After a long wait, accompanied by much speculation and a final dramatic turn, the official equestrian sports venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28) was finally announced by the International Olympic Committee and LA28 Organizing Committee today. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will be the site of Olympic equestrian action for all three sports (dressage, eventing and show jumping), and likely also for the para-dressage during the 2028 Paralympics. The LA28 Olympic Games are slated for July 14-30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games August 15 to August 27, 2028.

Arcadia is located in Los Angeles County about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley and at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Santa Anita Park, a prestigious Thoroughbred racetrack, also hosted equestrian sports during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.  

“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” said Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) President Ingmar De Vos. “The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”

The Santa Anita property covers 320 acres (about 129.5 hectares) and already has grandstands that can hold 26,000 people, in addition to a park-like infield which can accommodate approximately 50,000 more. Sixty-one existing barns at the facility can house up to 2,000 horses, far more than needed for the Olympics and Paralympics.  

Unlike 1984, when the eventing cross-country was held off site on a then-brand-new golf course, for LA28 the cross-country course is planned to be staged on ground surrounding the racetrack. This will necessitate the construction of a new cross-country track.  

The announcement of the selection of Santa Anita came to big surprise to the owners of Galway Downs (Temecula, Calif.), and local and state officials who supported Galway Downs, as the previously nominated and expected venue for LA28 equestrian sports. As recently as March 28, the Los Angeles City Council had voted to accept Galway Downs as the venue.  

Two weeks later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the LA28 Organizing Committee announced the selection of Santa Anita instead. They notified Galway Downs representatives on April 11 that they were no longer in consideration as an Olympic venue before announcing the new venue selection on April 15. 

Galway Downs owner Ken Smith issued this statement after being notified, “We are extremely surprised that we were suddenly removed from consideration. We don’t understand how, based on the March 28 City Council’s vote of approval, that this could happen. When we started this process more than four years ago, we understood the equestrian venue selection for LA28 would be a highly competitive, evolving process. Being selected as the proposed equestrian venue put Galway Downs and Temecula Valley on the world stage. We’re very proud of that, and we’re just getting started. Galway Downs will continue to host elite national and international competitions as well as additional sporting events.” 

When the 2028 Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles, the first venue for equestrian sports put forward was Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, but that would have required an entirely new equestrian sports facility be built. In June 2024, plans to use Sepulveda for LA28 equestrian sports were abandoned in favor of Galway Downs. A few other facilities were also considered briefly.  

The LA28 equestrian venue will have big shoes to fill after the splendor of the Palace of Versailles as a backdrop for the 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian sports. But, Santa Anita has sunshine, palm trees and the eye-catching San Gabriel Mountains as scenery, as well as a long history of legendary racehorses like Seabiscuit and Zenyatta—plus Hollywood movie stars attending races and investing in the track. It certainly fits the bill for iconic horse sports in the land of stars.

More Information on the LA28 Olympics

◆ LA 2028 Official Site 

◆ Ticket Information

◆ FEI Olympic Games Page

◆ IOC LA 2028 Page

This article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Santa Anita Park Officially Announced as LA28 Olympics Equestrian Venue appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Dates for the LA28 Olympic Games are July 14-30, 2028. The total quota of equestrian athletes for LA28 remains the same as for the Paris Olympic Games last year, 200 (75 for jumping, 65 for eventing and 60 for dressage). For countries who qualify to send teams, each of the three sports will have three athletes per team. And beyond that, some other countries will earn the right to send individual athletes.

FEI President Ingmar De Vos welcomed the announcement, citing the success of the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Games. “We are extremely pleased with today’s IOC decision. The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a historic success for equestrian sport, which proved very popular with the live crowds and TV and online viewers worldwide. It’s great news that our numbers remain unchanged, and we are looking forward to delivering exciting sport at the same level of excellence.”

The qualification systems for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games were just discussed at the recent FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 31 and April 1. The resulting proposals by the FEI General Assembly will be put forward to the IOC for discussion, and hopefully approval, later this year. A summary of FEI Sports Forum discussions, and the presentation made during the session dedicated to the LA28 Olympic qualification systems, are available here.

In 2026, the FEI will discuss and put forward to the IOC the rules for equestrian sports at the LA28 Games. Any day now, the IOC should confirm the equestrian venue for LA28. The Galway Downs facility just outside Temecula, Calif., and an equestrian venue in Moor Park, Calif., are being considered.

Similar confirmation announcements will be forthcoming for the LA28 Paralympics soon. The dates for the LA28 Paralympic Games will be August 15 to August 27, 2028.

Key Olympic Facts & Figures From The FEI

Equestrian will be one of the 31 sports on the program of the LA28 Olympic Games. The six medal equestrian events (3 team and 3 individual competitions, one for each sport) will be part of the 25 mixed events across all sports and the 351 events overall in LA28.

The LA28 program maintains the core athlete quota of 10,500, with an extra 698 allocated for the five new sports proposed by the LA28 Organizing Committee (baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash).

A record-breaking 50 nations participated in equestrian at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The number of nations at Paris 2024 was 49. The number of nations competing in equestrian in Los Angeles in 1984 was 30.

Equestrian sport is the only Olympic sport in which men and women compete as equals from grass roots all the way up to Olympic level.

With the completion of the 2028 Games, Los Angeles will have hosted the Olympics three times (1932, 1984, 2028). The only other three-time hosts are Paris (1900, 1924 and 2024) and London (1908, 1948 and 2012).

More Information on the LA28 Olympics

◆ LA 2028 Official Site

◆ Ticket Information

◆ FEI Olympic Games Page

◆ IOC LA 2028 Page

This article about equestrian sport at the LA 2028 Olympic Games is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post All Three Equestrian Sports Receive Final Confirmation for the LA 2028 Olympic Games appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian stadium on the grounds of the French Palace of Versailles has gone quiet for now. The throngs of spectators, and the riders, grooms, officials and horses have all gone home to rest. Over the last two weeks, the competition has been top-notch and the setting breathtaking.

In less than a month’s time, the world’s top para-dressage riders and horses, and their entourages, will once again fill the stadium during the Paralympics. After that, the task for Games organizers will be to restore the grounds to original condition―pristine parkland.

But for just one more moment, let’s savor the Paris 2024 Olympic Games equestrian action. Here’s a recap of what was.

Opening Ceremony

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place on a rainy Friday, July 26, not in a stadium this time, but on the River Seine. The athletes’ parade was staged on boats floating on the river with spectator stands lining the banks.

The Opening Ceremony was actually designed with television viewing in mind, however, and following the athletes’ parade, a visually appealing artistic show worthy of Broadway or Vegas floated down the Seine. That, coupled with performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion (who sang from the Eiffel Tower), made for an enjoyable show.

Equestrian fans, if you didn’t watch the Opening Ceremony, you might want to view a replay. The final bit of the show featured a galloping mechanical horse gliding at a good clip on the water’s surface along the Seine. Once the mechanical horse and his hooded rider reached the river’s banks, it magically transformed into a real horse, a lovely grey, and rider who climbed up the ramp and moved down the streets of Paris until they were out of view.

Another reason to watch a replay of the Opening Ceremony is to see if you can spot U.S. Equestrian Team members among those on the U.S. athletes’ boat during the parade. While the eventing athletes were presenting their horses for inspection on the 26th, some of the U.S. dressage and jumping riders decided to take part in the Ceremony. U.S. Dressage Team members Steffen Peters and Endel Ots (traveling reserve) donned Ralph Lauren-designed uniforms and joined U.S. Jumping Team member McLain Ward on the U.S. boat. It was the sixth Olympics for Peters and Ward and the first for Ots.

Eventing Up First

First up on the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian schedule, eventing took place July 26-29. Sixty-four horse and rider combinations from 27 different countries took part. The cross-country took place around the Grand Canal and through the parkland on the Palace of Versailles estate. The dressage and jumping phases were in the stadium, strategically positioned to use a view of the Palace as a backdrop.

The eventing dressage phase brought record-breaking scores for Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 (17.50) and Germany’s Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (17.80), both eclipsing the USA’s David O’Connor and Custom Made’s 2000 Sydney Olympic score of 19.30 (converted to match the current scoring system).

After it was all said and done, the very strong British Team prevailed to capture gold and the home-country French Team silver. In another Olympic milestone, the Japanese Team took bronze, the first-ever Olympic medal for Japan in eventing. (The last Japanese equestrian to win an Olympic medal was Takeichi Nishi who won show jumping gold in 1932.)

The final individual standings showed Michael Jung winning his third consecutive Olympic individual gold medal, another Olympic record. (He rode La Biosthetique-Sam FBW to gold in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.) Australia’s Christopher Burton riding Shadow Man captured silver, and British rider Collett and London 52 bronze.

The U.S. Eventing Team (Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B) finished seventh overall. Individual placings for the U.S. riders: Martin and Fedarman B, 10th; Halliday and Nutcracker, 19th, and Pamukcu and HSH Blake, 37th.

While it was a disappointing finish for the U.S. Team, two of the three U.S. horses are quite young yet (HSH Blake is 9 and Nutcracker is 10), so high hopes for the future there. The final U.S. placings don’t really tell the entire story; there were some nice moments. Martin and Fedarman B only added 1.6 time penalties on cross-country and then nothing else to their dressage score (30.50) for a final score of 32.10. It was his best individual finish to date in four Olympics.

It was an Olympic debut for both Halliday and Pamukcu and their young horses. Halliday and Nutcracker had a good dressage score (28.0) and jumped clear on cross-country with only time penalties there, and then no rails in their first show jumping round and only one rail in the second. Were it not for an uncharacteristic stop (and the resulting time penalties) on cross-country, and one rail in the show jumping, Pamukcu and young HSH Blake’s performance showed promise as well.

◆ Full Eventing Recap
◆ Team Eventing Results
◆ Individual Eventing Results

Dressage Brings More Records

Second up on the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian docket was dressage. The Grand Prix Tests (which served as a qualifier for both team and individual competitions) were on July 30 and 31, then two days’ rest. Then, the Grand Prix Special Test on August 3 determined the team medals. Then finally, the Grand Prix Freestyle for individual medals was on August 4. Sixty horse and rider combinations representing 30 countries competed in dressage.

The team competition (which included the top ten teams based on rankings from the Grand Prix Test) was hotly contested between Germany and Denmark, with Great Britain breathing down their necks as well. Germany won gold by super-small margin of 0.121 (235.790) with Denmark silver (235.669) and Great Britain bronze (232.492). It was a record 15th Olympic dressage team gold for Germany.

The top 18 horse and rider combinations (representing 10 countries) based on scores from the Grand Prix Test moved on to the individual finals in the Freestyle. The crowd was treated to an enjoyable day of music and dancing. The individual medal winners were: TSF Dalera BB ridden by Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Germany, gold; Wendy ridden by Isabell Werth, Germany, silver, and Glamourdale ridden by Charlotte Fry, Great Britain, bronze.

This was the second consecutive Olympic gold medal for von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera since they also won in Tokyo in 2021. The silver for Werth was her 14th Olympic medal (eight gold and six silver); she continues to be the most decorated Olympic equestrian of all time thus far.

The U.S. Dressage Team members were Adrienne Lyle and Helix, Marcus Orlob and Jane and Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper. They encountered huge disappointment with the elimination of Marcus Orlob and Jane during the Grand Prix Test on the first day (due to a small amount of blood from a tiny cut on Jane’s right hind fetlock, which is cause for elimination under FEI’s rules). This also resulted in the elimination of the U.S. Team and meant that Lyle and Peters and their horses would only compete as individuals going forward.

Lyle and Helix scored 72.593 percent in their Grand Prix Test on the first day to finish 20th in the overall standings. They just missed qualification for the individual finals by just 0.823.

Peters and Suppenkasper competed on the second day of Grand Prix. As they worked in their test, Suppenkasper became more and more tense, evidentially spotting something outside the ring that spooked him. Peters did a good job of keeping the lid on the situation until the final line when Suppenkasper stopped in the piaffe and resisted going forward. They did finish, but the incident cost them and they scored 66.491 percent, much lower than their normal. It wasn’t their day, proving once again that horses each have their own mind and things can happen even to the most experienced riders.

The U.S. Dressage Team will now focus on building toward the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA. Dressage fans will, no doubt, be there to cheer on the team’s riders at these events.

A fun surprise that shined a light on the U.S. Equestrian Team was the visit of celebrities Snoop Dogg (who was an Olympic commentator for NBC) and his buddy Martha Stewart to the equestrian venue. They arrived in shadbelly riding coats and visited with U.S. riders Steffen Peters and Endel Ots and their horses Suppenkasper and Bohemian, respectively. They talked with the riders and fed carrots to the horses. U.S. show jumping riders Karl Cook, Laura Kraut, and McLain Ward also had their photos taken with Snoop and Stewart. During the visit Snoop admitted that he was afraid of horses, but in the video he seemed to genuinely want to overcome that fear. Watch Snoop Dogg’s equestrian segment here.

◆ Full Dressage Recap
◆ Team Dressage Results
◆ Individual Dressage Results

Jumping Closes Paris Olympic Equestrian Schedule

Show jumping was the final sport on the Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian schedule. Thirty-five countries were represented, 20 teams of three riders each and an additional 15 riders competing as individuals for their countries. There were two days of team competition (a team qualifier on August 1 and team final on August 2) and then, two days of individual competition (a qualifier on August 5 and a final on August 6).

Throughout the team competition, the U.S. riders (Laura Kraut on Baloutinue, Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque, and McLain Ward on Ilex) performed very well with two clear rounds from Kraut and Cook, and Ward with only one rail (four faults) and two time faults in the qualifier. Then, in the final, Cook and Ward each jumped clear rounds with Kraut having only one rail. That earned them team silver behind Great Britain, who won gold with only two penalties. The home country, France, took bronze with seven penalties. It was the third consecutive team jumping silver for the USA, having also earned one in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and in Tokyo in 2021.

In the individual qualifier, the U.S. riders again jumped very well, with team rookies Cook and Caracole de la Roque producing another clear round and Kraut and Baloutinue dropping one rail, but in a fast enough time to qualify to move on the next day. Ward and Ilex also had only one unlucky rail at the last fence, but their time was slower and they did not qualify to move on.

On individual final day, there were a number of unexpected happenings, among them the reigning World Champions Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward parting ways during their round, eliminating them from the competition. Of the 30 horse and rider combinations competing in the final, only three jumped clean. This forced a jump-off for the medals between Germany’s Christian Kukuk and Checker 47, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme and the Netherland’s Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z.

Only one of the three pairs jumped double clear in the individual final jump-off, Kukuk and Checker 47, to earn gold. Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme took the individual silver with van der Vleuten and Beauville Z bronze (each dropped one rail, but Guerdat had the quicker time). U.S. riders Kraut on Baloutinue took down one rail to finish eighth, and Cook on Caracole De La Roque dropped two to finish 16th.

◆ Full Team Show Jumping Recap
◆ Full Individual Show Jumping Recap
◆ Team Show Jumping Results
◆ Individual Show Jumping Results

Final Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Medal Count

In the overall equestrian venue medal count, Germany and Great Britain tied with five each (four gold and one silver for Germany and two gold and three bronze for Great Britain). Second in medals won was France with two (one silver and one bronze). Australia, Denmark, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA all garnered one medal each.

Germany left its mark on these Games by winning individual gold in all three equestrian sports (Jung in eventing, von Bredow-Werndl in dressage and Kukuk in jumping) in addition to their team gold and individual silver in dressage. Great Britain, too, made a statement with their team gold and individual bronze in eventing, team and individual bronze in dressage, and team gold in jumping.

The Amazing Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Venue

Riders had nothing but praise for the amenities offered at the Olympic equestrian venue at the Palace of Versailles estate. And, the views from the grandstands were nothing short of one-of-a-kind spectacular.

Many spectators, and some competitors, also took the opportunity to tour the Palace and its stables and grounds. There was also a special exhibit of equestrian art at the Palace, “Horses in Majesty at the Heart of a Civilization”. Everywhere you looked, the horse figured conspicuously into the architecture, art and history of Versailles.

Celebrity Sightings

The equestrian venue attracted its fair share of celebrities who came to watch the action. In addition to Snoop Dogg and Stewart, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, was there for show jumping and Great Britain’s Princess Anne for eventing (she was a medal presenter). Then, actors and spouses Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes were spotted watching on dressage freestyle day.

Looking Toward Los Angeles 2028

The Olympic Games return to U.S. soil in 2028 when Los Angeles is scheduled to host for a third time. The equestrian venue is set for Galway Downs, an equestrian facility in Temecula, California. While it was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October 2023 that all three equestrian sports were to be included in the 2028 Olympics, a conflicting statement was issued in January 2024 that a format for eventing had yet to be accepted for the 2028 Games.

Rumors of one of the three equestrian sports being in danger of not being included in 2028 are circulating now too, but it remains to be seen what will ultimately happen. Possible reasons run the gamut from the costs and logistical challenges of including equestrian sports to recent reports of animal welfare issues surfacing. Fans of equestrian sports should consider providing positive feedback to the IOC and the television networks to make them aware of how much interest there is for these competitions to continue in the Olympics and Paralympics.

In a statement during the Olympic Games, Isabell Werth called on all equestrians and horse lovers to step up and lead by example by providing a good life for horses, “We need to establish a culture of respecting the horse as a creature. Education is important, but this senseless violence must not happen, because otherwise, we’ll have a hard time making our case to the rest of the world.”

Paris 2024 Paralympics Para-Dressage

The stadium at the Palace of Versailles will fill with fans one last time September 3, 4, 6 and 7 when the para-dressage competition will take place. Thirty countries are expected to send athletes to compete. The U.S. Para-Dressage Team was named on July 11. They are:

◆ Rebecca Hart (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2 x Rubin Royal OLD) owned by Rowan O’Riley and cared for by Mackenzie Young

◆ Fiona Howard (Boston, Mass.) and Diamond Dunes, a 2013 Hanoverian gelding (De L’Or x Wolkentanz) owned by Dressage Family LLC and Hof Kasselmann and cared for by Helen Claire McNulty

◆ Kate Shoemaker (Wellington, Fla.) and Vianne, a 2016 Hanoverian mare (Vitalis x Ramiro’s Bube) owned by Nocordia USA and cared for by Katherine Barrett

◆ Roxanne Trunnell (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Fan Tastico H, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Fuersentaball OLD x Weltmeyer) owned by Karin Flint and cared for by Rafael Hernandez-Carillo

Helpful Links

◆ Horse Illustrated’s Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Main Page
◆ Overall Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian Results Book
◆ Final Equestrian Medal Standings

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Equestrian Recap appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Check out Horse Illustrated’s latest updates from the 2024 Paris Olympics on equestrian sports for the three disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show jumping. 

U.S. Olympic Equestrian Teams

◆ U.S. Olympic Eventing Team
◆ U.S. Olympic Dressage Team
◆ U.S. Olympic Jumping Team

Latest News from the 2024 Paris Olympics

Equestrian Recap

The Paris 2024 Olympic equestrian stadium on the grounds of the French Palace of Versailles has gone quiet for now. The throngs of spectators, and the riders, grooms, officials and horses have all gone home to rest. Over the last two weeks, the competition has been top-notch and the setting breathtaking.

In less than a month’s time, the world’s top para-dressage riders and horses, and their entourages, will once again fill the stadium during the Paralympics. After that, the task for Games organizers will be to restore the grounds to original condition―pristine parkland.

But for just one more moment, let’s savor the Paris 2024 Olympic Games equestrian action. Here’s a recap of what was.

Read more >>

Dramatic End To Show Jumping Individual Final

The 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian competition closed with the Show Jumping Individual Final today, a dramatic end to 11 days of equestrian competition here at the Château de Versailles southwest of Paris. The huge course, co-designed by Santiago Varela Ullastres from Spain and Grégory Bodo from France, was higher, wider, longer and required a faster pace than previous courses in the last week.

Read more >>

Show Jumping Individual Final Results

The 30 riders returning for the 2024 Paris Olympics individual jumping final today faced a really tough track co-designed by Santiago Varela from Spain and Grégory Bodo from France―higher, wider, longer and requiring a faster pace. Only three went double clear in the first round, requiring a jump-off for medals: Germany’s Christian Kukuk on Checker 47; the Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten on Beauville Z, and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat on Dynamix de Belheme.

When the last fence of the jump-off had been jumped, the medals were set: Kukuk gold, Guerdat silver, and van der Vleuten bronze. The USA’s Laura Kraut was eighth with Baloutinue and Karl Cook was 16th with Caracole de la Roque.

Read more >>

Show Jumping Individual Qualifier

In an exciting first day of individual show jumping competition, two of the three U.S. riders qualified to move on to the Paris 2024 Olympics individual jumping finals tomorrow. Seventy-three riders attempted the course co-designed by Santiago Varela from Spain and Grégory Bodo from France today.

Two U.S. riders qualified for to tomorrow’s Paris 2024 Olympics show jumping final: Karl Cook aboard Caracole de la Roque, and Laura Kraut aboard Baloutinue.

Read more >>

Dressage Freestyle Recap

The final day of the Paris 2024 Olympic dressage schedule dawned blessedly cool and a bit overcast, in the high 60s (Fahrenheit), a nice break after the extreme heat and humidity of the Grand Prix Test days last week. Earlier this morning, all 18 horses to go in today’s Grand Prix Freestyle Test were inspected by the Ground Jury again for fitness to compete and all were accepted without issue.

So the stage was set for an enjoyable day of dancing in the sand. With the gorgeous backdrop of the Palace of Versailles (with its glittering fountains and manicured gardens) shining behind the entrance at A, the day felt a bit like attending a classical ballet performance in one of the great halls. The huge crowd was ready. The first horse and rider, Patrik Kittel and Touchdown, had warmed up and stepped into the arena. Anticipation and excitement filled the air.

Read more >>

Dressage Individual Final

Dressage competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded this afternoon with riders from Germany taking the top two of the three individual medals and Great Britain taking bronze. Reigning Olympic Champions from Tokyo 2020/21, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the amazing 17-year-old Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB repeated in wining gold here in Paris, finishing on a score of 90.093 percent. The pair rode to a medley of French songs in a nod to the host city Paris.

Read more >>

Dressage Team Final

The top ten dressage teams, based on scores in the Grand Prix Test competition from July 30 and 31, returned to the main arena for the FEI Grand Prix Special Test here at the Château de Versailles today for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After a string of four hot, humid days dotted with intermittent thunderstorms, the skies were mostly overcast (but without rain) and temps were in the high 60s (Fahrenheit) when competition began. The stands were full to witness today’s battle for team medals.

In a close finish, Germany secured a third straight gold medal in dressage and 15th ever in Olympic history.

Read more >>

Three Times Olympic Silver for U.S. Jumping Team

The U.S. Jumping Team captured their third consecutive Olympic silver medal today in the Show Jumping Team Final here at the Château de Versailles in France. In addition to Paris 2024, they also won silver in the Tokyo 2020/21 Olympics Games and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. Great Britain won gold today with a total of two penalties (their last Olympic jumping team medal was gold in 2012 in London). Home country France took the bronze on a score of seven penalties (their last Olympic show jumping medal was gold in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro).

Read more >>

Show Jumping Team Final Results

In an exciting finish to the 2024 Paris Olympics team show jumping final, Great Britain’s riders all jumped clear, but incurred two time penalties to grab the gold ahead of the U.S. team, who captured silver with only four penalties. The home nation, France, finished on seven penalties for bronze.

Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, the lead-off pair for the USA, brought down only one rail and stayed within the time allowed to start the U.S. team out with four faults. The USA’s Karl Cook riding Caracole de la Roque, the middle rider to go for the U.S. team this afternoon, jumped clear and was the fastest (75.88) for the team. Team anchor rider McLain Ward on Ilex jumped clear as well in 76.57 to add no penalties to the team’s score.

Read more >>

Jumping Competition Underway with Jumping Team Qualifier

Changes were announced to the U.S. Show Jumping Team roster for today’s 2024 Paris Olympics Jumping Team Qualifier Class before the sun came up (at 3:55 a.m.). US Equestrian (USEF) issued a press release saying that, due to a slight allergic reaction, Kent Farrington’s mare Greya would be replaced.

This did not deter the American team, though, as they posted the second best score in the qualifier. With that, they will advance to compete against nine other countries in tomorrow’s Jumping Team Final.

Read more >>

U.S. Show Jumping Team Qualifies for Team Finals

With great rides by all three U.S. riders, the U.S. Show Jumping Team here at the 2024 Paris Olympics have qualified to move into tomorrow’s jumping finals on a score of only 6 faults. They were the second best team in the rankings today, behind Germany who finished in the top spot on zero faults.

Read more >>

US Equestrian Announces Pre-Competition Change for U.S. Olympic Jumping Team Prior to Start of Team Competition Today

US Equestrian has announced a pre-competition change prior to the start of team competition for the U.S. Olympic Jumping Team today at Versailles. Kent Farrington and Greya will be replaced by Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque for today’s Team Qualifier competition, which begins at 11:00 a.m. GMT+2/5:00 a.m. ET.

“There is a small question mark with Greya, which is allergy related, and erring on the side of extreme caution and with the no drop score in the format, we have made the decision to bring in Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque,” said Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

Read more >>

Show Jumping Begins Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Thursday, August 1, is the 2024 Paris Olympics show jumping debut, beginning with the team qualifier. There will be 20 teams of three riders each for a total of 60 competing in the qualifier class. Competition runs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Central European Time (5:00 a.m. – 8:00  a.m. U.S. Eastern Time).

Then, the next day, Friday, August 2, is the jumper team finals and medal ceremony. For the team final, the number is whittled down to 10 teams of three for a total of 30 riders. Competition runs 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central European Time (8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time).

Then the jumpers will take two days off while the dressage horses finish up. Finally, jumping returns to close out the 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian competition with the individual qualifier (75 starters) on Monday, August 5, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CET (8:00 a.m. – Noon U.S. ET) with the individual final (30 riders) and medal ceremony on Tuesday, August 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CET (4:00 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. U.S. ET).

Read more >>

Scores Climb Higher On Final Day of Dressage Grand Prix Qualifiers

As the calendar closed on July 2024, so did the Paris 2024 Olympics schedule for Grand Prix Dressage. Day two of competition saw more international stars enter the ring at the Château de Versailles and the level of energy ramped up even further as did the scores. Luckily the day wasn’t quite as hot as yesterday, but after a grey start this morning, the sun did reappear and temperatures soared near 88.

Three more groups (D, E, and F) of ten horse and rider combinations took their turn performing the FEI Grand Prix Test, which serves as both a team and individual qualifier. The team medals will be decided by the Grand Prix Special (top ten teams including any ties for tenth place qualified from today) on Saturday, August 3. Then, the top 18 horse and rider combinations (including any ties) after today will return to contest individual medals in the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday, August 4.

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Dressage Grand Prix Day 2

Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB wowed the judges again today, scoring 82.065 percent for the best Grand Prix score of both days of dressage competition here at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Not only did this put them in good stead going into the individual medal competition in next Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle competition, but it boosted the German dressage team past Denmark in the team standings. The Germans sit on 237.546 going into the team medal finals, the Grand Prix Special Test, on Saturday.

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Dressage Grand Prix Day 1

On day one of Grand Prix Dressage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, thirty horse and rider combinations from 19 countries took their turns performing the FEI Grand Prix test in the arena, including two from the USA, Marcus Orlob and Jane and Adrienne Lyle and Helix. The riders competed in three groups of 10 each with each group being assigned a letter (A, B, C). Other countries represented today were: Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; Denmark; France; Finland; Great Britain; Germany; Ireland; Lithuania; the Netherlands; Poland; Portugal; Singapore; Sweden, and Venezuela.

Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Zepter topped the leaderboard.

With the elimination of U.S. rider Marcus Orlob aboard Jane, the U.S. team has also been eliminated. Now, Adrienne Lyle (Helix) and Steffen Peters (Suppenkasper) will compete as individuals only.

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Eventing Wraps Today; Dressage Takes Center Stage Tomorrow

Olympic eventing’s final phase, show jumping, took place today at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With sunny skies above and the stunning backdrop of the Grand Canal and the Palace of Versailles behind, it couldn’t have been a better setting for the roughly 16,000 people who filled the stands for two rounds in the arena today.

Great Britain took team gold in eventing for the second Olympics in a row. In individual competition, Michael Jung made history by becoming the first eventer to ever win three individual gold medals.

As the eventers go home, the dressage specialists will take center stage tomorrow, July 30, in the first of two days of Grand Prix tests.

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Eventing Individual Final Results

Germany’s superstar equestrian Michael Jung etched his name into the record books again today by winning his third Olympic individual eventing gold medal, the first person in Olympic history to do so. His three gold medals came riding only two horses, first La Biosthetique-Sam FBW (London 2012 and Rio 2016), then this year on Chipmunk FRH.

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Eventing Team Final Results & Riders To Jump For Individual Medals

Great Britain held on to win gold in team eventing this afternoon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning by 12.3 points (91.3) over France in silver position (103.6). Tom McEwen and JL Dublin jumped double clear for Great Britain to finish on their dressage score of 25.8, while their overall scoring top rider, Laura Collett aboard London 52, dropped one rail and added 0.8 time faults to finish on 23.1. Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo dropped one rail, but jumped within the time to finish on 42.4.

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Eventing Cross-Country Summary & Show Jumping

After two days of rain here in the Île-de-France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, it was sunny and cool-ish with temps beginning in the high 50s and ending the day near 80 degrees (Fahrenheit) yesterday during the cross-country phase of eventing. Although there was plenty of mud in the walking paths for the estimated over 40,000 spectators arriving here, the galloping track on course looked to be fairly nice―not too hard, not too muddy, but perhaps sticky in a couple of spots.

As always in this sport, especially with the current super-intense format of Olympic eventing, the story of the day boiled down to “it was the best of times and worst of times” to paraphrase Charles Dickens. There were some spectacular rounds, the current leader Germany’s Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH among them; they pulled ahead of Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 by 0.5 going double clear when Collett and London had 0.8 time penalties.

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Eventing Cross-Country Photo Gallery and Results

With the stunning backdrop of the Palace of Versailles, eventers took to the cross-country course for the second day of eventing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Two-time Olympic individual gold medalist Michael Jung (GER), riding Chipmunk FRH, now tops the individual leaderboard as Great Britain holds onto its lead in team rankings. The U.S. Eventing Team is now ninth, with Boyd Martin aboard Fedarman B the top-ranked American rider in 17th.

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Olympic Records Broken & Team Standings After Eventing Dressage

Olympic records were broken during the team and individual eventing dressage competition today at the Palace of Versailles, located about half an hour southwest of Paris, during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Home to several generations of French kings, and now the venue for equestrian sports in the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the iconic chateau and manicured gardens served as a beautiful backdrop behind letter A of the dressage arena. Though rain fell the entire day, crowds still mostly filled the stands by midday and few left early.

For the first time in recent memory, and perhaps ever, the eventing dressage competition was completed all on one day. Sixty-four horse and rider combinations from 27 different countries cantered down centerline from 9:30 a.m. until just after 6 p.m.

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Eventing Dressage Recap

The day was soggy and grey, but the competition today in the 2024 Paris Olympics eventing dressage phase was as hotly contested as it gets. Two horse and rider combinations, Laura Collett (GBR) on London 52, and Michael Jung (GER) on Chipmunk FRH, bested the Olympic record score set in 2000 at the Sydney Olympic Games by gold medalists David O’Connor and Custom Made (USA).

Team USA sits in sixth with a 88.9. The top rider for the USA was Elisabeth Halliday on Nutcracker; they currently stand in 19th place (28.0). Second best scorers for the USA were Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake in 25th (30.4). Boyd Martin and Federman B scored (30.5) for 26th.

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After Roster Shuffle, U.S. Eventing Team Ready to Roll in Paris Olympics

The good news is that all of the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team horses (including their reserve horse) presented this morning at the Olympic equestrian venue in Versailles passed the first inspection today. The bad news is that the last two days here in France have been a roller coaster of ups and downs for the members of the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team, with Will Coleman having to withdraw. Traveling reserve pair Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker have now moved onto the team, and Sydney Elliot and QC Diamantaire will now become the traveling reserve combination.

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US Equestrian Announces Changes for U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Before Start of Paris 2024

US Equestrian has announced a change to the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team prior to the start of competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Traveling reserve combination Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker will move into the three-member team, replacing Will Coleman and Diabolo.

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2024 Paris Olympics: Equestrian Schedule

Check out the full schedule of equestrian sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Find times listed in Central European Time (Paris local time) and then converted to U.S. Eastern Time. Equestrian competition will take place July 27 through August 6.

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2024 Paris Olympics: Equestrian Preview

The Olympic torch is currently winding its way through France on the way to the “City of Lights” to ignite the cauldron on the evening of July 26 during the opening of the 33rd Modern Olympiad in Paris. Meanwhile, in national equestrian federation offices and training stables around the world, strategies are being formed for the best possible performances at the Olympics. It’s all about representing one’s country, achieving personal bests, and Olympic dreams now. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games take place July 26-August 11 (with equestrian events July 26-August 6).

Read on to find out who’s representing Team USA, which competitors to watch, schedule details, how to watch, and more.

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US Equestrian Announces U.S. Olympic Jumping Team for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horses combinations selected to represent the U.S. Olympic Jumping Team as a part of Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, to be held in Versailles, France, from July 27 – August 9, 2024. The jumping competition will begin on August 1, 2024, and continue through August 6, 2024, at the equestrian grounds of Versailles.

The athlete-and-horse combinations are Kent Farrington and Greya; Laura Kraut and Baloutinue; McLain Ward and Ilex; and the traveling reserves, Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque.

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US Equestrian Announces U.S. Olympic Dressage Team for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the four athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the United States as a part of Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games hosted from July 26 – August 11, 2024. The dressage competition will begin on July 30, 2024, and continue through August 4, 2024, at the equestrian grounds of Versailles.

The athlete-and-horse combinations are Adrienne Lyle and Helix; Marcus Orlob and Jane; Steffen Peters and Suppenkasper; and the traveling reserves, Endel Ots and Bohemian.

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US Equestrian Announces U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic Games

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games hosted from July 26 – August 11, 2024. Eventing competition will be the first equestrian discipline on the overall Paris 2024 sporting schedule and held at the equestrian grounds of Versailles, beginning on Saturday, July 27, and concluding on Monday, July 29.

The athlete-and-horse combinations are William Coleman and Off The Record (direct reserve Diabolo); Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (direct reserve Commando 3); Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake; traveling reserve Elisabeth Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker; and various team alternates.

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Olympic Extras

Olympic Equestrian Trivia and Fun Facts

Get ready for the Games with these Olympic equestrian fun facts and trivia. You’ll enjoy interesting tidbits of history about equestrian sports at the Olympic Games, from the early days of modern Games to more recent years of competition.

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The Paris 2024 Equestrian Venue

The Olympic equestrian competition, as well as the pentathlon, will all take place at the iconic Château de Versailles estate (Palace of Versailles). Not since the London 2012 Olympics, when the Queen’s House and Greenwich Park hosted equestrian sports, has an Olympic venue backdrop been so breathtaking. Learn more about the venue and its history.

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Q&A with Hallye Griffin, US Equestrian Chef de Mission

A member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) team since 2011, Hallye Griffin was appointed as the Director of FEI Sport in March 2023. With that role, she assumed position as Chef de Mission at the Olympic, Paralympic, and Pan American Games, as well as the FEI World Championships. In taking this post, Griffin has made history as the first female US Equestrian Chef de Mission.

Horse Illustrated had a quick chat with Griffin ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics to discuss this year’s Games and what her role as Chef de Mission entails.

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Equestrian Sports’ Close Ties With Paris

The 33rd modern Olympics being hosted by Paris is fitting since the city will host the Games for a third time in 2024. Paris first hosted the Olympics in 1900, then again 100 years ago in 1924 and both years have significant ties to equestrian sports. Hosting for the third time ties Paris with London at the top of the list in number of times a city has hosted the Games. Dive deeper to Olympic history’s ties to both Paris and horse sports.

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Q&A with Adrienne Lyle of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team

Making her third Olympic appearance for the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team, Adrienne Lyle will arrive in Paris with two new additions: her new mount, Helix, and her 9-month-old daughter, Bailey. A 2012 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and cared for by Marina Lemay, Helix was purchased with the Olympics in mind for Lyle in late 2023. The horse and rider team competed together on just a handful of occasions in spring 2024, but quickly made it clear that they make for an impressive duo.

Horse Illustrated had a quick chat with Lyle ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics to discuss this year’s Games.

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Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Latest News appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian competition closed with the Show Jumping Individual Final today, a dramatic end to 11 days of equestrian competition here at the Château de Versailles southwest of Paris. The huge course, co-designed by Santiago Varela Ullastres from Spain and Grégory Bodo from France, was higher, wider, longer and required a faster pace than previous courses in the last week.

Jumping Course Specs

The course included 15 numbered obstacles with 19 jumping efforts, with fence heights ranging from one at 0.95 meters up to several at the 1.65-meter maximum height allowed. The fence spreads were also quite challenging, with oxer spreads ranging from 1.35 meters up to a massive 1.90 meters and the water spanning 4 meters. The track was 555 meters long and the prescribed speed 400 meters/minute. The time allowed was 84 seconds. View the course map here.

In the jump-off for medals, there were eight jumps total (fences 1, 2, 16, 7, 10b, 10c, 12b and 17 were reused from the original course with fence 16 becoming an oxer for the jump-off) with a time allowed of 47 seconds. View the jump-off course map here.

The Challengers

The lineup of 30 horse and rider combinations returning to compete in the individual final changed slightly overnight as Harry Charles of Great Britain bowed out of contention, moving Canada’s Mario Deslauriers and the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Emerson up to the start list. Mario is quite familiar to U.S. jumping fans, as he competed for the USA for many years before changing back to compete for his native Canada again a few years ago.

Competing for the USA were Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Balou du Rouet owned by St. Bride’s Farm and cared for by Margo Thomas, and Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque, a 12-year-old Selle Français mare by Zandor Z owned by Signe Ostby and groomed by Tessa Falanga. Also in the lineup were the current World Champions Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, who were also part of the Olympic Champion team in Tokyo, among other big names.

Riders from these countries competed: Argentina (1); Austria (1); Belgium (2); Brazil (2); Canada (1); France (2); Germany (2); Great Britain (2); Ireland (2); Italy (1); Japan (1); the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2); Mexico (1); the Netherlands (3); Norway (1); Sweden (1); Switzerland (2); United Arab Emirates (1), and the USA (2). View the full order of go here.

Competition Summary

In the end, the course would prove quite a formidable challenge with only three double-clear rounds out of 30 first competing (ten percent of the riders). Thus, a jump-off was required to determine the medals.

First in the ring in the jump-off was Germany’s Christian Kukuk and Checker 47, who completed the jump-off course with no faults in 38.34 seconds. Second to go was the pair from the Netherlands, Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z (who won individual bronze in the last Olympics in Tokyo); they had an unfortunate rail at the fifth fence and finished in the time of 39.12. The final horse and rider to go in the jump off, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat on Dynamix de Belheme, also grabbed one rail (at the second-to-last fence), but finished in a quicker time of 38.38. The medals were set: Kukuk gold, Guerdat silver and van der Vleuten, bronze.

Kukuk, 34, who rides for German Olympic rider Ludger Beerbaum, was riding in his second Olympic Games, having been on the German Team in Tokyo in 2021 as well. Kukuk said that knowing he already had locked in a medal going into the jump-off, he wasn’t too nervous: “I knew it doesn’t matter what happens; I have a medal, and that’s already a really huge thing. But, I also I knew what my horse is able to do. I knew what I am able to do. We won already two Grand Prix [classes] this year, so we are very competitive.”

There was some drama today during the first round when two riders fell, although everyone is reported to be OK. Mexico’s Andres Azcarraga fell when his horse, Contendros 2, refused after a very tight turn to the water. Then, later in the class going 24th in the order, World Champions Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward parted ways after a miscommunication between rider and horse as to which way they were going to turn next. As von Eckermann fell, he pulled off King Edward’s bridle, but the horse’s groom was nearby and the horse was caught and haltered easily. Von Eckermann walked his longtime equine partner out of the ring after giving the horse an appreciative kiss on the forehead.

In addition to the three clear rounds, there were eight four-fault rounds in today’s final. Three other riders chose to retire their horses on course and save them for another competition after incurring enough faults it was obvious they were out of contention for medals: Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa riding Major Tom; Ireland’s Daniel Coyle riding Legacy, and Japan’s Takashi Haase Shibayama riding Karamell M & M.

For the full results from the Paris 2024 Olympics individual show jumping competition, click here.

With Kukuk’s win in individual show jumping, this gave Germany a lock on individual gold in all three Olympic equestrian sports here in France, since Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH won in eventing and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl took gold dressage.

U.S. Performances

While not quite the day that the riders and U.S. fans were hoping for, the two U.S. horse and rider pairs performed admirably. Going out into the ring first (fifth in the order) for the USA was Kraut and Baloutinue. They had a beautiful round going until they tipped the top rail on the final fence for four faults, finishing in a time of 81.61, good enough for eighth place overall.

“It was heartbreaking. My horse was on it today. He didn’t deserve that,” said Kraut about their round and the fence they had down, “Unfortunately I was a little worried for the time; I knew I’d taken a couple of places. I felt like I was on the border with the time. So, when I jumped the second last, I thought [I would] just let him just come right on to the last. Unfortunately, the minute I did that, he kind of dropped in and looked at it. The angle that the last fence sits at, if it were a little bit straighter, it would have been fine. But I was almost parallel as I was going to it and then I just couldn’t get [to it correctly].”

On the strength of their clear round in the individual qualifier yesterday, Cook and Caracole de la Roque entered the ring as 16th to go today. The pair had jumped clear in all of their previous rounds in both the team and the individual competition here in France. They started out beautifully for the first half of the course, but then presented awkwardly to fence 12, the “Jeu de Cartes Française” double and took both 12a and 12b down to accrue 8 faults and finish in a fast time of 79.72. They finished 16th. This was the first Olympic appearance for Cook and he was full of emotion as they finished, leaning down to kiss Caracole on the crest of her neck.

Cook commented on their round today, “As far as I’m aware, she was the best horse in the class. You just have to find your distances. We made a mistake around the turn; I probably cut the turn too sharply and took my first distance. I needed to be more patient. She was jumping amazing before.”

Catch Up On Olympic Action

If you’ve missed out enjoying your favorite sports in real time over the last two weeks or just want to re-live some of the action, you may be able to watch replays of all of the exciting Olympic equestrian action here in France. Go to NBCOlympics.com or Peacock for on-demand replay information.

Plus, find all of our Olympic equestrian coverage on our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.

Paralympics Next Up

As the Olympic Games come to an end with the Closing Ceremony on August 11, thoughts turn to the Paralympics which run August 28-September 8 (with equestrian competition on September 3, 4, 6 and 7). The USA will be sending a talented squad of para-dressage riders with high hopes for medals. Go to NBCOlympics.com for Paralympic broadcast information.

Stay tuned to our 2024 Paris Paralympics main page for updates and coverage.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Dramatic End To Show Jumping Individual Final appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The 30 riders returning for the 2024 Paris Olympics individual jumping final today faced a really tough track co-designed by Santiago Varela from Spain and Grégory Bodo from France―higher, wider, longer and requiring a faster pace. Only three went double clear in the first round, requiring a jump-off for medals: Germany’s Christian Kukuk on Checker 47; the Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten on Beauville Z, and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat on Dynamix de Belheme.

When the last fence of the jump-off had been jumped, the medals were set: Kukuk gold, Guerdat silver, and van der Vleuten bronze. The USA’s Laura Kraut was eighth with Baloutinue and Karl Cook was 16th with Caracole de la Roque.

◆ Final Results
◆ First Round Fence-by-Fence Analysis
◆ Jump-Off Fence-by-Fence Analysis

For more coverage, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.

For broadcast information, go to NBCOlympics.com. All equestrian coverage is streamed live and available for replays on Peacock.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2024 equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Show Jumping Individual Final Results appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In an exciting first day of individual show jumping competition, two of the three U.S. riders qualified to move on to the Paris 2024 Olympics individual jumping finals tomorrow. Seventy-three riders attempted the course co-designed by Santiago Varela from Spain and Grégory Bodo from France today. View the order of go here.

The course included 14 numbered obstacles and 17 jumping efforts. The time allowed was 79 seconds, and the course was 525 meters long with a prescribed speed of 400 meters per minute. Included in the track were a water jump, and one double and one triple combination.

◆ Course Map
◆ Fence Description

Leading the way for the USA, in both the order of go and in the standings, was Karl Cook riding Caracole de la Roque. They entered the ring 11th in the order and blazed around, jumping clear and within the time (76.97).

Entering the arena 35th in the order for the USA was Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, who jumped well, but had an unfortunate rail and rattled a few others. They finished on a quick time (73.22), however, which in the end allowed them to qualify to move on to the final as one of the faster four-fault rounds.

The final rider for the USA and 60th to enter the ring, McLain Ward riding Ilex, jumped a gorgeous round, but had the most unlucky twist of fate when the top rail of the final fence fell. Their time was slower than 12 other four-fault rounds (75.50) so they just missed the cut to compete in tomorrow’s final, finishing in 34th today.

There were 20 clear rounds posted today, including Cook’s and Caracole de la Roque’s. One horse and rider combo accrued only one time fault. Nine riders who had four penalty points qualified, including Kraut. Finishing first in the standings today as the fastest clear round was Julien Epaillard of France with Dubai du Cedre. To see the final results and who else qualified for the individual final, go here.

The top 30 horse and rider combinations move on to the final tomorrow. Riders in tomorrow’s individual jumper final will start again on a zero score, so it really could be anyone’s day.

The individual final and medal ceremony are tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Central European Time (4:00 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time).

◆ Individual Final Order of Go
◆ Individual Final Course Map
◆ Individual Final Fence Description

For more coverage, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.

For broadcast information, go to NBCOlympics.com. All equestrian coverage is streamed live and available for replays on Peacock.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Show Jumping Individual Qualifier appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The final day of the Paris 2024 Olympic dressage schedule dawned blessedly cool and a bit overcast, in the high 60s (Fahrenheit), a nice break after the extreme heat and humidity of the Grand Prix Test days last week. Earlier this morning, all 18 horses to go in today’s Grand Prix Freestyle Test were inspected by the Ground Jury again for fitness to compete and all were accepted without issue.

So the stage was set for an enjoyable day of dancing in the sand. With the gorgeous backdrop of the Palace of Versailles (with its glittering fountains and manicured gardens) shining behind the entrance at A, the day felt a bit like attending a classical ballet performance in one of the great halls. The huge crowd was ready. The first horse and rider, Patrik Kittel and Touchdown, had warmed up and stepped into the arena. Anticipation and excitement filled the air.

It was time to see who would lay down the best of the best routines to win medals. After the whisker-thin margin of victory (0.121) for Germany over Denmark in the team final yesterday, and with Danish rider Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour riding Freestyle scoring better than current World Champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB (GER) in the Special, it was going to be a battle.

Would there be a new Olympic dressage champion or a repeat winner? And, would Germany’s Isabell Werth capture yet another Olympic medal today? What music would the contestants choose to choreograph their rides? It would all be super fun to watch, but difficult to predict!

The Lineup

The 18 competitors were divided into three groups of six with ring drag breaks in between. They competed in this order:

◆ Sweden’s Patrik Kittel riding Touchdown
◆ Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva riding Maxima Bella
◆ France’s Pauline Basquin riding Sertorius De Rima Z
◆ Finland’s Emma Kanerva riding Greek Air
◆ Austria’s Victoria Max-Theurer riding Abegglen FH NRW
◆ Sweden’s Therese Nilshagen riding Dante Weltino OLD
◆ Frederic Wandres riding Bluetooth OLD
◆ Norway’s Isabel Freese riding Total Hope OLD
◆ Great Britain’s Carl Hester riding Fame
◆ The Netherland’s Emmelie Scholtens riding Indian Rock
◆ Great Britain’s Becky Moody riding Jagerbomb
◆ Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann Andersen riding Vayron
◆ Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald riding Zepter
◆ Germany’s Isabell Werth and Wendy
◆ Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale
◆ The Netherland’s Dinja van Liere riding Hermes
◆ Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB
◆ Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle

Would it be mare power all the way (there were four: Dalera; Freestyle; Wendy; Maxima Bella)? Or would one of the handsome stallions rule the day (there were eight: Glamourdale; Hermes; Fame; Varyon; Indian Rock; Total Hope OLD; Dante Weltino OLD; Greek Air)? Or perhaps a fabulous gelding would take the top spot (there were six: Zepter; Jagerbomb; Bluetooth OLD; Abegglen FH NRW; Sertorius De Rima Z; Touchdown)?

Scoring

Much like ice skating or gymnastics, the marks for dressage freestyle performances fall into two categories―technical and artistic―with each counting for fifty percent of the score. The judges were again shuffled around to sit at different letters; today they were at these letters: Judge at C, Raphaël Saleh (FRA); Judge at K, Michael Osinski (USA); Judge at E, Mariette Sanders (NED); Judge at H, Henning Lehrmann (GER); Judge at M, Isobel Wessels (GBR); Judge at B, Susanne Baarup (DEN), and Judge at F, Magnus Ringmark (SWE).

Best Rides

After all 18 pairs had ridden down centerline today to appreciative cheers and thunderous applause, there was the feeling of assurance that the world’s best musical rides had, indeed, been witnessed. The scores today ranged from 74.714 percent (Sweden’s Nilshagen riding Dante Weltino OLD) to 90.093 (as you may have heard or guessed by now, Germany’s von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB).

The highest scoring ride (81.607) of the first group of six was by Finland’s Emma Kanerva and the 13-year-old Zangersheide stallion Greek Air (by the Trakehner stallion Gribaldi). Once the second group of six entered, the score progressively climbed from there; high scorer from that group was Great Britain’s Carl Hester on the 14-year-old KWPN stallion Fame (85.161).

The final group of six was loaded with heavy hitters and the final battle for medals ensued. With nearly every ride the lead kept changing, building to the entrance of the last horse and rider at A, yesterday’s Grand Prix Special high scorers from Denmark, Laudrup-Dufour and the 15-year-old Hanoverian mare Freestyle.

Going right before them, von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera had just put in a fabulous test―expressive, accurate, elastic, creative and ridden to French music in a nod to Paris―to take the lead. Their technical marks were 82.357 and artistic marks 97.829 combined for their 90.093 overall score.

Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle gave it their all, putting in a super test as well, filled with many technically difficult moves and performed to songs like Imagine Dragons’ “Whatever It Takes” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” among others. But there were some mistakes, including a break to canter in the extended trot. In the end, there score wasn’t enough to defeat von Bredow-Werndl who captured gold, Werth who took silver, Fry who won bronze or van Liere who took fourth. Laudrup-Dufour had to settle for fifth (88.093).

◆ Full Results
◆ Judges’ Individual Marks

Show Jumping Returns Tomorrow

The jumpers return to the Olympic arena here at the Palace of Versailles for two days of individual competition: a qualifier tomorrow, Monday, August 5, and the final on Tuesday, August 6. The individual jumping final is the last equestrian competition of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

After that, the pentathlon competition—which does include an equestrian jumping phase—takes over at the Palace of Versailles venue until the close of the Olympic Games on August 11. This will be the final time that pentathlon includes equestrian; bicycles are likely to replace horses at the next Games.

All horses presented for the second jumper horse inspection yesterday ultimately were accepted to compete in the individual qualifier. This includes the three horse and rider combinations slated to compete for the USA (Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque, McLain Ward and Ilex). However, one horse (Tirano to be ridden by Ismael Garcia Roque for Spain) was held yesterday and then passed on re-inspection this morning). And, there were also a few jumper horses eligible to move on to the individual finals that were not presented at the second horse inspection.

The jumpers have a training session tonight, after which an order of go for tomorrow afternoon’s individual qualifier class will be published. The individual qualifier competition tomorrow (Monday, August 5) will be from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Central European Time (8:00 a.m. – Noon U.S. Eastern Time).

The individual finals and medal ceremony will be on August 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Central European Time (4:00 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time).

For more coverage, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.

For broadcast information, go to NBCOlympics.com. All equestrian coverage is streamed live and available for replays on Peacock.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Dressage Freestyle Recap appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Dressage competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded this afternoon with riders from Germany taking the top two of the three individual medals and Great Britain taking bronze. Reigning Olympic Champions from Tokyo 2020/21, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the amazing 17-year-old Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB repeated in wining gold here in Paris, finishing on a score of 90.093 percent. The pair rode to a medley of French songs in a nod to the host city Paris.

Not far behind in silver (89.614) were Isabell Werth (GER) and the 10-year-old Danish Warmblood mare Wendy, giving Werth a record 14th Olympic medal (8 gold and 6 silver) in her seventh Olympic Games. Reigning World Champions from the 2022 Herning FEI Championships, Charlotte Fry and the 13-year-old KWPN stallion Glamourdale (GBR), captured bronze on 88.91 percent.

◆ Full Results
◆ Judges’ Individual Marks

For more coverage, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.

For broadcast information, go to NBCOlympics.com. All equestrian coverage is streamed live and available for replays on Peacock.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Dressage Individual Final appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The top ten dressage teams, based on scores in the Grand Prix Test competition from July 30 and 31, returned to the main arena for the FEI Grand Prix Special Test here at the Château de Versailles today for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After a string of four hot, humid days dotted with intermittent thunderstorms, the skies were mostly overcast (but without rain) and temps were in the high 60s (Fahrenheit) when competition began. The stands were full to witness today’s battle for team medals.

Teams (of three riders) competing today were Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden. While the seven judges today were the same as for the Grand Prix Tests, they sat at different letters. They were: Judge at C, Henning Lehrmann (GER); Judge at K, Raphaël Saleh (FRA); Judge at E, Magnus Ringmark (SWE); Judge at H, Mariette Sanders (NED); Judge at M, Michael Osinski (USA); Judge at B, Isobel Wessels (GBR), and Judge at F, Susanne Baarup (DEN).

The competition was divided into three groups of ten riders each, with one rider from each country in each group. A running score was kept to mark the ranking of each country’s team after each ride was completed. With team medals on the line, riders gave it their all.

The top three performances from the first group were Becky Moody and Jagerbomb from Great Britain who had the highest score of 76.489 percent, Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann Anderson and Vayron second best (75.973) and third best, Germany’s Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD (75.942).

The final three riders in the second group topped scores from the previous group as expected. Third to last to go in the group was British rider Carl Hester. Riding in his seventh Olympic Games, he guided the 14-year-old KWPN stallion Fame (by Bordeaux 28) to a 76.520 percent to best his teammate Moody’s earlier score.

Right after Hester in the order, Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Zepter, a 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding (by Blue Hors Zack), laid down a beautiful test to top the leaderboard (but just for a few minutes) on 78.480 percent. Then, the most decorated equestrian in Olympic history, Germany’s Isabell Werth riding Wendy, entered the arena as the last to go in Group 2. Werth and Wendy posted the highest score from the first two groups and one that figured heavily into the final team results of the day (79.894).

With all of the riders from Group 1 and Group 2 having finished and Group 3 yet to compete, the team standings were super close in the top three. They were as follows: Germany, first (155.836); Denmark, second (154.453); Great Britain, third (153.009); the Netherlands, fourth (143.328); France, fifth (142.569); Belgium, sixth (141.565); Australia, seventh (139.863); Sweden, eighth (138.480); Austria, ninth (137.751), and Finland, tenth (137.735).

After a short arena grooming break, the final group of riders began their quest to seal the deal for their country to win a medal. Among them, the reigning World Champions, Charlotte Fry and the KWPN stallion Glamourdale who would go third from last, and the reigning Olympic Champions, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and the Trakehner mare TSF Dalera BB, the final pair to go for the day.

Also in the final group were several others ranked in the current top ten world standings including Sweden’s Patrik Kittel (sixth in current world rankings) who rode the Swedish Warmblood gelding Touchdown. Another one of those, Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour from Denmark (currently ranked seventh in the world) riding the Hanoverian mare Freestyle, was expected to score well — possibly in the top three or four at the end of the day. They would go next to last today.

Representing the home country France and going fourth in the final group was Pauline Basquin and the Zangersheide gelding Sertorius de Rima Z, who had scored very well in the Grand Prix Test three days ago (73.711) to move on to the individual finals tomorrow. Today, their Grand Prix Special test was quite nice, marred only by issues in the first piaffe and the one-tempi changes. Their score was 72.720 and kept France in the hunt for a top-five finish here.

As forecast by many, the team results rested on the final three performances of the day, plus that of Werth and Wendy who had competed in the second group earlier. Fry and Glamourdale put in another fantastic test to score 79.483 percent, but it was not enough to catch Werth and Wendy.

After Fry, Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle entered and laid down the gauntlet with the first score of the day to top 80 percent (81.216) to roaring cheers from the crowd. The final pair, von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera put in a gorgeous test, but lost some points going from walk to piaffe in the middle of their test, and in the end scored slightly behind Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle (79.954).

However, it was still Germany’s day. They captured gold with 235.790, just 0.121 points ahead of Denmark in silver (235.669). Great Britain persevered to garner bronze (232.492). Fourth was the Netherlands (221.048) and fifth was Belgium (215.714). Other team placings were: France, sixth (215.289); Sweden, seventh (212.811); Finland, eighth (212.036); Austria, ninth (211.505), and Australia, tenth (207.203).

Interesting tidbits from today:

◆ There were at least two riders competing today who trained at famous European classical riding schools: Austria’s Florian Bacher who rode Fidertraum OLD was a rider at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, and France’s Pauline Basquin, who rode Sertorius De Rima Z, is currently a trainer at the Cadre Noir in France.

◆ British rider Becky Moody was mounted on a horse bred by her and foaled at her family’s home farm in Yorkshire: Jagerbomb, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Dante Weltino OLD, out of Udysee by Jazz.

◆ Isabell Werth from Germany is currently the most decorated Olympic equestrian in history with a seventh Olympic Games under her belt and 13 medals (8 gold including today’s win and 5 silver).

◆ The dressage team medal today was Germany’s third consecutive dressage team gold medal and the country’s 15th gold dressage team medal overall.

◆ Full Dressage Team Results
◆ Judges’ Individual Marks

Final Day of Olympic Dressage Tomorrow

The top 18 horse and rider combinations from the Grand Prix Tests held on July 30 and 31 will return tomorrow to ride the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Test to compete for the individual Olympic medals. But, first tomorrow morning, the horses will again be presented to the Ground Jury for inspection. If for some reason a horse is not accepted to compete, then the next highest horse and rider combination from the Grand Prix would move up to compete in the Freestyle instead.

Once the horse inspection is finished in the morning, an order of go will be published. Currently qualified for the Olympic individual dressage finals (Grand Prix Freestyle Test) are:

◆ Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB
◆ Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour and Freestyle
◆ Germany’s Isabell Werth and Wendy
◆ Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale
◆ Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald riding Zepter
◆ The Netherland’s Dinja van Liere riding Hermes
◆ Great Britain’s Carl Hester and Fame
◆ Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann Andersen riding Vayron
◆ Norway’s Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD
◆ Germany’s Frederic Wandres riding Bluetooth OLD
◆ Great Britain’s Becky Moody and Jagerbomb
◆ The Netherland’s Emmelie Scholtens riding Indian Rock
◆ Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Touchdown
◆ Austria’s Victoria Max-Theurer riding Abegglen FH NRW
◆ Sweden’s Therese Nilshagen riding Dante Weltino OLD
◆ France’s Pauline Basquin riding Sertorius De Rima Z
◆ Finland’s Emma Kanerva riding Greek Air
◆ Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva riding Maxima Bella

The Freestyle competition runs from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Central European Time (4:00 a.m. – 7:30 am. U.S. Eastern Time) with the medal ceremony to follow.

For more coverage, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.

For broadcast information, go to NBCOlympics.com. All equestrian coverage is streamed live and available for replays on Peacock.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Dressage Team Final appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.