JO Paris 2024 – Show jumping, dressage and eventing are disciplines not to be missed during the Games. Rules, origin of this sport, champions and lexicon: immerse yourself in the world of horse riding.
What is the origin of horse riding in the Olympics?
After being included in the program of the Olympic Games from the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris with three jumping events, horse riding has been present in the Olympic Games since 1912. Today, equestrian sport is represented through three events, which are compete individually and in teams: show jumping (CSO), dressage, and eventing. Until 1952, only male and military riders took part in the events.
The discipline became mixed between 1952 and 1964. Horse riding has since been the only totally mixed Olympic discipline. The place of eventing on the Olympic program is regularly called into question. But the IOC recently confirmed the three equestrian disciplines for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Who are the best riders and from which countries?
Historically, horse riding has been dominated by three nations: the United States, Germany and France. Since the integration of equestrian sports into the Olympic Games, Germany has won the most medals. The record for Olympic titles is held by the Dutch dressage rider Anky van Grunsven with nine medals between 1992 and 2012.
In show jumping, the current best riders are the Swede Henrik Von Eckermann, the Swiss Martin Fuchs and the Swede Peder Fredricson.
France is not left out with Julien Epaillard, among the best in the world, but also Kevin Staut, Simon Delestre, Edward Levy, Nicolas Delmotte, Roger-Yves Bost and Penelope Leprevost. At the 2016 Olympic Games, France won Olympic team gold in show jumping and eventing.
What are the rules of equestrian disciplines?
The dressage consists of making the horses evolve in order to show the elegance of their movements and their ease of use, in a rectangular arena. During the dressage test, the horse and its rider are scored from 0 to 10 for each movement. The final score is then calculated based on the sum of the scores for each movement.
In L’show jumping event, the couples must complete a defined course of obstacles without making mistakes and in the shortest possible time. There are different types of obstacles: vertical, oxer, hedge or river.
The eventing consists of three events: one dressage, one show jumping and another, spectacular cross-country. In a varied terrain, the couples overcome a dozen varied and naturally inspired obstacles (tree trunks, barriers, fords). A time is also set to finish this course.
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Horse riding vocabulary
THE gaits define the different rhythms of movement of the horse, there are three: walk, trot or gallop. The English term jumping is used when talking about show jumping events. A horse makes a refusal when he stops in front of an obstacle and does not cross it. There career is the enclosed, rectangular space where the dressage tests take place. THE paddock designates the training or warm-up track, where couples prepare before an event. L’plate refers to the way a rider sits on his horse. There bomb is the helmet used for equestrian events. There cheeky are the pants specifically used for riding horses. THE gaiters are the protections which are affixed to the horse’s limbs to protect it from impacts with obstacles.
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Key dates to remember for the Olympics
The dressage, show jumping and eventing events will take place from July 27 to August 6, 2024 in the grounds of the Château de Versailles. Concerning the eventing event, the dressage will take place on Saturday July 27 from 10 a.m. to 6:40 p.m., the cross on Sunday July 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and finally, the show jumping on Monday July 29 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The dressage test will take place from Tuesday July 30 to Sunday August 4.
The show jumping events will be held over four days. The individual qualifying event will begin on Friday August 2 from 2 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The individual final will take place on Saturday August 3 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The team qualifying event will be held on Monday August 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., with the team final on Tuesday August 6 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
