You know who the U.S. is sending to the Olympics this month–this website has publicized the looong team selection process and named the names of who has been selected in all three disciplines.
But what about the other 48 countries that are entering the equestrian competitions in Paris? Peruse the list of definite entries. It’s fun to see who is riding for Greece, Latvia, Japan or other countries that haven’t been on your radar. Remember, there are only three riders on a team, but each squad has an alternate and the rules allow for substitution under certain circumstances.
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl is the only equestrian competing at the Olympics who will be going for two individual gold medals in a row on the same horse. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Click here for the list of show jumping entries from 35 countries, on this link for eventing entries from 27 countries and here for dressage, in which 30 countries will have representation.
This is how the stadium at Versailles will look during the Games. (FEI photo)
Equestrian competition is not being held in the heart of Paris, but in Versailles, 12 miles west of the city. The setting includes the palace that originally was the home of Louis XIV, and an array of gardens. When the Olympics aren’t being staged, it is a public park.
Britain’s Ben Maher will be trying for a second Olympic individual gold medal in show jumping, but on a different horse than he rode last time. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
The lone Olympic equestrian individual gold medalist who will be defending a Tokyo Games title on the same horse is Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl with TSF Dalera BB. Britain’s show jumping gold medalist, Ben Maher, will be on a different mount, Point Break, while Germany’s individual medalist Julia Krajewski (the first woman to take the title in that sport) is an alternate for her nation.
The competition will be held six hours later than Eastern Daylight Savings Time, which means if you want to watch everything and live in the East, you’ll have to get up at 4 or 5 a.m. many days. If you live in California, you could just stay up all night.
But don’t worry, we’ll be telling you what happens right here every day, starting with July 27 and the dressage Grand Prix. We’ll keep reminding you that it’s possible to sleep in and still be up to speed by coming to this website after the competition ends each day.