrian sports, eventing combines dressage and jumping with cross-country. The cross-country segment includes about 40 obstacles, such as water, logs, and ditches. Penalties are given for refusal to jump or exceeding the time limit, and falls result in elimination. Riders compete with the same horse across all three days.
Olympic Equestrian Medal Leaders
Germany leads the Olympic equestrian medal count with 56 medals, including 28 golds. Great Britain is fourth overall with 40 medals, including 13 golds.
Team GB Olympic Equestrian Team for Paris 2024
- Dressage: Lottie Fry (Glamourdale), Carl Hester (Fame), Becky Moody (Jagerbomb)
- Eventing: Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo), Laura Collett (London 52), Yasmin Ingham (Banzai du Loir), Tom McEwen (JL Dublin)
- Jumping: Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson), Harry Charles (Romeo 88), Ben Maher (Point Break), Joe Stockdale (Cacharel)
Equestrian fans can look forward to a thrilling display of skill and athleticism at one of the most picturesque venues in Olympic history.