Two riders were disqualified in the first round of showjumping at the Rio Olympics today. One was for overuse of the whip and the other for using his spurs excessively.
Belgian individual competitor Nicola Philippaerts was riding Zilverstar T — a 12-year-old KWPN stallion by Berlin. The horse refused twice at 11b, the second part of the difficult double on the final line of fences. Nicola, 23, was then disqualified by the ground jury for the rider’s excessive use of the spurs.
The Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling was riding Zirocco Blue and had two refusals, one at 4b — the second part of the treble — and one at 11a.
He and the 12-year-old stallion by Mr Blue were disqualified after the ground jury deemed the rider to have used his whip excessively.
Jur Vrieling (NED) on Zirocco Blue at the Rio Olympics. Picture by Peter Nixon
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Both disqualifications came under the FEI jumping rules article 242.3.1, which states:
3. Mandatory Disqualification3.1 Horses bleeding on the flank(s), in the mouth or nose or marks indicating excessive use of spurs or of the whip anywhere on the Horse (in minor cases of blood in the mouth, such as where a Horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip, Officials may authorize the rinsing or wiping of the mouth and allow the Athlete to continue; any further evidence of blood in the mouth will result in Disqualification.)
The disqualification marks the end of Nicola’s campaign, as riders competing as individuals only qualify through to the next round on Tuesday (16 August) if they are placed in the top 60 (out of 75 starters today).
The FEI has confirmed to H&H that the Dutch rider Jur Vrieling is permitted to ride as part of his team in the next round despite today’s disqualification.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Full 20-page report from the Olympic showjumping in Rio in the issue ofH&Hpublished Thursday, 25 August, including full analysis of every round of the competition and expert comment from Geoff Billington.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
