With just days remaining until the start of the equestrian competitions at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the FEI has introduced the Be a Guardian initiative, which calls upon members of the community to fully commit to their duties as ‘guardians’ of FEI horses. 

Be a Guardian is the central message that unites the community around the FEI Action Plan that was developed from the recommendations outlined in the final report of the independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission.

Watch! Horse welfare is paramount – Be a Guardian! 

Set up in June 2022 in response to growing public concern over animal welfare, the Commission was tasked with addressing societal concerns about the use of horses in sport and creating a blueprint to future-proof equestrian sports. The Commission also provided advice and recommendations to the FEI to ensure equine welfare is safeguarded through ethical, evidence-based policy and practices.

The term 'guardian' marks an evolution in the FEI's narrative of the horse-human partnership, chosen to better represent the human role in caring for horses and to underscore each individual's responsibility for ensuring horse welfare.

“This shift in terminology is not merely symbolic; it signifies a fundamental change in our approach to equine welfare,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos explained.

“Guardianship precedes partnership, and meeting the horse's natural needs — such as sufficient eating time, social interaction, and exercise — cultivates trust, enabling a thriving relationship between horse and human. A partnership emerges when this trust and mutual understanding pave the way for sporting excellence.

“Through the concept of guardianship, our focus shifts to what is best for the horses, recognising them as unique and valuable beings deserving of human protection, trust, and respect. This evolution redefines the human role as that of a 'caretaker,' with a responsibility to ensure a good life for horses.

“How we frame the issue, shapes how we solve it. By embracing the role of ‘guardians’ for horses, we commit to acknowledging their needs, treating them with respect, compassion, and care, reinforcing our duty to these magnificent animals we live, work, and compete with.”

The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 represent a significant opportunity for the equestrian community to further develop a culture of enhanced respect and ethical treatment within the sport.

With a comprehensive approach to equine welfare, which includes aspects like transport, accommodation, veterinary care, and post-event support, Paris 2024 is clear about what is required to put horse welfare at the core of the sport.

For the first time at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a position of Equine Welfare Coordinator has been established, with Dr Richard Corde, President of the French League for the Protection of the Horse, appointed to this critical position. He will offer advisory oversight on animal welfare throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, ensuring all stakeholders adhere strictly to FEI regulations. This new appointment marks a significant advancement in centralising oversight that was previously distributed among stewards, veterinarians, and Ground Jury members.

The FEI, Paris 2024 Organising Committee, and GL Equestrian have worked together to prepare the venue with well-equipped air-conditioned stables, ample outdoor areas, and high-quality footing in the main competition arena, the cross country and all the training arenas, ensuring the comfort and safety of the horses.

Special attention has been given to the seamless and comfortable transportation of horses to and from Versailles. Environmental conditions such as weather, heat, humidity, and air quality are carefully monitored to minimise stress and maximise the horses' well-being.

Stringent health monitoring protocols will be enforced before, during, and after competitions to assess the horses' fitness and maintain their physical and mental health throughout the Olympic Games. A dedicated team of qualified veterinarians and support staff will conduct regular health assessments, promptly addressing any issues that may arise with immediate veterinary care.

Following competitions, meticulous post-event care protocols, including adequate rest periods, will be strictly observed to aid horses in their recovery.

"We cannot prevent every issue, but if we follow these rules and encourage everyone to take responsibility based on our shared values, we can work hard to further improve excellent standards of horse welfare," stated FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

"As we prepare for the Olympic Games, we are eager to display our sport's beauty and our dedication to caring for horses responsibly. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every horse at Paris 2024 receives the care and respect they deserve."  

About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm. The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance and Vaulting.

The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para Dressage and Para Driving.

The atmosphere intensified in the Post finance arena, Bern (SUI) for the second day of the FEI Vaulting World Championship. Only hundredths of points separate the top competitors keeping anticipation high ahead of the final rounds. 

The power of the horse was the deciding factor in the Squad competition, which saw team Germany see off French and Swiss rivals to win the round on 8.166. Ecuador 28 lunged by Alexandra Knauf was clearly scored as the best horse outscoring the next by at least 0.5. The French team had some uncharacteristic errors, particularly with their stands, which affected their score and left them in second place (8.056). Only just behind France and with a powerful set of compulsories the all-female Swiss squad showed their quality taking the third spot with 7.904.

The men’s Technical Test was a masterclass. One after the other they entered and commanded the arena. Thomas Brϋsewitz was the first to level up the difficulty. In combination with excellent technical exercises he took the lead momentarily, scoring 8.378 for the test, 8.462 final score, retaining his third place from day one.

Theo Gardies went just ahead, 8.396, in the technical program and 8.524 overall, but he stays in second place after teammate Quentin Jabet stunned the audience and judges alike. With artistic highlights and an incredibly difficult routine he won the test and the round with a total score of 8.662.

For the females it was a similar story with a slightly different ending. Alice Layher, the young German vaulter, won the test (8.395) after displaying near perfect technical elements. It wasn’t quite enough to place her in the top three after round one, (8.286), but it is so close it doesn’t matter. 

A minor error in her backwards stand dropped Switzerland’s Nadja Bϋttiker into third overall, 8.328, allowing both Alina Ross (GER) and Eva Nagiller (AUT) to overtake. They both had difficult, well executed routines and finished in second (8.340) and first place (8.348) respectively. A thrilling prospect for Austria.

The final round is worth half the total score, and it is worth noting that Illona Hannich (SUI) is still very much in contention. She occupies 5th place currently on 8.189. In any case the pressure is even greater now as it is likely that whoever performs best in Saturday’s Free Test will take home the gold.

FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters

Stalwart, Sam dos Santos displayed his signature style even in the compulsory test of the FEI European Championship. Rising to the top of the Junior Male table, despite a minor balance issue in executing his stand, he showed he is here to earn the Netherlands another gold medal, clearly out in front scoring 8.334, aboard Doemaar with Jinte Pierik lunging. 

Jakub Roguski gave Poland their first overnight podium position in this Championship. He currently sits in second place, 8.052. Completing the top three Junior Males is Lukas Heitmann from Germany (7.997). He is small but mighty and very neat.

The Junior Female Free Tests were superb. The Danish superstar, Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielsen extended her lead after an effortless performance of a high-level routine. She scored 8.733 in the Free Test and has an interim final score of 8.340. Poland’s Roksana Naumiuk delivered power and intrigue in her performance earning an 8.524 for the test and bringing her into fifth place overnight (7.953). 

Nora Sandberg Mϋller (SWE) improved her position, leap-frogging Germany’s Amari Santamaria Diaz she now sits in second (7.987) with Santamaria Diaz coming in third 7.968.  There was big movement within the Female competition and with the final Free Test round worth 50% the podium is far from decided.

As the atmosphere within the stadium rose, competition nerves led to unnecessary errors and some falls from the vaulters. The top three are clear of the rest of the field by 0.5, which is a huge margin to make up in the final round. British sisters Milly and Evie Jessett had some dazzle in their routine and used their individual strengths to their advantage earning a 7.645 and an exciting overnight third place. 

Germany currently occupies both top two spots. After a creative and dynamic routine, Felix Wöhe and Greta Helene Liebig are in second place (7.734) but teammates Arne Heers and Mia Bury have the lead by far.  They performed elegantly in sync scoring 8.268, and, barring disaster, they are on course to win the title tomorrow. 

There are medals to be won tomorrow in the Senior squad and Junior Pas de Deux. It will certainly be a matter of controlling the nerves of the athletes as the crowd becomes increasingly electric and the prospect of glory much more tangible.

FULL RESULTS

It was a great beginning for the Swiss as the FEI Vaulting World Championship 2025 got underway in Bern, (SUI). Switzerland’s Nadja Bϋttiker is the overnight leader in the female class with Frenchman Quentin Jabet ahead in the males. 

The luck of the draw saw all the top placed females perform in the second half of the competition. The leader changed frequently as one outscored the other by minimal margins. Alina Ross (GER) showed a confident and clean performance and raised the bar earning 8.323 from the judges. In the end it was only enough to place third.

Eva Nagiller entered right after Ross and despite a late horse change her new steed, Bastion, proved to be an excellent match and allowed her to steal the lead for a while scoring 8.384. To the delight of the home crowd, Nadja Bϋttiker exuded strength and poise, with her dynamic exercises near flawless she flew to the top on 8.466. The young german, Alice Layher, currently sits in fourth place 8.178.

Excellence was in abundance throughout the men competition, as the top 10 males all scored over eight points. Theo Gardies (FRA) took the lead early on. He showed incredible execution throughout his test, posting a hard to beat 8.653. His horse, Sir Sensation, was the highest scoring of the class. 

Germany’s Thomas Brϋsewitz and Jannik Heiland came close but each had a very small error and they could only manage third (8.546) and fourth (8.415) respectively. French favourite Quentin Jabet entered second to last and had to cope with a mildy unsettled Ronaldo. Andrea Boe worked hard to soothe and settle him from the middle of the circle, allowing Jabet to complete a not quite perfect compulsory test, but impressive enough to win him the round and place him marginally ahead of his teammate with a score of 8.698.

FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters

In the FEI European Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters, the Junior squads got off to an exciting start and Swiss team Montmirail gave the home fans something to smile about. They stormed into the lead, scoring 7.174 after a tight and tidy performance aboard Livanto Cha CH with Mirjam DeGiorgi lunging. 

Germany found themselves in second place on 6.948. They were not in complete harmony with Captain Claus and had some errors throughout. Just a fraction behind, the squad from Italy finished the compulsory test in third (6.891). Their horse Robert Redford 5 was not completely relaxed in the beginning, however Nelson Alcides Vidoni connected with him from the centre and allowed the team to show their best. 

In the Young Vaulter Male category, Frenchman Tom Menand entered first and laid down the gauntlet posting a score to beat of 7.768. It held until Arne Heers competed.  Representing Germany with his horse Cleiner Onkel T OLD and lunger Sven Henze, he was the only vaulter to score over 8 points, receiving 8.073 and taking the lead. His teammate Ben Lechtenberg completed the competition and the top three. Despite a collapse in his mount he finished on 7.691.

The female competition was a much closer affair but Germany took the top spot once again. Gianna Ronca scored 8.124, vaulting on Max, lunged by Sarah Krauss. Also on Max, Mona Pavetic (GER) performed excellent dynamic exercises taking her into second, 8.099. Noemi Licci brought Switzerland another overnight podium position and she sits close behind on 8.063.

The final FEI European Championship class of the day was the Junior Female compulsories. Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielson earned the lead for Denmark impressing the judges and scoring 7.947. The talent came early in the class of forty-four as Zara Cvetkovic showed her strength and precision gaining Slovakia their first top three finish for the day.  She lies third on 7.791. 

At only 13 years old and the youngest competitor in the individual competition, Germany’s Amari Santamaria Diaz showed her quality, with an excellent test she squeezed into second place on 7.897, only hundredths of a point behind first. The class is very close and so full of talent, we can expect some changes within the top ten vaulters after they have performed their Free Test tomorrow.

Tomorrow will see the start of the Senior squad competition as well as the Technical tests for the Senior individuals. With little between the top of the pack the pressure will be on and nerves will be tested. Be prepared for more brilliant vaulting and plenty of action, artistry and amazing horses.

FULL RESULTS

Image: Nadja Büttiker (SUI) performs with Rayo de la Luz during the FEI Vaulting World Championships 2024 in Bern (SUI). © FEI/Martin Dokoupil

It was a narrow race for the 2024 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ title heading into the final leg at Falsterbo (SWE), with Germany and Denmark separated by just two points. 

But when it came time for the CDIO4* FEI Grand Prix test at the Falsterbo Horse Show, Germany didn't let the Danish get within 10 points of them. It was a convincing victory for the Germans on the day, which secured them a second consecutive series title.

Led by Chef d'Equpe Jonny Hilberath, the trio of Evelyn Eger (Tabledance 3), Helen Langehanenberg (Facilone Frh), and Carina Scholz (Tarantino 5) finished on a total score of 215.261. Denmark finished with a total score of 204.174, followed by The Netherlands (202.478).

"The result is very impressive. As a trainer and team captain, I'm very happy with the performance of my riders and of the horses, and for sure the results," Hilberath said.

"Everybody was riding in top form and with a lot of quality."

-Jonny Hilberath (GER)

Germany was the only team to have all three of its riders score above 70%, and in fact only one rider outside of Germany reached that threshold in the home nation's Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE), whose 70.000% was not quite enough to push Sweden up the leaderboard from fifth. 

"It wasn't that easy [to select this team], because we had last week at Aachen (GER), and we are in preparation also for [the Olympic Games in] Paris," Hilberath shared. "Carina has been here already, last year with the team, and I was trying to collect riders which I could feature more with younger or newer horses. For example, Helen is riding a new horse, and I thought it was a very good show for her to perform internationally."

Langehanenberg and Facilone Frh finished the class on top with their 73.674%—a personal best for the combination. The 12-year-old was making just his second start at the FEI Grand Prix level.

"I was super happy. I've only been riding him since the beginning of this year, and we have not so many competitions together," Langehanenberg shared."I think the horse has a lot of potential for the future. There's maybe no weak side, but we have to improve and grow together.

"The test today felt like a big step forward. I was super happy, even without seeing the results. It felt great and maybe the beginning of some nice shows together."

-Helen Langehanenberg (GER)

The youngest rider on the team, Eger also brought forward the youngest horse in 11-year-old Tabledance 3. The pair also recorded a personal best score in the Grand Prix with their 70.413%. Scholz, meanwhile performed as strongly as ever with her 17-year-old partner Tarantino 5, who has successfully returned to top-level sport after sitting out nearly two years from international competition between July 2022 and April 2024.

"Carina had a very good ride. The horse is not a spring chicken anymore, and he's very sensitive. He's rather sharp, and she managed so well," Hilberath said. "The horse was doing wonderful, and he had a break. It's so nice to see the horse coming back better into the sport, and [Carina] is such a hard-working rider."

The weather wasn't ideal, either, with significant rainfall impacting the event. The event schedule was moved forward as a result, but competition forged forward in inclement weather.

"We are very grateful that we had such good conditions for the weather. I think the performances of the riders and the horses has been very good today because of [the efforts of the staff at the show] and of the good footing," Hilberath said.

Germany ultimately finished the Nations Cup series how they started it, having also won the opening leg at Wellington (USA) in February, with three different riders. The nation's final point tally from the four events is 42. Denmark and Sweden also replicated their finishes from last season, finishing second (38 points) and third (33), respectively.

Excitement is building and anticipation rising for the FEI Vaulting World Championship for Seniors, and the FEI European Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters that are returning to Switzerland for the first time since it was hosted in Bulle in 1986.

The competition will begin in Bern on the 17th July, and looks to be fierce, fun and filled with Vaulting excellence as the World’s best come together to fight for glory and stamp their names in the history books.

FEI Vaulting World Championship for Seniors

Germany presents a formidable trio in the Female competition, headed up by 2023 European Champion Kathrin Meyer, who has her sights set on a first World title. Her strongest competition comes from her teammates, 2023 Silver medallist Alina Ross and 2023 World Champion Young Vaulter, Alice Layher.  Layher has made the leap from the Young Vaulter division straight to the top of the Senior category, and her potential, strength and grace make her a force to be reckoned with.

Swiss Vaulters, Ilona Hannich and Nadja Büttiker, will attempt to disrupt an all-German podium finish and hope to capitalise on home advantage.  Both have the ability; Hannich won the European Bronze in 2023 and Büttiker took the same medal home in 2017. Mental strength and physical reserves will play an important part in their competition as both will compete in the Swiss squad and Hannich in the Pas de Deux. Sadly, Danielle Bürgi, a great Swiss talent, will miss out on the event after sustaining an injury in competition two weeks ago, however Swiss legend Lukas Heppler also will be representing the home nation. 

Eva Nagiller, Austria’s big hope, will compete alongside her trusted team of lunger Klaus Haidacher and his horse Idefix 25. Also entering with a strong partnership, developed over the last few years in preparation for this event is Kimberly Palmer (USA), and her Italian combination Rosenstolz 99 and Laura Carnabuci which may give her the edge and a chance to bring honours home to the USA. 

France are bringing their A Game in the form of 2023 European title holder Quentin Jabet with Ronaldo 200 and Andrea Boe.  His unique style, delicate Vaulting and ability to manage challenging situations with ease have set him ahead. Compatriot Theo Gardies, 2023 Silver medallist, will endeavour to pip him to the post and take the title with his own flair. 

Having successfully returned to competition since an injury to his foot two months ago, Jannik Heiland will be hoping to tackle the Frenchmen head on and improve on his 2022 third place finish. Fellow German, Thomas Brüsewitz, is hunting his first podium finish since 2019 where he won Bronze at the European Championships. With high flying, mind-blowing dismounts, Canada’s twenty-two-year-old Talmage Conrad is certainly one to watch.

In the Pas de Deux, Italy are bringing 2024 FEI World Cup™ Champions, Rebecca Greggio and Davide Zanella (ITA), to take on 2022 World Silver medallists Diana Harwardt and Peter Künne (GER). Both pairings present intricate routines and excellence in performance will be of the upmost importance to earn top scores. 

For the home team, Ilona Hannich and Li Lafer have an opportunity to improve on their 2023 European Bronze with teammates Zoe Maruccio and Syra Schmid still on the hunt for their first FEI medal.   As always, the Pas de Deux promises to be an incredible spectacle. 

2022 Squad World Champions, France, have re-established their team, and have received top marks at CVI’s this year. They face German rivals, Team Norka, for a rematch of the 2022 battle for the top and we can expect a thrilling competition.  Each present their own style, having adapted to the new rules reducing the time allowed for triples during the Free test.

Home-nation Switzerland will hope to reward their fans and scoop a medal, but they face firm challenges from both Austria and the USA. 
The Official Team competition will wrap up the event in a nail-biting finale as the top countries choose their most elite individuals to compete alongside their squad to be crowned the ultimate Nation. 

FEI European Championship for Juniors & Young Vaulters

The FEI European Championship for Juniors and Young Vaulters, held alongside the Senior Championship, allows the Vaulting youth to be inspired for the future whilst achieving their goals and showing their promise. 

The Junior Female class is packed with potential. After an unfortunate finish in 2023 Océane Gehan was on the cards to be representing France, but has pulled out this time due to injury.

Denmark’s superstar Josephine Vedel Sondergaard Nielson, 2023 World Silver medallist, has the ability to go one medal better, however 2023 World Champion Clara Ludwiczek (AUT) will endeavour to clinch the European title. Her teammates Dana Benedict and Antonia Mayerhofer could also rise to the top. Germany too have three hopefuls, Johanna Timm, Amari Santamaria Diaz and Laura Seemüller.
Fan favourite, double World Champion, Sam dos Santos (NED) has been making waves on the Senior circuit, but returns to Junior to compete in his final Junior Championship. He will be hard to beat, however, as Germany’s Lukas Heitmann, who impressed judges with his performance in 2023, and Fabio Ring will be tough competition.

Polish hearts are set on Jakob Roguski, who has been steadily climbing the ranks and nipping at the heels of the top Junior males.
Switzerland has great expectations in the Junior Pas de Deux as Plüss sisters Katharina and Valentina aim to show a harmonious program. Fighting for another medal, but with a different partner, 2021 Pas de Deux World Champion Arne Heers will perform together with Mia Bury for Germany, while Austria has two strong combinations entered, Flora Maurer and Sarah Koroschetz and Julia Alber and Eva Koren. Evie and Milly Jessett will make their debut for Great Britain.

Fresh from their Nations Team win at the CHIO Aachen, Germany’s Junior Squad, Fredenbeck, have driven the standard sky high; Austria and Switzerland will have to work hard to keep up. Sweden has their own score to settle after narrowly missing out on a top three finish in 2023.

Young Vaulters

The Young Vaulter category has proven to be a fabulous competition. With athletes moving through the age range regularly, Anna Weidenauer, World Bronze medallist, is the only medallist from 2023 eligible to compete. She faces stiff competition from Germany’s Gianna Ronca and Italian Giorgia Fanucci. Switzerland have  three mighty contenders; Noemi Licci, Michelle Brügger and Leonie Linsbichler.

The Male field is narrow, and success will go to he who has prepared the best and has the constitution to present three excellent tests. The main contenders are from the powerhouse nations. France have chosen Tom Menand and Louis Dumont, Austria’s top choice is Paul Ruttkowsky while German hopes rely on Ben Lechtenberg and Arne Heers.

There are a plethora of medals to be won, with respect and honour to be gained over five days of intense competition.  

FEI TV will live stream all the action here

A Coruña (ESP) has been confirmed as the host city of the FEI European Championship in the Olympic discipline of Jumping for 2025.

The event will be held between 16 and 20 July 2025 and it will be hosted at Casas Novas, a major hub of Equestrian sport in northern Spain and venue of a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup^TM qualifier since 2016. 

"We are delighted to have A Coruña as the host of this Championship, especially at Casas Novas, which is a symbol of equestrian excellence," FEI Jumping Director Todd Hinde said. "We look forward to working together with the Organising Committee to deliver a top-class event.” 

The FEI Jumping European Championship will be part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of Casas Novas, which was established in 1999. A Coruña will become the third Spanish city to host the prestigious event, following in the footsteps of Gijón and Madrid.

Image Caption: Casas Novas equestrian centre, in A Coruña (ESP), will host the FEI Jumping European Championship 2025.

Image Copyright: Casas Novas

With just over two weeks to go, the tension and excitement is at boiling point ahead of the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games which will officially get underway with the Opening Ceremony on the evening of Friday 26 July.

Everything about these Games is destined to be spectacular, including the collection of iconic competition venues. And for the very first time the Opening Ceremony won’t be staged in a stadium, but instead will take place on the river Seine. It’s bound to be like nothing ever seen before.

Three years ago, the lead-in to the Tokyo 2020 Games had challenges such as  the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the statistics for equestrian sport in Tokyo were more impressive than ever, with a record number of countries fielding teams and individuals in the three disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Jumping.

The Paris sport entries (FEI Definite Entries) reveal that the flags of 49 nations will fly high over 11 days of spectacular sport. A total of 200 athlete-and-horse combinations are listed, along with an additional 51 Alternates/Reserves. 

The three-member team format introduced in Tokyo has certainly changed the competition dynamic. Not only is the pressure more intense as each individual performance is so critical, but it has also opened the door for more countries to take part.

In Paris a total of 35 nations will line out in Jumping with 20 of those sending teams while individuals from a further 15 countries will take part. In Eventing a total of 27 countries will be represented by 16 teams and individuals from another 11 countries, and in Dressage 30 nations will compete, 15 sending teams and another 15 fielding individuals. 
 
Venue

When it comes to the venue, equestrian sport has arguably the most sensational of all 32 Olympic sports, as the Château de Versailles, a universally recognised symbol of France, will provide the most stunning backdrop.

Beyond its gardens lies 800 hectares of parkland criss-crossed by straight paths marking out woodland and fields. Some sections of land were lost during the Revolution and the 19th century, but the perimeter retained its original outline and its largest water feature, the Grand Canal designed by André Le Nôtre which runs east-west for 1,670 metres and stretches as far as the eye can see, will be a major feature on Eventing cross-country day when horses and riders gallop across pontoons to get from side to side.

The Canal took 11 years to complete, from 1668 to 1679. During the reign of King Louis XIV his fleet of vessels often resided there, and in the winter months the frozen surface was used for skating and sledding. 

The Park is normally open to the public free-of-charge all year round but, during Games time, there will be restricted access.
 
Equestrian Sport in the Olympic Movement

Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912.

Team and individual medals are awarded in three disciplines - Dressage, Eventing and Jumping.

A three-per-team format applies for the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Canada’s Ian Millar holds the record – 10 – for the most Olympic appearances by any athlete in any sport. He first competed at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and his last Olympic appearance was at London 2012 at the age of 65. He won team silver at the Beijing Games in 2008. He will be Chef d’Equipe for the Canadian Jumping team in Paris which includes his daughter, Amy Millar who also competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

At the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games three years ago Sweden won Jumping team gold while Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Explosion claimed the individual title.

In Dressage Germany won the team title for an incredible 14th time and team-member Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera claimed the top step of the individual podium.

And in Eventing Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Amande de B’Neville were individual champions while Great Britain took team gold for the fourth time.

A Century Ago...

When Paris last staged the Games back in 1924 the principle equestrian venue was the Olympic Stadium of Colombes which lies 22kms from Versailles, while Eventing Endurance was held on the race-track at Auteuil and in the Bois de Boulogne.

A total of 17 nations sent horses and riders. A total of 43 riders from 11 nations competed in Jumping and the individual winner was Switzerland’s Lt Alphonse Gemuseus riding the eight-year-old Irish-bred mare Lucette who was bought as an army remount in 1922 for £48. Sweden’s Lt Ake Thelning (Loke), Lt Axel Stahle (Cecil), Capt J Age Lundström (Anvers) and Capt Georg von Braun (Diana) claimed the Team Jumping title.

The 1924 individual Dressage title went to 56-year-old retired Swedish General Ernst von Linder partnering the Trakehner Piccolomini. His compatriots Bertil Sandström (Sabel), Capt Wilhelm von Essen (Zobel) and Lt Viktor Ankarcrona (Corona) finished second fourth and fifth respectively, and Sweden would have overwhelmingly won team gold if that was possible at the time. However the Dressage team competition was not introduced until 1928. The five judges and their assistants all sat together at a long table in 1924. 

In Eventing a format was introduced that would remain in place for many years to come consisting of Dressage, Roads and Tracks, Steeplechase, Cross-Country and Jumping phases. Team and Individual gold went to The Netherlands, with Lt Adolph DC van der Voort van Zijp (Silver Piece) taking the Individual title and joining Lt Charles P Pahud de Mortanges (Johnny Walker), Lt Gerard P de Kruijff (Addio) and Lt Anton T Colenbrander (King of Hearts) to top the Team podium.   
 
Paris 2024 Equestrian Statistics:

Jumping: 35 countries, 20 teams, 75 horse/athlete combinations
Eventing: 27 countries, 16 teams, 65 horse/athlete combinations
Dressage: 30 countries, 15 teams, 60 horse/athlete combinations

The Paris 2024 sport entries (FEI Definite Entries) also include additional reserve horses and riders.

The 49 NOCs represented in equestrian sport at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are:

Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Venezuela

Full lists HERE

The FEI, in consultation with the Fédération Française d'Équitation (FFE), has announced the cancellation of the CDI Deauville event, which was scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 July. This decision was made on the evening of Tuesday, 9 July due to the Organising Committee’s failure to secure the Veterinary Service for the Event as required by the FEI Veterinary Regulations, despite several weeks of discussions and assurances.

In the weeks leading up to the Event, the Organising Committee repeatedly provided misleading information to the FEI regarding the appointment of veterinarians for the Event. The veterinarians who the Organisers claimed were appointed, reported that they had never been contacted by the Organising Committee and therefore could not accept the role.
The FEI issued a warning to the Organiser of a potential cancellation on 5 July, prompting the Organisers to assure that they would secure the necessary veterinarians to meet the requirements for hosting a CDI. 

However, on receiving the Organisers' update on Tuesday late afternoon that indicated a treating veterinarian might only be available after the arrival of the first horses, the FEI Secretary General made the decision to cancel the event the same evening. 

Additionally, the FEI discovered that the stables were open and receiving horses one day ahead of schedule without a veterinarian team on site. The stables were scheduled to open on Wednesday, 10 July, with the Horse Inspection set to commence the following day.

Under these circumstances, the FEI concluded that cancelling the event was the necessary course of action so as not to jeopardise the safety of the horses. The FEI informed the French National Federation and notified all affected National Federations accordingly.

"The FEI acknowledges the significant inconvenience the last-minute cancellation has caused, particularly for teams that were already en route to Deauville last night," FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“There were over 120 horses who were scheduled to attend the Event, and the potential health risks arising from this situation were too high, especially so close to the Olympic Games. With the lessons from our 2021 experience still fresh in our minds, we are acutely aware of how quickly and severely a disease outbreak can impact both local and international horse populations and the health and safety of the horses is a primary concern.

This was not a decision that was taken lightly by the FEI, and we regret that the various assurances provided by the Organising Committee were not reliable. Our previous experience with this Organiser raised trust concerns, and despite reservations, they were given an opportunity to rebuild this trust. 

We appreciate everyone's understanding and, moving forward, we are committed to thoroughly reviewing the matter with the FFE to prevent similar occurrences in the future.” 

Affected National Federations are advised to contact the Organisers directly for reimbursement of incurred costs.

About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance and Vaulting.

The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its six able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para Dressage and Para Driving.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (the more things change, the more they stay the same)….

French aristocrat, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was founder of the Modern Olympic Games and co-founder of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and this year, from 26 July to 11 August, the capital of his home country, Paris, will become only the second city in the world to host the Summer Olympics on three occasions.

The story of Olympic equestrian competition began at the second Games of the modern Olympiad which were staged in Paris in 1900, but the IOC didn’t officially recognise the equestrian results of that rather muddled edition for more than 50 years. The organisation of the 1912 Games in Stockholm, Sweden, was much improved with the hosts taking team gold in Jumping while the individual Jumping title went to Capt. Jean Carlou from France riding Mignon. However it wasn’t until the Games returned to Paris in 1924 that equestrian sport was firmly established.

The newly-created FEI, at the time with only 14 member National Federations, had spent the previous two years formulating a new Olympic programme. And that has essentially remained the same ever since, embracing the disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Jumping.

To the fore

With military men to the fore, Switzerland’s Lt. Alphonse Gemuseus claimed individual Jumping gold in 1924 partnering Lucette. A total of 43 athletes from 11 nations - Belgium, the former Czechoslovakia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and USA - competed and Sweden claimed the team title.

Dressage champion was Sweden’s General Ernst von Linder riding Piccolomini, and individual bronze went to Frenchman Xavier Lesage riding Plumarol. There was no team competition in Dressage in which 24 riders from nine nations - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the former Yugoslavia - took part.

In Eventing the top step of the podium went to Dutchman Lt Adolphe van der Voort van Zijp who also helped his country claim the team title.

A total of 44 riders from 13 countries - Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and USA - battled it out for the Eventing medals.

A century later as Paris 2024 looms large son the horizon, the flags of all of these countries, some of which have undergone significant change, continue to fly high across equestrian sport, demonstrating the enduring legacy of those early days and the resilience, and appeal, of horses and horse sport during ever-changing times.

Consistently

French riders have been consistently on the medal podium down the years with individual silver in Jumping for Pierre Bertran de Balanda and Papillon XIV and for Major Pierre Marion and Linon in Dressage at Amsterdam in 1928.

In Los Angeles in 1932 Major Marion, Xavier Lesage and André Jousseaume took the team title while Lesage claimed individual gold with Taine and Marion and Linon finished in individual silver medal position once again.

Jousseaume joined Daniel Gillois and Gerard de Ballore to take Dressage team silver in Berlin in 1936, and French Dressage was in really great shape when taking team gold again in London in 1948 where Jousseaume claimed individual silver. It was another strong year for the French with Bernard Chevallier and Aiglonne winning individual gold in Eventing and the Jumping partnership of Jean d’Orgeix and Sucre de Pomme taking individual bronze.

Pierre Jonquères d’Oriola claimed individual Jumping gold with Ali Baba in Helsinki in 1952 where Guy Lefrant took individual silver in Eventing and the ever-consistent André Jousseaume was individual bronze medallist in Dressage.

And d’Oriola was gold medallist again in Tokyo in 1964, this time with Lutteur B, while the French also claimed Jumping team silver.

In between those two spectacular wins was the Eventing team bronze secured by Guy Lefrant, Jehan Le Roy, Jack Le Goff and Pierre Durand in Rome in 1960 - the latter two names becoming more than legendary over subsequent years.

In Mexico in 1968 D’Oriola was joined by Jenou Lefèbvre and Marcel Rozier to take Jumping team silver while Jean-Jacques Guyon and Pitou were individual Eventing champions. And in Montreal in 1976 the Jumping team of Rozier, Hubert Parot, Michel Roche and Marc Roguet stood top of the podium.

In 1980 on home soil at the alternative Olympics in Fontainebleau it was the Eventers who would clinch shiny gold thanks to Joel Pons, Jean-Yves and Thierry Touzaint and Armand Bigot.

Memorable

Perhaps one of the most memorable podium moments however was at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 where the reigning European champions Pierre Durand and his mighty little horse Jappeloup pinned the glorious Gem Twist ridden by America’s Greg Best into silver medal spot while Germany’s Karsten Huck and Nepomuck claimed the bronze. It was an unforgettable Olympic triumph that won its way into the hearts of the public worldwide and eventually onto the silver screen.

French horse-breeding has long been the envy of the world, but Jappeloup, who stood at just 15.2hh, was not classically bred for his discipline. By a French Trotter, Tyrol ll, out of a thoroughbred by Ourai he was tiny compared to many of the horses he competed against at the time. But what he lacked in stature he more than made up for in strength of character and self-belief. When the unlikely ones come out on top it is even more heart-warming, and he carried Durand to also take team bronze at that edition alongside Michel Robert, Frederic Cottier and Hubert Bourdy.

In Dressage Margit Otto-Crépin and Corlandus claimed individual silver in Seoul.

It was Jumping bronze again for the team of Robert, Bourdy, Eric Navet and Hervé Godignon in Barcelona in 1992, and then at Atlanta in 1996 Alexandra Ledermann and Rochet M landed individual Jumping bronze.

There were huge celebrations in Athens in 2004 when Nicolas Touzaint, Jean Teulère, Didier Courrèges, Cédric Lyard and Arnaud Boiteau claimed the Eventing team title, and then at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games the French equestrian teams were really on fire.

Eventers Karim Laghouag, Mathieu Lemoine, Astier Nicolas and Thibaut Vallette took team gold, and Nicolas also claimed individual silver with Piaf de B’Neville who he described as “the horse of my life, a good friend and a very, very nice person!”

And in Jumping, despite a series of setbacks in the lead-up to the final day, Roger-Yves Bost, Pénélope Leprevost, Philippe Rozier and Kevin Staut did exactly the same.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games three years ago it was Eventing team bronze for Laghouag, Christopher Six and Nicolas Touzaint, and in just a few short weeks’ time the French can be expected to give it everything they’ve got once again in all three disciplines.

Versailles

The fabulous Palace of Versailles will be the most extraordinary backdrop to the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games during which other sports will also be located at iconic venues including archery at Esplanade des Invalides, fencing at the Grand Palais, skateboarding at La Concorde and beach volleyball in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

Equestrian athletes and their horses from all around the globe will soon be gathering in the French capital as the final preparations are put in place. In a world where so much has changed over the last 100 years the unique bond between horse and rider continues to fascinate the public, and the stories of courage, determination and pure brilliance as man and horse face the Olympic challenge together will soon begin to unfold once more.

After clinching that very special individual gold in Seoul in 1988, Pierre Durand described his delight at sharing that special moment with his equine partner. “Few men have been as fortunate as I am today because I have touched my dream. I wish I could cut the medal in half and share it with Jappeloup!”, he said.

The French connection with Olympic equestrian events has been long and distinguished, and at Paris 2024 the host-nation competitors will be as determined as ever to do their country proud.

The City of Light awaits, with the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad getting underway in only just over three weeks’ time and with equestrian sport still very much at the heart of it all…..so don’t miss a hoofbeat….

Nine months after losing the lead in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, Rosalind Canter (GBR) has reclaimed the number one position. She replaces Olympic gold medallist and compatriot Oliver Townend, who had held the top spot since October 2023.

Canter's rise to the top is marked by her impressive ascent from third place last month. As the reigning European Champion, she stands out as the only athlete to surpass the 500-point mark, boasting 519 points. Townend follows in second place with 492 points, while fellow Brit Tom McEwen secures third with 454 points.

“I was quite shocked to hear I’m world number one, as it was something that wasn’t on my radar. It’s really exciting news, and I’m thrilled for my whole team because this is a joint effort. I’ve been really lucky to have some fantastic horses in my team,” Rosalind Canter said.

The latest FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings also highlight other notable performances. Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke-Meier has climbed ten places to fourth position with 406 points, thanks to her victory at the CCI5*-L in Luhmühlen (GER) with Hooney d'Arville. World Champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) rounds out the top five with 389 points.

British athletes have dominated the rankings in recent months, occupying eight positions within the Top 10. However, their dominance has waned just weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Currently, five British athletes remain in the Top 10, with Wills Oakden (370 points) in seventh place.

Among the other top-ranked athletes, Martin Boyd (USA) holds sixth place, while New Zealand's Jonelle and Tim Price occupy the eighth and ninth spots respectively. Maxime Livio (FRA) completes the Top 10.

FULL RANKING HERE

Photo caption: Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo at the FEI Eventing European Championship 2023 in Haras du Pin (FRA) - FEI / Libby Law

Download photo here