Sports Info

Dressage

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About The Sport

The Equestrian disciplines are unique among Olympic sports, in the sense that men and women compete on the same terms and horse and rider are both declared Olympic medal winners.

At Olympic Games, the horses must be the same nationality as the riders and each horse must be at least seven years old and have (as well as the rider) a certificate indicating experience in top international competition.

Rider and horse are considered a team. Years of systematic efforts are required for the team to be able to perform in the various exercises of skill, speed, endurance, and jumping of obstacles. In each of the three Equestrian events – Dressage, Jumping and Eventing – the aim is to create a harmonious partnership between horse and rider.

Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse together with the rider’s perfect guidance and control. Together, horse and rider perform a set of specific movements and are judged on their performance for their quality and for their overall aspect of the test.

Dressage is often compared to ballet, due to the skill and mastery it requires from both rider and horse in order to execute all exercises.

Beijing Olympics medal table

 Country
  G      S      B     T  
China    
51 21 28 100
USA
36 38 36 110
Russia
23 21 28 72
Team GB
19 13 15 47
Germany
16 10 15 41

To view full medal table, click here. To view all Team GB medallists click here.


Section heading - Brits to Watch Out For

Andy Murray

Singles

Andy Murray
  • Date of Birth: 15/05/1987
  • Lives: Wandsworth, London

The British number one will compete in both the singles and, alongside his brother Jamie, in the doubles for Team GB in Beijing.

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