Brilliant Brits put best foot forward but Danes look imperious at Paris Olympic: all the stories from the grand prix qualifier

The Olympic dressage competition is well underway. Today was the start of the two-day grand prix competition, which acts as a qualifier for both the teams in the grand prix special and the individuals in the freestyle at Paris 2024.

What a contrast from the first day of eventing, where the Palace of Versailles was shrouded in drizzle. Today, the sun blasted down, making for stunning pictures of the action (plus a lot of fans, ice and towels). Here’s our round-up of the top stories of the day.

Britain’s Becky Moody stole the show on her Olympic debut

• Find out why Becky beamed throughout her test – and why Jagerbomb is so named 

Carl Hester rode a composed test under tremendous pressure on Fame

• Learn why this super-cool stallion could be a family pet

The Danes look on imperious form, with Nanna Skodborg Merrald leading the field at the halfway stage

• Where does Nanna feel there’s room for improvement?

Her compatriot Daniel Bachman Andersen conjured a fabulous performance from his improving stallion

• What did Daniel say about riding on autopilot on the Olympic stage?

Another Scandinavian rider has secured his berth in the freestyle

• What treat will Patrik Kittel be offering Touchdown?

Germany fielded just the one rider today – but he was a very good one

• How did Frederic Wandres secure his qualification?

A British-based Australian savoured his moment in the Olympic arena

• Learn how Jayden Brown adapted Quincy B’s warm-up to mitigate the heat

And Abi Lyle may not be among the qualifiers, but she had the time of her life in Versailles

• Find out how the Irish rider coped with her rollercoaster of emotions

Emotion was at the forefront when a Belgian rider finished her test

• What do the scribbles on Larissa Pauluis’ gloves mean?

Unfortunately for one US rider, his horse accidentally nicked herself on the way in, leading to elimination

• Hear Marcus Orlob’s update on his mare Jane’s “minor cut”

Of course, horse welfare was the hot topic of the day, with all riders answering questions on the subject

• Read Carl Hester’s comments on the Charlotte Dujardin video

Away from the dressage competition, there are changes afoot in the British showjumping team

• Which rider’s reserve horse is now set to start in the competition?

And H&H eventing editor is recovering after a mammoth press day on the three days of eventing

• Read Pippa Roome’s blog to find out her thoughts on medals, writing through the night – and selfies with Laura Collett

And to whet your appetite for tomorrow, here’s a preview of the highlights you must not miss from the Olympic dressage in Paris

• 5 things you must watch from the grand prix qualifier on day two

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, the Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

How to watch dressage at the Paris Olympics live from around the world

5 things not to miss as the grand prix dressage concludes at the Paris Olympics – big-name stars inching closer to the medals

‘Every halt, change and transition will matter’: who will top the dressage team podium in Paris?

Britain’s first Olympic gold of Paris 2024, records broken, and champions crowned: all the stories as eventing signs off

Horse & Hound’s ones to watch for Olympic dressage individual medals in Paris

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