News | 16 July 2024
Everything you need to know about Equestrian Sport in the Olympics
When did Equestrian Sport get added to the Olympics?
Equestrian Sports first became involved in the Olympics in its Modern era at the Paris Games in 1900. Although their involvement continued to progress over several decades. It wasn’t until the 1952 Games in Helsinki where women were first allowed to compete in Dressage. Equestrian sport became the only entirely mixed-gender sport, where men and women compete directly against each other at the 1964 Games in Tokyo and still is to this day.
Team GB have won a whopping total of 19 Medals at the last 6 Olympic Games!
Find out some more FUN FACTS about equestrian sport at the Olympics via the button below!
This Year’s Equestrian Sport Dates for your Diary
The Equestrian Sports are held between 27th July and 6th August 2024, which sets us up with 11 CONSECUTIVE days of Equestrian action! Here is what is on and when (all UK time):
- 27 July – Eventing Dressage starting at 08.30 until 17.30
- 28 July – Eventing Cross Country starting at 09.30 until 14.00
- 29 July – Eventing Show Jumping Team starting at 10.00 until 12.30, Individual starting at 14.00 until 15.00, medal ceremonies starting at 15.00
- 30 July – Dressage Grand Prix starting at 10.00 until 15.30
- 31 July – Dressage Grand Prix starting at 10.00 – 14.30
- 1 August – Show Jumping team qualifier starting at 10.00 until 13.00
- 2 August – Show Jumping team final starting at 12.00 until 15.00, medal ceremony starting at 15.00
- 3 August – Dressage Grand Prix Special starting at 09.00 until 14.30, team medal ceremony starting at 14.30
- 4 August – Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle starting at 09.00 until 12.30, individual medal ceremony starting at 12.30
- 5 August – Show Jumping individual qualifier starting at 13.00 until 17.00
- 6 August – Show Jumping individual final starting at 09.00 until 11.00, individual medal ceremony starting at 11.00
(All times and Dates from British Equestrian).
Equestrian Olympic Sports, Formats and how to get involved at Pony Club Level
Dressage
Dressage is sometimes referred to as ‘Dancing Horses’, but it is also a sport where horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements set out in a dressage test with precision and grace. It emphasises the harmony between the two, showcasing the horse’s athleticism and the rider’s skill in communication and control.
A judge marks the test. They give you a mark out of ten for how well you carry out each instruction. At the end of the test the marks are added up and the winner is the horse and rider with the highest score.
At the Olympics there are 3 Dressage events including the Grand Prix (Qualifying competition), the Grand Prix Special (Team Final) and the Grand Prix Freestyle (Individual Final).
How to get involved at Pony Club Level
This can be from getting involved at one of our Pony Club Linked Centres (lots of riding schools are!) and taking part in the Centre Equitation competition. This is done virtually by filming yourself riding a specific test and sending it in for judging. You will then compete against others that do the same.
Or if you are already out competing in Dressage then there are lots of other key competitions to take part in, including local Branch/Centre competitions, Area, Regional and National competitions, our Spring Festival and much more!
We even have some Pony Club Dressage Classes at some of the biggest equestrian shows in the UK, such as Royal Windsor Horse Show, so don’t be afraid to aim high!
Visit our Dressage page to find out more!
Show Jumping
Show Jumping is where a horse and rider combination are tested over a course of colourful obstacles, known as fences, which can be easily knocked down if they are hit. The goal is to complete the course in the fastest time without getting any faults. Show Jumping can take place both indoors and outdoors, so is perfect to enjoy all year round. There are various levels you can jump at and you can go on to compete as an individual or as part of a team.
Faults are gained when a fence is knocked down, the horse stops at a fence (refuse) or the horse runs around a fence (run out).
Intended to demonstrate the horse and rider’s courage, athletic ability, precision, speed and partnership, your aim is to jump a clear round. If you manage to jump clear, you will go through to the second stage which is called a “jump-off”. A jump-off is a shortened course which is timed. The winner is the horse and rider with the least faults and the fastest time in the jump-off.
How to get involved at Pony Club Level:
Many Pony Club rallies usually include jumping, so this is a good place to see if you and your pony like it. Your Branch or Centre might hold a variety of competitions throughout the year which will include Show Jumping. When you feel confident enough, you can try your first Show Jumping Competition which are held all over the country at all different levels to suit you and your pony. There is also the Centre Equitation competition for those who do not have their own Pony.
Pony Club Show Jumping competitions can start at anything as small as poles on the ground all the way up to 1.25m. Again similar to Dressage there are also Pony Club Show Jumping Classes at some of the biggest equestrian shows in the UK for varying ages, such as the Mini Major at London International Horse Show (under 12) and Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Visit our Show Jumping page to find out more!
Eventing
Eventing is a thrilling equestrian sport that encompasses three disciplines: Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping. It provides young riders with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete in a supportive environment. The dressage phase requires precision and harmony between horse and rider as they perform a series of predetermined movements. Cross-country tests bravery and agility as horse and rider navigate a course of natural obstacles over varied terrain. Show jumping demands accuracy and speed as horse and rider aim to clear coloured fences within the designated time frame.
It’s an exciting and challenging experience that encourages riders to continually improve their abilities and bond with their equine partners. Great Britain has a long history of success in Eventing at the Olympics. The entire Great Britain Eventing team at London 2012 and Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 were ex-Pony Club Members!
How to get involved at Pony Club Level:
Pony Club Eventing Competitions are organised at a number of different levels:
- Branch/Centre Competitions – Friendly competitions organised by Branches or Centres for their own Members and Members of the surrounding Branches & Centres.
- Area Competitions – Open to all Members within the Pony Club Area, including qualifying competitions for the Championships and Regional Championships.
- Championships – Qualifying Teams and Individuals from every Area compete to decide the National Eventing Champions.
- Arena Eventing – throughout the winter months, Members can take part in Arena Eventing competitions to qualify for the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival. There are three different finals; England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each have different qualifying rules, so please consult the rules for your country.
There is also the opportunity to compete in Pony Club Classes at some of the largest equestrian shows in the UK such as Wellington International and the Pony Club Eventers Challenge at Blenheim Horse Trials.
Visit our Eventing page to find out more!
