Despite an inauspicious start, Valegro became a household name thanks to his record-breaking performances with Charlotte Dujardin, earning himself a place in history. Polly Bryan charts the story behind the gold medals

There can be no other horse who has done more for his sport than Valegro. Ridden by Charlotte Dujardin, this remarkable gelding – known at home as Blueberry – made history time and time again. From Olympic gold medals to breaking world records for fun, he has done it all – and inspired an enormous, adoring fan base across the world.

Dressage enthusiasts in their thousands have followed the trio of Valegro, Charlotte and Carl Hester, and their glittering career trajectory. But far fewer will know how close the greatest team that British dressage has ever had came to ending, before it had even got off the ground.

Carl’s first glimpse of Valegro was as a rising three-year-old at the KWPN stallion show and grading in Ermelo in 2005.

“I was staying with Anne and Gertjan van Olst in the Netherlands, and Anne suggested we go to watch the grading – I’d never experienced one before,” remembers Carl.

“Gertjan had five or six young horses going through, one of which was Valegro, a son of Negro. The whole process seemed very fast, and all I can remember was this huge canter in a very small space – I just couldn’t take my eyes off Valegro and his canter. He was quite small and cobby; he always had that chunkiness and strength about him, with the head of a duchess and the bottom of a cook.

“He wasn’t accepted, so went out the back with the other horses who were going to be sold. When it was over, Anne and I went out to see him and he had such a charming look about him – he was so grown up, even then.”

Valegro wasn’t expensive, and after he had been gelded he arrived at Carl’s yard in Gloucestershire. But he didn’t prove a superstar right away – and certainly didn’t seem as though he’d grow big enough for Carl.

“He didn’t grow until he was nearly five, but he was hellishly strong for a little chap, and was also a mild headshaker,” explains Carl. “So I said to Anne, ‘I’m going to bring him back and we’ll find him another home.’”

Carl dropped Valegro back at the van Olsts’ yard en route to a five-day show in the Netherlands, but as he started the journey back to the UK, Anne advised him to reconsider keeping Valegro.

“So I stopped there again on the way back and Valegro got back on the lorry. He ended up just having a five-day holiday in the Netherlands,” Carl laughs.

Reinstated in Gloucestershire once more, Valegro swiftly began to make his mark. Under Carl he was four-year-old national champion in 2006, and in the same year won the Badminton Young Dressage Horse of the Future ridden by Lucy Cartwright – with Carl and Uthopia second. And it was around the same time that Carl took on a new pupil he was quietly excited about, who appeared a good match for Valegro. That pupil was, of course, Charlotte Dujardin.

The partnership gelled immediately, clocking up copious national titles in their early years together – the novice title in 2007, elementary and medium the following year, and the coveted prix st georges title in 2010. Every new challenge thrown at Valegro, he took on with relish and talent to burn – earning himself the nickname of “The Professor”.

The road to the London Olympics began in 2011, as Charlotte and Valegro exploded onto the international grand prix scene in Vidauban, France, winning two grands prix and two grand prix specials in quick succession.

“After Blueberry’s first win, Carl’s phone started buzzing constantly and suddenly people were asking, ‘Who is this rider? Who is this horse?’ It wasn’t the quiet trip we had expected!” recalls Alan Davies, super-groom to Carl and Charlotte.

Even more astonishing was their team debut at the Rotterdam European Championships later that same year, where they helped Britain clinch team gold, with Carl famously hiding behind a pillar with tears in his eyes as he watched his protégé perform a stunning grand prix.

London 2012 will likely never fall from its pedestal, the glorious culmination of a decades-long effort to raise the profile of British dressage, much of it spearheaded by Carl. And the final ingredient that helped work the magic: Valegro.

He had burst onto the international scene just the year before, and was now the subject of a strange mixture of mystery and expectation. Could this “wonder horse” really live up to the task on the biggest stage of them all, especially when the usually nerve-free Charlotte admitted her legs were like jelly as she began her grand prix? Of course he could.

“Boom! Her first extended trot banged in the nines. If Charlotte finally felt the magnitude of what she had to do, Valegro didn’t,” wrote H&H reporter Catherine Austen at the time.

Two plus-83% scores for Valegro in the grand prix and the special meant that Britain topped the podium, but it was his individual gold medal in the freestyle that completed the fairy tale.

As Valegro danced to the patriotic strains of Land of Hope and Glory, the picture of willingness and harmony, tears flowed in every corner of the Greenwich stadium. The now infamous hiccup in the piaffe-pirouette as Charlotte and Valegro began their final centre line was not enough to dampen the magic of their performance, and the moment their 90.089% score flashed up on the giant boards was one nobody lucky enough to be present is ever likely to forget.

The two years following the London Olympics brought yet more gold medals for Valegro, and records too. He and Charlotte toppled the world record previously set by Edward Gal and Totilas for the grand prix freestyle, scoring 93.97% at Olympia 2013, and a year later breaking their own record with a still-standing 94.3%. But beneath the shining surface was the ongoing, very real possibility of Valegro being sold, and it was a period that Charlotte later revealed left her battling depression.

It was seeing Valegro secure yet another individual gold for Britain at the 2013 European Championships, followed by his record-breaking Olympia performance, that convinced Carl and co-owner Roly Luard that they had to do whatever it took to keep this incredible horse.

When the news broke in H&H that they were looking to form a syndicate to keep him, Anne Barrott contacted Carl, and in 2014 she became the third owner of Valegro. Her investment was duly rewarded, with Charlotte and Valegro becoming world champions later that same year at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

One last hurrah for Valegro

As the rest of the dressage world looked ahead to the Rio Olympics with bated breath, hoping Valegro could defend his title, Carl and Charlotte shared a secret. The 2016 Olympics was likely to be Valegro’s final competition.

“When we went out to Rio, Charlotte and I were the only two people who knew this was probably his last performance,” says Carl. “We were loath to say anything to anyone about his retirement; what if he didn’t then win?”

If the London Olympics had demonstrated Valegro’s immense talent, it was the Rio Games that proved the embodiment of his character. Never before, and perhaps never again, will the dressage world see a horse whose physical ability is matched with such a desire to please his rider, to strive for her and with such pleasure in doing so.

The knowledge that her Rio freestyle was likely her last time in the ring with Valegro, plus the enormous pressure Charlotte found herself under to win yet another gold medal, was enough to produce nerves unlike anything the usually steely rider had felt before.

“Just before she went into the arena for the freestyle was the first time I ever saw Charlotte slightly nervous,” remembers Alan, who routinely accompanied Charlotte and Valegro during the final moments before their test.

“I told her to take a deep breath, that she’d be fine. We had to walk down a ramp to get into the arena and as we did, Blueberry heard the crowd clapping and I just saw him lift as he completely went into performance mode, as if to say: ‘Come on Charlotte.’”

And what a performance it was – you’d be forgiven for truly believing that Valegro genuinely knew this was the time to bust out the test of his life.

“Blueberry knew I was nervous,” said Charlotte at the time. “He looked after me and helped me out. Trotting round the edge, he picked up and I knew we were ready to go.

“Then on the last centre line, he felt truly magical. It was effortless and easy and nothing was going to break that bond we have. I can’t tell you what it’s like to ride him; he has a heart of gold.”

Their final score of 93.857% – which included 37 10s from the seven judges – was just shy of their own world record, but was nonetheless a new Olympic record.

“It was the most sublime test I have ever seen,” says Carl. “He truly showed his trust in Charlotte, and that his enthusiasm for the job had never changed. The rest of his career was hugely fun, but that moment was the most emotional, and most special of all.”

For a horse to bring so much joy and evoke so much emotion, not to just his own connections, but to swathes of people across the world – including many who had never even seen dressage prior to 2012 – is truly remarkable.

This was perfectly illustrated by his emotional retirement ceremony at Olympia in 2016 – from which very few emerged dry-faced. But one of the most special things about this horse is the way in which he has continued to make an impact even after his competition days came to an end. Now aged 19, he maintains his zest for life and lovable nature, enjoying days in the field, long hacks, the odd public appearance and, ever The Professor, teaching some of Carl’s lucky pupils the ropes.

Valegro is a horse whose achievements and influence will stretch far beyond his own career, which will forever remain a shining highlight in the history of dressage.

As Carl puts it, “Valegro is a name that will, quite simply, last for eternity.”

Roly Luard on co-owning Valegro with Carl Hester and Anne Barrott

“I was thrilled when Carl asked me if I’d like to join in the ownership of Valegro with him. We’d shared a couple of horses before and so I knew how much fun it was to own a horse with him.

“I was overjoyed to be asked; by that point, Valegro was seven and Charlotte was well established as his rider. I remember watching them compete in the early days, and thinking ‘wow’, and of course they went from strength to strength.

“I’ve been lucky enough to go to three World Cup Finals, and I will never forget arriving in Las Vegas for the 2015 final, and seeing these massive billboards everywhere with pictures of Charlotte and Valegro. It was completely surreal, as was the return flight from Vegas when the pilot congratulated me – I had to pinch myself.

“The timing of Valegro’s career was unbelievable – we had never beaten the Germans or the Dutch before, and it’s been amazing to see how far the Brits have come.

“I owe the formidable combination of Carl, Charlotte and Valegro a massive amount, and thank them for all the sheer excitement, and the great feeling of patriotism and being loyal to Britain. And we have had such fun.

“Now I have shares in two more horses with Carl and it’s thanks to Valegro; my time in the sport isn’t just a memory now, but is something that I’ve been able to carry forward. Valegro is not just a household name, he really has changed so many people’s lives.”

Alan Davies on Valegro bowing out at the top

“It was Simon Brooks-Ward’s idea that I should lead Valegro into the last part of the retirement ceremony at Olympia [pictured]. I had to stay in the collecting ring on my own with him while they were doing interviews in the ring, and I was in pieces.

“I felt the tears coming and tried to pull myself together. But as the curtains opened, the noise from the crowd, the absolute love I felt from them for this horse, meant that I sobbed all the way up the centre line. It was tears of joy that he was going out at the top, that he was just the most phenomenal horse and everyone loved him – walking in there together, him and me, was the most incredible moment of my life.

“He and I have been all around the world together. Valegro’s trusted me to take him to all these places, to go off on the lorry together on all these adventures, and I felt so honoured that he loved and trusted me enough to walk with me up the centre line at Olympia.”

Valegro fact file

Born: 5 July 2002

Breeding: Negro x Gershwin

Studbook: KWPN

Height: 16.2hh

Breeders: Joop and Maartje Hanse

Owners: Carl Hester, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott

Rider: Charlotte Dujardin

The bloodlines behind Valegro

Valegro’s illustrious sire, Negro (above, left, meeting Valegro), competed successfully to big tour himself, and now boasts more than 1,650 offspring, among them 38 licensed sons and more than 20 grand prix horses. He himself is a son of the great Olympic dressage horse Ferro, sire of more than 50 international grand prix horses.

Maifleur, Valegro’s dam, was by the Voltaire stallion Gershwin, out of the Heidelberg mare Weidyfleur. Credited with “keur” status by the KWPN in 1997, Maifleur was herself a prolific winner in breed classes, just as her own mother had been ­– both Weidyfleur and Maifleur were crowned champion of the Zeeland breed show.

Valegro’s breeders, Joop and Maartje Hanse, based at Burgh Hamstede in the Netherlands, selected the then-upcoming Negro to complement Maifleur’s jumping bloodlines. Her sire, Gershwin, jumped to 1.50m and was a successful sire of eventers, and his Furioso line is known for producing top jumpers.

Maifleur produced six foals, including three others by Negro, making them full siblings to Valegro. These are Weidyfleur II, now 18; Jalegrofleur, seven; and her final offspring, Lelegro, five – sold to Britain as a foal for €50,000 (£45,000).

– This feature was first published in H&H magazine, 15 April, 2021 –

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As the equestrian world prepares to watch dressage sensation Valegro retire at Olympia tonight (14 December 2016), take a look

For a guest-edit of a 2020 edition of Horse & Hound, Alan Davies, groom to Valegro during his record-breaking career, shared some of his highlights and most treasured memories from their time together.

Vidauban CDI, 2011

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro won two grands prix and two grand prix specials across the two-week show…

“This was the first international show at grand prix level for Charlotte and “Blueberry’, so we didn’t know how either of them would react,” says Alan Davies, using the stable name for his charge, Valegro. “We took three horses to compete over two weeks, and it was supposed to be a relaxed, educational trip. But after Blueberry’s first win, Carl’s phone started buzzing constantly and suddenly people were asking, ‘Who is this rider? Who is this horse?’ It wasn’t the quiet trip we had expected!”

Rotterdam Europeans, 2011

At their first championship, Charlotte and Valegro helped the team win Britain’s first dressage gold medal…

“The Rotterdam Europeans were unbelievable, because no one expected Britain to win gold. At that time the Brits were nearly always the underdogs, and we were certainly not expected to beat the Dutch on home ground. Uthopia led the way for the Brits, and although Blueberry had a few green mistakes, he did amazing work and neither he nor Charlotte were bothered by the pressure. This was an amazingly proud moment, not just for the team and the country, but for these two horses, whom Carl and Charlotte had trained from youngsters, to be on top like that. It was gobsmacking actually.”

Hagen CDI4*, 2012

Just one year in to their international career, Charlotte and Valegro set a new world record of 88.02% for the grand prix special…

“We took Blueberry to Hagen mostly just for extra experience in the run-up to the Olympics – breaking the record that had been set by Totilas was totally unexpected. He and Charlotte did the most incredible test; Carl and I held our breath throughout. I can picture Blueberry’s one-time changes that day even now – they were huge, so forward, so beautiful, and he just had the biggest smile on his face.”

London Olympics, 2012

Charlotte and Valegro led Britain to gold, as well as becoming the individual Olympic champions…

“My clearest memory of the London Olympics is driving the lorry out of the gates of Greenwich Park on our way home, and a huge cheer went up from all the people sitting outside the pub. I felt this huge sense of relief that we had managed to pull this off. Blueberry was only 10 and Charlotte was still inexperienced; I couldn’t believe we’d done it. The medal ceremony was a bit of a blur. In the collecting ring it was mayhem – we knew it was gold, but we weren’t sure how the prize-giving was going to work. I remember Charlotte saying to me, ‘Please come in with me, I want you in there with me.’ It wasn’t until we got back to the stables afterwards that we properly realised what had just happened.”

Olympia, 2013

Charlotte and Valegro broke the world record previously set by Edward Gal and Totilas for the grand prix freestyle, scoring 93.97%…

“Olympia 2013 was the first time he broke the record in the music – the last one he hadn’t yet broken. Charlotte had to do an interview after her test, so I took Blueberry back to the stables and washed him off. I didn’t know what mark they had, or what was going on. Then Charlotte came running down to the stables screaming and shouting. It so happened that we were stabled near Edward Gal, and as Charlotte flung her arms around me she saw him and his groom Vanessa Ruiter, and said, ‘Oh my God I’m really sorry – I’ve just broken your record.’ But Vanessa told me that if it had to happen, she was glad it was us – the Dutch adored Blueberry.”

World Equestrian Games, 2014

Charlotte and Valegro became world champions…

“I’ll never forget a particular moment during the individual prize-giving at the World Equestrian Games in France. The podium faced the press down one long side, but as the girls were getting their medals on the podium, and we grooms were standing behind with the horses, I heard someone call my name from the other side of the stadium. I turned, and walked with Blueberry over to the stands on that side and the crowd went crazy: waving flags, clapping, cheering, shouting his name, shouting my name. It was amazing to see how many people really appreciated grooms and the importance of our role behind the scenes.”

Las Vegas World Cup Final, 2015

Charlotte and Valegro claimed their second consecutive World Cup title with 94.19%…

“Competing in Vegas was a completely surreal experience, and the crowds were unbelievable. You could hear a pin drop at the start of their test, but as it went on you could hear the crowd start to buzz, then they were all clapping along at the end. It was amazing to see how much they got behind Charlotte and of course Blueberry loved it – the bigger the crowd the better for him.”

Rio Olympics, 2016

As well as securing team silver for Britain, Charlotte and Valegro retained their Olympic title on what was their final competitive outing…

“There was a lot of pressure on the pair of them in Rio – Charlotte was the reigning Olympic champion after all. Just before she went into the arena for the freestyle was the first time I ever saw Charlotte slightly nervous. I told her to take a deep breath, that she’d be fine. We had to walk down a ramp to get into the arena and as we did Blueberry heard the crowd clapping and I just saw him lift as he completely went into performance mode, as if to say, ‘Come on Charlotte.’ And they were foot perfect. He tried so hard, put his heart and soul into it, listened to her on every step, and was perfectly on the beat of the music – it was just a joy to watch. That horse has the biggest heart, and he really showed it that day.”

Valegro’s retirement ceremony at Olympia, 2016

After cementing his place in history as the most successful dressage horse of all time, Valegro was officially retired with an emotional ceremony at Olympia 2016…

“It was Simon Brooks-Ward’s idea that I should lead Valegro into the last part of the ceremony. I had to stay in the collecting ring on my own with him while they were doing interviews in the ring, and I was in pieces. I felt the tears coming and tried to pull myself together. But as the curtains opened, the noise from the crowd, the absolute love I felt from them for this horse, meant that I sobbed all the way up the centre line. It was tears of joy that he was going out at the top, that he was just the most phenomenal horse and everyone loved him – walking in there together was the most incredible moment of my life. The two of us have been all around the world together; he’s trusted me to take him to all these places, and I felt so honoured that he loved and trusted me enough to walk with me up the centre line at Olympia.”

– This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine; 30 April 2020 –

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If you enjoyed this article, you may also like to read…

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The Olympics can do funny things to the most stoic of people. You find yourself welling up watching the taekwondo medal ceremony and the Brownlee brothers lying on the ground post-triathlon triumph can make your bottom lip quiver. And so it’s no surprise, that when it comes the equestrian sport, we’re an emotional wreck.

With soaring highs and crashing lows, here are some of the brilliant horse sport quotes from Rio 2016 that have got us going…

Charlotte Dujardin, only the second female British Olympian to win three gold medals, on it being unlikely that superstar Valegro will contest another championship

Dutch dressage rider Adelinde Cornelissen, on retiring Parzival from the grand prix, after he was suffering from a toxic fever

Spencer Wilton on a blip in the special

Charlotte Dujardin on pre-freestyle nerves, and Valegro’s helping hand

Strong praise from Richard Davison for the gold medal-winning Valegro

Chef d’equipe Michel Asseray on the French team’s reaction to their gold medal

William Fox-Pitt sums up the British eventing team’s disappointment on missing out on a medal

William Fox-Pitt on retiring Chilli Morning to stud

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Tales from Rio: ‘We had no money; I did Polly Pocket commercials to pay for lessons’

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Ben Maher on Britain’s failure to clinch a team showjumping medal as the defending champions

Kevin Staut after taking showjumping team gold for France

Nick Skelton, after taking individual gold in the showjumping with Big Star

Don’t miss the full report from the Olympic dressage in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (18 August 2016), and the full showjumping report in next week’s issue (25 August)

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

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has defended its decision to allow a dressage horse that failed a drug test in June to compete at the Rio Olympics.

Suzanne Hearn’s Olympic ride Remmington tested positive for controlled medication meloxicam at Rotterdam CDI3* in June.

Meloxicam is a non-steroidical anti-inflamatory drug that is listed on the “controlled medication” part of the FEI’s equine prohibited substances list (EPSL).

Items on this list are deemed by the FEI to have therapeutic value and/or be commonly used in equine medicine. However, they are not allowed to be present in a horse on competition days.

She accepted the FEI’s administrative sanction on 5 August of a fine of 1,500 Swiss francs (£1,192.98), plus costs, and disqualification from the Dutch show.

A statement from the AOC said it became aware that a notification of positive controlled medication had been issued on 3 August.

“By that time the Australian dressage team, including Sue Hearn and her horse Remmington were already on the ground in Rio,” said an AOC spokesman.

“There was no travelling reserve with dressage and it was not logistically possible to make a substitute.

“Equestrian Australia nominated Sue Hearn in good faith to the AOC who subsequently selected Hearn to the Australian Olympic team.

“Sport entries were complete, the nomination and selection period was no longer current and therefore relevant.

Related articles:

• Witness Charlotte and Valegro win Olympic gold in Rio
• Adelinde Cornelissen responds to rumours Parzival suffered a hairline fracture in Rio
• Injured British groom update: ‘I could hear Charlotte Dujardin shouting: He needs an ambulance!’

“Sue accepted the administrative sanction immediately and was cleared by the FEI to compete.

“Given the circumstances the AOC felt Sue should retain her place in the team.”

Suzanne, who was riding as an individual for Australia, finished 54th at the Games.

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

The world salutes Valegro — the greatest dressage horse it has ever seen — along with Charlotte and Carl for their greatness too. The alchemy of their outstanding and special qualities has treated us yet again to a unique level of dressage and sportsmanship.

In securing Charlotte’s back-to-back individual gold, Valegro answered every call and gave all he had. But while some of us feared it might be close, they romped home with a whopping margin.

Carl and Jane de la Mare’s Nip Tuck performed a truly superb freestyle test and, perhaps with the benefit of a later draw, could have easily finished closer to the medals.

As to the team medals I thought all of our riders came out fighting and stepped up, including first-time Olympians Fiona and Spencer. The grand prix special turned into a scrap with riders from the USA, the Netherlands, Britain and Germany all determined to keep a grip on the hardware. Germany were outstanding, and while we had Valegro’s score to rely on, they slammed three plus-80% scores on the table and there was never any doubt as to who was in control.

The overall standard was high and reflects the global increase. In total 36 riders achieved scores in excess of 70% in the grand prix, and 30 in the special.

For all the pre-Games doom and gloom, as predicted, once the bell gonged for the first rider, we witnessed four days of exciting dressage. It was a shame that there were so many empty seats for the dressage and eventing, but that probably reflects the domestic interest in those disciplines and, with Brazil’s numerous political and other problems, I suspect many would-be visitors decided to give it a miss and follow the excitement on the television. It was interesting that the stands were almost full for the showjumping, for which the nation has a strong tradition.

The venue organising team received much praise for their efforts and the general feedback was that the officials were efficient yet more relaxed than at previous Games. I found it amusing that a couple of dressage riders were led a long way on to the field of play, which at previous Games would have been prohibited and potentially could seriously have risked their team status, but went unchallenged in Rio.

The most special of all

There were many up-and-coming horses to catch the eye and the future of international dressage looks exciting. But none show the magic of “the special one” — Valegro — as great as Mohamad Ali.

The past five months have required disciplined management from Carl and Charlotte. They have had to ease up on the training and competitions, yet ensure Valegro’s fitness reached Olympic standard. It has meant holding their nerve and it is an example of ultimate horse management.

In Rio we saw Valegro’s usual breathtaking extensions, half-passes and flying changes, yet tiny cracks were also beginning to emerge. If you compare how he used to passage and piaffe, here he could not replicate the same consistent punch and activity. But in the final individual competition, amidst blistering heat, he still gave everything he had — just as he always has. That is what makes him so special, why he is the greatest, and why so many of us owe him so much.

Ref Horse & Hound; 18 August 2016

Charlotte Dujardin’s mistake in the first trot half-pass in the special was uncharacteristic, but she did well to bring her marks back up after such an expensive error.

Valegro is in a different league to the rest. He was his normal, easy-going, laid-back self — you never have to worry about him being tricky in the atmosphere. He’s always 100% with Charlotte.

His grand prix was more or less foot perfect and the highlights included the extended trots and one-time changes.

Carl Hester improved massively from the grand prix to the special, when he had Nip Tuck more onside. He didn’t give Carl an easy ride in the grand prix. The mega spook was expensive as he was punished in both the passage and the extended walk marks.

Carl rides masterfully — he’s so accurate and picks up marks on all the fiddly bits like the halts and pirouettes. It was a shame that “Barney” spooked at the cameras coming out of the second pirouette in the special, lost balance and changed leg. This pair were not alone in having problems in this movement — a lot of horses made mistakes when spooking.

It was unfortunate that a dodgy moment in the piaffe brought Fiona Bigwood’s score down in the special as that movement is usually a highlight. But there was much to like in both tests.

Spencer raised his game from the grand prix to the special — the horse looked a lot more in front of him the second time and he was really connected to the contact, which has been a problem in the past. Spencer must have been annoyed he miscounted and only did 13 one-time changes as they were lovely changes.

Germany’s Isabell Werth showed steely nerves and complete composure. She had a foot-perfect test on a little mare who is not the scopiest, but is so obedient and willing.

Shouty aids

Many riders made mistakes in the special, which shows the pressure was on. I was worried the US riders were going to lose their bronze, which would have been a shame.

They all ride beautifully but underperformed a little in the special, bar Laura Graves, who is a lovely rider. Verdades has a great heart and really tries for her.

Steffen Peters was disappointing in the special and was generously scored considering his performance. Legolas clearly didn’t want to play and was disobedient at times; some of the extensions were not always in balance and Steffen appeared to have to shout the aids at him throughout the test. Johnson, for the Dutch team under Hans Peter Minderhoud, also looked grumpy and had to be strongly persuaded to perform.

The judging was fairly spot on otherwise. There was some surprise that Desperados FRH received top marks when he was not completely regular in passage, but I’d like to clarify that the judges’ positions of view make a big difference.

The judges in front of him — at C, M and H, will see high front legs, perfect straightness and a beautiful uphill outline. The judges at B and E will see something different and mark him down, but the average will come out as a good score.

I picked out two pairs to watch for the future. Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour is a beautiful rider who is sensitive with her horse, Cassidy. Spain’s Severo Jurado López also impressed, on the expressive Lorenzo.

Ref Horse & Hound; 18 August 2016

The quadruple Olympic gold medallist Nicole Uphoff has reached out to the Irish Olympic dressage rider Judy Reynolds via Facebook expressing her opinion that Judy’s ride on Vancouver K in the grand prix freestyle individual final at the Rio Olympics was undermarked.

Judy became the first Irish rider ever to qualify for the freestyle. She finished bottom of the pack out of the 18 who qualified, scoring 75.696%, quite a way off their personal best of 79.7%, achieved at Qatar’s CHI Al Shaqab in March of this year.

Nicole said: “Dear Judy, I just want to express my respect for your very nice ride today! Everything looked very loose and easy; you rode with a soft connection and your horse was in a perfect frame!

“In my eyes your score is much too low, especially compared to other rides, where horses could hardly breathe! Congratulations from my side.”

Continued below…

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Other riders, including international grand prix competitors, said they agreed.

Judy’s individual judges’ scores ranged from 74.5% (from the judge at K, Gary Rockwell of the USA) to 77% from Great Britain’s Stephen Clarke, who was sitting at F.

There were some individual movements that also caused disagreement between them. For the extended walk, one judge awarded a six, but another an eight. For the one-time changes, she received a 7.5 and a nine.

This was after having posted a new Irish record — and consequently a new personal best as she was the previous record-holder — in the grand prix special just three days earlier.

Judy has been crowned Irish rider of the year three times and is based in Germany. She rode at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, despite having an emergency appendix operation just three weeks earlier.

Nicole won both team and individual gold medals at the Seoul (1988) and Barcelona (1992) Olympics riding Rembrandt.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H this week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Charlotte Dujardin successfully defended her Olympic individual title in Rio today, clinching the gold with a massive 93.857% on Valegro.

The rider was in tears as she left the arena and broke down again talking to journalists afterwards.

“I just knew he couldn’t have done any more,” she said. “I felt like he’d done his very best and I’m very emotional, particularly because I think he’s going to be retired. I don’t want you to write this because we haven’t said when, but it’s on the cards to retire him, so we’ll go home and make a plan.”

Charlotte said it felt like the 14-year-old knew she was emotional today.

“I feel like he really looked after me and helped me,” she said.

Germany’s riders took both the other medals, with silver for Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD on 89.071%. Krstina Broring-Sprehe claimed individual bronze with Desperados FRH on a score of 87.142%.

Continued below…

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Britain had two other riders in the freestyle, Carl Hester and Fiona Bigwood.

Carl was delighted with his performance on Nip Tuck, who scored 82.553% for seventh.

“It felt beautiful and I felt my mark matched my test, which is nice and not always the case,” he said. “I came out and thought, ‘What more could he have done?’ He’s improved each day.”

Fiona broke into canter twice in her test with Orthilia, in the first trot half-pass and on the final centreline, ending up with a score of 76.018%. She explained that with temperatures hitting the 30s today, her preparation had not been ideal.

“It was a tough warm-up today — we went in the air-conditioned indoor, but there’s no atmosphere in there, so then you come out and they are suddenly exposed to the atmosphere,” said Fiona. “But it’s too hot to warm up outside.”

Judy Reynolds, the first Irish rider to qualify for the Olympic freestyle, completed her Games with a score of 75.696% and 18th place on Vancouver K. She was a little disappointed to have a couple of mistakes in her test today, but delighted with her Olympic debut as a whole.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H this week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Dutch dressage rider Adelinde Cornelissen has responded to rumours circulating online that Parzival was suffering from a hairline fracture when she rode him in the grand prix as part of her nation’s Olympic team on Wednesday (10 August).

She began the test but the horse appeared lacklustre and Adelinde retired during the walk section. It transpired that Parzival had been bitten by some sort of bug or insect early the previous day and his face had swollen up alarmingly, causing his body to flood with toxins.

“He had a toxic fever and we had him on fluids to flush it out of his system,” said Adelinde.

Shortly afterwards, speculation online suggested that the horse may have in fact been suffering from a hairline fracture of the jaw.

Adelinde has responded to these claims.

“Just to get it off my chest,” she wrote, “no hairline fracture of any kind! I guess some people didn’t think the story was interesting enough. Anyway, I am just happy Parzi is happy and healthy again.”

She included a photograph of Parzival having a roll in one of the outdoor arenas at the venue in Rio de Janeiro.

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During investigations into the initial diagnosis of an insect bite, Parzival underwent an X-ray of his jaw area.

Adelinde, 37, was hoping to replicate hers and Parzival’s London 2012 Olympics form — where they picked up the individual silver medal behind Charlotte Dujardin (Valegro) and ahead of Laura Tomlinson, who took bronze with Mistral Hojris.

Parzival had looked fit and fresh at Rotterdam CDI in July, and Adelinde was hoping that the Rio Olympics would be the 19-year-old gelding’s retirement championships.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H this week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Follow the freestyle dressage action at the Rio Olympic Games via our live and interactive written commentary service with expert opinion from Hayley Watson-Greaves

Welcome to H&H Live – Horse & Hound’s live and interactive written commentary service – as we prepare for the final day of the dressage competition at the Rio Olympic Games. The grand prix freestyle to music competition is due to get underway at 2pm UK time on Monday 15 August, so make sure you’re logged on so you don’t miss a moment. You can register below to receive an email reminder if you’d like to do so.

Successful British dressage rider and trainer Hayley Watson-Greaves will be on hand to share her expert insight on each rider’s freestyle performance on 15 August, supported by H&H’s website editor and eventing enthusiast Carol Phillips. Hayley has recently returned from Rio so she’ll be able to share her thoughts on the venue and her experience visiting the Games as part of the BEF World Class development squad.

What is H&H Live?

For those who aren’t familar with H&H Live, it is an up-to-the-minute written commentary service enhanced with still images, which also gives you the opportunity to take part in live interactive polls, pose questions to our team and post your comments.

You can follow on your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone, so you can get live updates whereever you are, without having to be in front of your TV. NB: This is NOT a live video stream.

Can I watch on TV?

All action from the Olympic Games is going to be available via the BBC’s red button services as well as the BBC sports website. We hope that you will join us as well for the insight the H&H team can provide, and take part in our interactive options. Find out what’s happening when ».

H&H Live will continue throughout the Games covering all the action across all three equestrian disciplines. The remaining action will be brought to you by H&H staff members. We look forward to you joining us for two fantastic weeks of equestrian sport.

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

The British groom working for the German team at the Olympics in Rio who was injured in the team dressage prize-giving has assured Horse & Hound that he is “really fine”.

Robbie Sanderson was taken to hospital immediately after the incident, but was discharged within an hour and a half.

“I’m phenomenally well,” said Robbie. “It really looked a lot worse than it was. It was just the wrong place at the wrong time and a shame it had to happen in front of everyone.”

He was leading Cosmo, Söneke Rothenberger’s horse, who had just won team gold for Germany.

“Cosmo never does things like that; he’s the most adorable horse in the world,” said Robbie.

Grooms were required to lead horses off the right hand side, which most are not used to.

“Basically I wasn’t very comfortable that they made us walk on the right-hand side of the horses, out of our comfort zone,” he explained. “The horses got excited and Cosmo’s very sensitive.”

The nine-year-old gelding — the youngest in the field — struck out and caught Robbie on the top of the head.

“Everyone around me was amazing,” he continued. “My rider asked if I was OK; the British grooms all helped. Söneke’s dad Sven came straight there and said he’d got Cosmo.”

As a dedicated and experienced groom, Robbie’s first thought was for the horse.

“The only thing I care about is the horse,” he insisted. “And [Valegro’s groom] Alan Davies, who knows me well, thought I would insist on just having a patch on and doing the rest of the ceremony.

“I could hear Charlotte Dujardin shouting, “Ambulance for Robbie! He needs an ambulance now!”

“All I was thinking was that I didn’t want to miss the ceremony. It’s not every day you get gold, and it was the proudest day for me. It’s the only medal I haven’t had in my whole career. I was the proudest groom in the world. Having that happen and then having to leave the prize-giving really killed me.”

He praised the reaction of the Rio organisers in getting the cut treated.

“Within an hour and a half I’d had the 10 stitches and the German team doctor was with me the whole time,” he explained. “Rio did an amazing job and really took care of us.”

In the local hospital an MRI showed that Robbie had no blood on the brain.

Crash hats for grooms

Does Robbie think grooms should wear helmets in ceremonies?

“No, we don’t need hard hats,” he reasons, “but we need to be in our comfort zone on the left side. It was a freak accident, but I’ve done more than 100 prize-givings and never had a problem.

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“It was just a little moment that went wrong. Cosmo is the most loving animal in the world; just a big baby and this was not his fault. He’s my best friend — the most amazing horse — I’ve never had a relationship with a horse like this in my life.

“It wasn’t his fault, so there’s no forgiving to be done at all.”

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

The times for the British dressage riders in the grand prix freestyle at the Olympics have been revealed. Tomorrow (Monday, 15 August) in Rio, Charlotte Dujardin will be defending her individual dressage gold medal from the London Games.

She finished second individually to Germany’s Isabell Werth in the grand prix special on 12 August — the first time she and Valegro have been beaten since Aachen in July 2014.

Her performance was still good enough to claim team silver for the Brits. Three riders from the UK are through to the individual final, the freestyle to music, or kür.

British riders’ start times:

Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia 10.30am (2.30pm UK time)

Carl Hester and Nip Tuck 11.35 (3.35pm UK time)

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro 12.40 (4.40pm UK time)

The silver medallists from the London Games, Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival will not defend their medal. They retired during the grand prix as Parzival was suffering the after-effects of an insect bite. The Netherlands did not have a travelling reserve.

Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD have been drawn last in the competition, and ride at 1.20pm (5.20pm).

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Her compatriot Kristina Bröring-Sprehe also rides in the final group. With her De Niro stallion Desperados FRH, she came close to beating Charlotte at the European Championships in Aachen last year, finishing second.

As well as Charlotte, Isabell and Kristina, the final group of riders includes Dorothee Schneider (for Germany on Showtime FRH), Severo Jurado Lopez (on Lorenzo for Spain) and the USA’s Laura Graves on Verdadaes.

The first rider into the arena is Steffen Peters on Legolas at 10am (2pm UK time).

Follow all the action with H&H live on our live and interactive service, with expert commentary on every test from Olympic long-listed rider Hayley Watson-Greaves.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

It’s not unusual for a rider not to trot up their own horse at the vet inspection, perhaps because they are injured themselves. But for Danish dressage rider Anna Kasprzak, letting trainer Andreas Helgstrand trot up Donnperignon at the Rio Olympics was more about preventing an injury.

“After the vet check at the European Championships in Aachen last year I was on the way back to the stable when he got scared and jumped in front,” says Anna. “Then he got scared of me and kicked me — I saw his hoof coming.

“He hit me in the chest and my first reaction was that he was loose, but luckily my groom had him. I passed out, it really hurt.”

X-rays at the hospital in Aachen didn’t reveal any breaks.

“They wanted to keep me in, but I said no, I had to ride to help my team qualify for the Olympics,” says Anna. “The doctors weren’t happy. I had 21 different painkillers.

“I rode in the grand prix and the special, but it was very painful. I was going to ride until an hour before the freestyle, but I couldn’t do it any more, the pain was hell and I was just crying.”

Despite Anna’s valiant efforts in completing her two team tests, Denmark missed out on a team qualification in Aachen. But they managed to qualify a “composite team” for Rio — when individual riders win places through the rankings system.

Back home in Denmark, Anna discovered she had broken her sternum and three ribs. She needed three months off riding to recover.

As Donnperignon, a 17-year-old by Donnerhall, misbehaved at the Rio trot-up, Anna was glad she hadn’t taken the risk of trotting him up herself.

“It’s good he’s happy, but he is naughty,” she says. “He’s also blind in his left eye, so he can’t see on one side.”

The Kasprzaks knew that Donnperignon had an eye condition when they bought him.

“A white film would come over his eye and it was stress related — he’d get it from travelling — but we knew about it and how to treat it,” says Anna. “We had a paste to put in his eye and he was really sweet about it.”

All was well until the medication Donnperignon required was added to the banned substance list. His condition worsened and became painful for him and he had to have an operation. Now it no longer needs treatment or causes him any problems, but he is largely blind in that eye.

“The front of the eye is ok, but he can’t see behind,” says Anna, explaining that the horse had time to adjust because his sight deteriorated gradually. “If there was a noise on the left side, I’d let him see it and he’d see that if I’m not reacting, it’s fine.”

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Anna credits her groom of six years, Jane Kallistrup, for helping her to manage the horse.

“I’ve said if she’ll stay with me for another four years, I’ll try to qualify for the Olympics again,” she says.

Anna scored 74.524% for 15th in the grand prix special today, meaning she has qualified for Monday’s freestyle, her aim coming into this Games.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

We all know horses are fragile creatures, but Spanish dressage rider Beatriz Ferrer-Salat has shown remarkable persistence in finding a way to manage her Rio Olympics ride, Delgado.

“I bought him when he was six and he started to suffer some tendon injuries in front,” she says of the De Niro son, who is now 15. “They took longer and longer to heal — he’d do one show, then be off again, do one show, then be off again.

“In the end, his tendon broke. We had to operate and he had a year off. Two months later, the same thing happened. I decided to stop and do everything it took to make him sound.

“I started working with a chiropractor and a good blacksmith. It took almost two years to get him right. I did a lot of long reining and hacking in the woods and took everything really slowly. We started competing in March last year.”

Beatriz’s faith in the horse’s potential proved founded when the pair won the freestyle bronze at the Europeans in Aachen last year. She continues to manage him carefully.

“I only school him once or twice a week and I do a lot of hacking and working on canter tracks,” she says. “He goes to the spa and walks on the treadmill in the water.”

Looking after the horse out in Rio is a particular challenge.

“He does a couple of days work, then has a light day, then does a couple of days work, then a light day. We use iced boots and are very careful.”

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The pair scored 76.863% in the special and 74.829% in the grand prix.

“I’m very happy with my horse,” she said after the special. “He was really with me. Yesterday he was distracted.”

This is the Beatriz’s fourth Games and she collected team silver and individual bronze at Athens 2004 riding Beauvalais.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

A British groom working for the German team at the Rio Olympics has been injured in the team medal ceremony.

He was leading Sönke Rothenerger’s nine-year-old Cosmo 59, who was part of the German gold medal winning team, when the horse reared up and struck out, catching him on the head and knocking him to the ground.

Blood could be seen and Robbie pressed his hand to his forehead. A replacement groom held Cosmo for the remainder of the ceremony. Robbie left the arena with what appeared to be at towel pressed to the wound.

Sönke said: “Cosmo jumped up a bit and swooshed his front right leg and swiped him on the forehead. Robbie seems fine and he is on his way to the hospital. Thank god it looked worse than it hopefully was.”

Robbie has posted on his Facebook page that he is “OK”.

This was the second piece of bad news for the German team today.

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Isabell Werth, who led the grand prix individually, said: “Robbie is injured and we just had a message that the chief trainer of the German canoe slalom team, Stefan Henze, had a very bad car accident. It’s really sad and that is why we did not celebrate the gold so much.”

Stefan, 35, is reported to be fighting for his life after sustaining a head injury in a collision while travelling in a taxi back to the Olympic village. Another canoeing delegate, Christian Kaeding, suffered less serious injuries and has already been released from hospital in Rio de Janeiro.

In another incident, The Olympic, Rio 2016 and Brazilian flags were flying at half mast today at Olympic venues as a sign of respect for the death of a Forca Nacional officer who was involved in the security operations for the Games.

Experienced groom

Robbie is an experienced international dressage groom, having started his career working for Spanish rider Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, for many years.

This is the fourth Olympics that Robbie has groomed at.

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

Judy Reynolds made history today as the first Irish rider to qualify for the dressage freestyle at the Olympics.

“It’s a bit mental, isn’t it?” she said. “I’m just so pleased we could do what I knew we were capable of doing, but haven’t always been able to show in the past. It’s fantastic to be able to actually do it and show what we do.”

Judy scored 74.09% in the special with her parents Joe and Kathleen Reynolds’ Vancouver K for 17th place. The top 18 (but a maximum of three per nation) qualify for the freestyle.

“I’m delighted. It’s definitely the best special we’ve done, so I’m thrilled,” she said.

The best placing achieved by an Irish rider at the Olympics is 11th, achieved by Anna Merveldt riding Rapallo in 1992. She was 16th in the grand prix at that Games in Barcelona to qualify for the special and finished 11th in the special, which was the individual final at that time.

“I don’t think we can equal Anna’s record, I’m just delighted to be there and if we can manage a top 15 that’d be fantastic,” said Judy. “I said coming here that I wanted to get into the final and once we get there, who knows? We all start from zero.

“We don’t have the absolute best freestyle — we talked a lot this year about re-doing it, but chose not to because ‘JP’ is a horse who really needs to know where he’s going and be confident in his floorplan.

“We needed to concentrate more on the special this summer because without a good special we wouldn’t get into the freestyle anyway. We’ve received some great scores on the freestyle — 79.7% is our best to date and it’s not bad to be hitting 80%, but possibly a different freestyle would give us a few more points. But as the saying goes, if it’s not broke don’t fix it and it was definitely the better decision for him to stick with the old one.”

Continued below…

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Judy and husband Patrick are planning to do some sightseeing tomorrow (Saturday) before the individual final on Monday.

“JP will still have a day off tomorrow as planned — he’ll have a nice easy day, he’ll just go out and walk, have some grass and get a massage,” she said. “We’ll have a bit of an easy day as well and not have to get up at 4.30am, which will be lovely. Hopefully we’ll see a few sights as I think it’s going to be our only chance as Sunday we’ll be back here doing a light training session.”

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

The German dressage team claimed team gold at the Olympic Games in Rio this afternoon, while inspired performances from the British riders nailed silver. The USA took bronze.

Charlotte Dujardin was last into the arena with the inimitable Valegro. They scored 82.983% despite an early break to canter in the half-pass.

It means that the gold and silver medal-winning nations from London 2012 have swapped places.

“It’s a very happy silver,” said team member Carl Hester, who rode a 76.485% test on Nip Tuck this afternoon. “It was really well fought by all of our team. To come back after London gold we knew was going to be very difficult to recreate, any medal would have made us very happy.

“The whole GB team has ridden beautifully and it’s quite a big margin from bronze.”

The German team once again dominated, delivering three scores over 81%. Neither the Brits not the German teams needed to count the score of their final rider to secure their respective medals.

Isabell Werth finished top individually, laying down an emphatic 83.711% on Weihegold OLD.

Britain’s third counting mark came from Fiona Bigwood on Orthilia, who scored 74.342%. Spencer Wilton also put in a strong test for 73.613% with Super Nova II.

Team GB has three pairs — Charlotte, Carl and Fiona — qualified for Monday’s freestyle where they will compete for the individual medals. Riders start on a clean slate for that competition so their scores from the team rounds do not count.

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Judy Reynolds has made history by becoming the first ever Irish rider to qualify for the individual freestyle final at an Olympic Games. She finished 17th today.

Judy was second to go into the arena in the grand prix special — a more difficult set test than the grand prix — on a drizzly day on her Jazz gelding Vancouver K, laying down 74.09%, a new personal best.

“It was the best special we’ve done, so I’m thrilled,” she said.

The Dutch had a difficult time of it, finishing in fourth. They did not bring a reserve rider and Adelinde Cornelissen elected to retire with Parzival part-way through the grand prix as he was suffering from a fever after being bitten by an insect. 

Team standings

1. Germany (81.936% average)

2. Great Britain (78.595% average)

3. USA (76.667% average)

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Sometimes when you have to go, you have to go. And that was the case for Rio Olympics dressage horse Badinda Altena after the grand prix yesterday — as she was leaving the arena, she had to let the flood go, on the biggest stage she’ll probably ever perform on.

“It’s the first time she’s done that, it was a bit embarrassing,” admits her French rider Pierre Volla. “It’s quite funny. And she was able to do a personal best score despite needing to go!”

The pair scored 71.5% and made it through to today’s special.

“We’ve been training on the grand prix more than normal,” said Pierre. “She’s a very special horse to ride and you have to really work on control because she is full of energy.”

Today’s test did not go so well for Pierre and Badinda Altena, a 10-year-old by Tolando, and they scored 65.742%.

“It started well at first, but I’m disappointed by what I did,” he says, referring particularly to some issues in the piaffe.

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Tales from Rio: ‘I used to be a hairdresser — I’ve done our team trainer’s hair’

Pierre makes his Olympic debut here in Brazil.

“It’s a magical thing to be part of the Olympic team, the dream of every athlete,” he says. “To represent your nation at this level is special.”

Pierre was a showjumper until 2008, before becoming interested in dressage — his wife Perrine’s chosen discipline. He made his championship debut with Badinda at the European Championships in Aachen, Germany, last year, finishing 18th in the special.

Badinda’s sire Tolando was competed by the Dutch 2010 world champion Edward Gal before being sold to Canada and gelded in 2013.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

US dressage rider Laura Graves is in line to win a team bronze medal at the Rio Olympics later today, but a few years ago she earnt her living with a pair of hairdressers’ scissors in her hand.

“I was a hairdresser for an embarrassingly short time — probably about a year and a half, maybe two years,” she says. “I was always riding, but it was a hobby. Verdades [her Rio mount] was very young at the time, so until I decided to become a working student with this horse I had to support him in some way and that was it.”

Laura’s skills have come in useful while she is out in Rio — she has done team trainer Robert Dover’s hair, as well as her team-mate Kasey Perry-Glass’s and Kasey’s sister’s.

“We’re over here for a very long time, so it’s come in handy for them I guess,” she says.

Laura had the best test of the US riders in the grand prix, scoring 78.071% for fifth individually. Her only serious mistake was missing the last flying change at the end of the canter zig-zag.

“Unfortunately we just weren’t able to ride clean today, but I’m super happy with the feeling and the way the training is reflecting in the test,” she says.

The US riders are staying near to the venue at Deodoro, rather than in the Athletes’ Village and Laura says there is great team spirit.

“I can’t say enough good things about our team — team has a lot of different meanings and for us as equestrians in particular I think the Olympics is very special,” she says. “We have our team of our horses and ourselves, then we have our trainers and our friends and family and I couldn’t ask to be here with a better group of people. And we also get to be Team USA, which is something really special and it’s definitely memorable.”

Continued below…

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Laura was very keen to attend the opening ceremony after going to the one for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France.

“I wasn’t going to miss that, after my experience in France,” she says. “People tell you what an experience it is, but they also tell you that you will wait around for a long time and to be expecting that. But when you see your home nation flag there’s nothing more special, so I definitely wasn’t going to pass on it this year.

Laura rides again in the special at 3.38pm local time (7.38pm British time) and will hope to help confirm the team bronze for the US team. Follow all the action here.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Follow the dressage action during the grand prix special at the Rio Olympic Games via our live and interactive written commentary service

Welcome to H&H Live – Horse & Hound’s live and interactive written commentary service – as we prepare for the third day of the dressage competition at the Rio Olympic Games. The grand prix special action is due to get underway at 2pm UK time on Friday 12 August, so make sure you’re logged on so you don’t miss a moment. You can register below to receive an email reminder if you’d like to do so.

Successful British dressage rider and trainer Richard Barrett will be on hand to share his expert insight on each rider’s grand prix special performance on 12 August, supported by H&H’s website editor and eventing enthusiast Carol Phillips. The grand prix and the grand prix special performances are combined to decide the team medals at the Olympics.

What is H&H Live?

For those who aren’t familar with H&H Live, it is an up-to-the-minute written commentary service enhanced with still images, which also gives you the opportunity to take part in live interactive polls, pose questions to our team and post your comments.

You can follow on your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone, so you can get live updates whereever you are, without having to be in front of your TV. NB: This is NOT a live video stream.

Can I watch on TV?

All action from the Olympic Games is going to be available via the BBC’s red button services as well as the BBC sports website. We hope that you will join us as well for the insight the H&H team can provide, and take part in our interactive options. Find out what’s happening when ».

H&H Live will continue throughout the Games covering all the action across all three equestrian disciplines. Hayley Watson-Greaves will be online on Monday 15 August to share her thoughts on the grand prix freestyle performances. The remaining action will be brought to you by H&H staff members. We look forward to you joining us for two fantastic weeks of equestrian sport.

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

Britain’s dressage riders will ride the grand prix special in Rio tomorrow in the hope of confirming an Olympic team medal.

Their times are:

• Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II – 2.20pm (6.20pm British time)
• Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia – 3.02pm (7.02pm British time)
• Carl Hester and Nip Tuck – 3.29pm (7.29pm British time)
• Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro – 3.56pm (7.56pm British time)

You can follow all the action here with H&H Live, including commentary from Richard Barrett.

The combined scores from the grand prix and the grand prix special give the result of the team competition. Britain is in team silver after the grand prix, behind Germany and in front of the USA. Teams consist of four riders, with three to count, but the same rider’s scores have to be dropped from both the grand prix and the special.

The top six teams go through to the special, plus an additional eight individuals who are not part of teams or whose teams have not made the cut. Fiona Bigwood’s husband, Anders Dahl, has made it through for Denmark with Selten HW. The teams who will compete again tomorrow for the podium places are Germany, Britain, the USA, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark.

Judy Reynolds has become the second Irish rider ever to qualify for the special at the Olympics after her performance today with her parents Joe and Kathleen’s Vancouver K, which earnt 74.7% and 21st place. She will ride at 10.09am (2.09pm British time) tomorrow.

Continued below…

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Britain’s scores and individual placings from the grand prix were as follows: Charlotte Dujardin 85.071% (first), Fiona Bigwood 77.157% (eighth), Carl Hester 75.529% (15th) and Spencer Wilton 72.686% (equal 25th).

The top 18 individuals after tomorrow’s special go through to the freestyle on Monday. They start on a clean slate to battle it out for the individual medals.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Russia’s Inessa Merkulova, who makes her Olympic debut in Rio, reads to her horse Mister X before every test they do in competition.

“He’s not a horse, he’s a person,” she said. “He likes to read books with me. Every time, before the competition, we go and read books for an hour and a half.

“I read love stories. He listens to my voice, he calms down. He’s tuning in. It’s a ritual for us now; he always knows it will come.”

The racy novel Fifty Shades of Grey is among Mister X’s choices for pre-competition reading.

Despite this unusual approach, Inessa is a serious competitor — she finished 14th in the grand prix with the 12-year-old Egeus son Mister Z with 75.8% and has qualified for the special.

“I liked the test very much,” she said, naming the passage, piaffe and pirouettes as her favourite parts. “I would like to have more energy, but I hope that will happen later.

“We’ve been together since he was very young. I am his first rider. And all the horses that I ride, I take from when they are foals.”

Inessa and her husband Anatoli have a training facility in Russia with some 80 horses and have recently acquired a new centre in Germany. Her daughter, Viktoria, also rides. She says Mister X loves to work in deep snow, but at the centre they keep the temperature at 15ºC in the indoor school, so that even when it’s -30ºC outside, they can still ride in short sleeves.

Continued below…

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The rider described the uncertainty over whether she and her younger sister, Marina Aframeeva, would be able to compete at the Games after the Russian doping scandal broke as “an unbelievable stress”.

“During that process, we couldn’t sleep,” she said. “It was very hard. It was a shame. I’ve been in the international sport for 20 years and of course I’ve been tested many times for doping. All the horses are absolutely clean and it would have been a shame if I had not been able to come.

“We didn’t know until the horses needed to travel. My husband is the general secretary for the equestrian federation. So he was in touch with the FEI. And so they kept us both informed and supported us very much morally. We are very grateful to the FEI.”

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Britain’s dressage team holds the team silver medal position after the grand prix at the Rio Olympics. Final rider Charlotte Dujardin put in a brilliant test with Valegro this afternoon to score 85.071%.

“I just wanted to go out there and enjoy myself,” she said after her test. “I watched a lot of people yesterday going in there looking very white and nervous, so going in there today was all about going in and enjoying it.”

Her score rockets Britain into silver at the half-way point of the team competition, which concludes after the grand prix special tomorrow (Friday, 12 August).

Charlotte also sits atop the leaderboard individually, chased by three German riders all with scores over 80%.

“I was smiling out there before I even went in; I can’t help but smile when I ride Valegro because I think something and he does it and I laugh and think, ‘How does he know? I didn’t even I ask; I just thought it.’

“Now we’ve all been in the arena once and some of us will be better [tomorrow] I think,” added Charlotte, who holds the grand prix world record of 87.460% (set at Olympia in 2014). “Fiona and Spencer did fantastic jobs. And Carl, not only has he had to ride himslef, but he’s been the rock for all the rest of us. He’s been training us all and picking us up on down days when we’re moping. I honestly don’t know how he does it.”

Continued below…

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Germany’s Isabell Werth was the second best performer of the afternoon session. She scored 80.643% with Weihegold OLD (Don Schufro x Sandro Hit).

“I was really happy with Weihegold; she did a great job,” said the five-time Olympian. “She was a little bit tense; the flags were really rough when I came in as it was quite windy so I was careful as I felt she was reacting [to the surroundings] a bit.”

The top six teams are all through to tomorrow’s grand prix special, as well as the top eight riders not qualified through their team’s participation. This group include Ireland’s Judy Reynolds and her Jazz gelding Vancouver K.

Team standings

1. Germany (81.295% average)

2. Great Britain (79.252% average)

3. USA (76.971% average)

Individual standings

1. Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro (GBR) 85.071%

2. Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH (GER) 82.257%

3. Dorothee Schneider and Showtime FRH (GER) 80.986%

4. Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD (GER) 80.643%

5. Laura Graves and Verdades (USA) 78.071%

6. Steffen Peters and Legolas (USA) 77.614%

7. Sonke Rothenberger and Cosmo (GER) 77.329%

8. Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia (GBR) 77.157%

9. Hans Peter Minderhoud and Johnson (NED) 76.957%

10. Cathrine Dufour and Cassidy (DEN) 76.657%

—

25eq. Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II (GBR) & Allison Brock and Rosevelt (USA) 72.686%

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison.

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

Spain’s Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez rides one of the youngest horses in the Rio Olympics dressage field, the 10-year-old Lorenzo, but he says the Lord Loxley son is unbothered by the big atmosphere.

“He’s a really cool horse, he gives a nice feeling to the people watching,” says Severo. “He’s a funny, happy horse day to day, you don’t have to worry about anything with him. He doesn’t care about the atmosphere. When there are people he can take all that pressure so he’s a really fun horse to have in competition. He becomes more expressive in an atmosphere like this.”

Severo scored 76.429% in the grand prix this morning for seventh at this stage.

“It felt good,” he says. “I think it was a nice round, very clean with no big mistakes.”

It’s now or never

In Aachen in July, the rider finished fourth in the freestyle with a special final centreline. He rode it with one hand to the vocals: “It’s my life and it’s now or never” from the Bon Jovi song, with the spectators clapping along.

“I hope I make the freestyle here so I can express my flamboyant Spanish character,” he said.

“It’s my first Olympics and my first time in Brazil so I can’t compare it to others, but I’m very impressed with everything. It’s really cool being with the other sport guys.”

Continued below…

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Severo comes from a horsey family but initially riding was “just a hobby, not for sport”. After stints in Germany and the Netherlands, he is now based in Denmark, where he works for Helgstrand Dressage. He was part of the team who brought a handful of the stud’s stallions over to the British Equestrian Federation’s UK stallion show at Bury Farm, Bucks, in January of this year.

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Dressage rider Lyndal Oatley and her husband, Patrik Kittel, have dates in McDonalds. Yes, really. Ok, perhaps not on when they are at home in Germany, but with rooms at opposite ends of the Athletes’ Village at the Rio Olympics, it’s the hot spot this week.

Lyndal rides on the Australian team here with Sandro Boy 9 and Patrik represents Sweden on Deja.

“I’m married to my trainer, so we’ll be debriefing for weeks,” says Lyndal. “I’m very driven, I want to do my best for me, my horse and the Australian team.”

Lyndal is joined on the Aussie team by her cousin, Kristy Oatley, who partners Du Soleil.

“Kristy and I are sharing a room, so it’s like when we were kids back in the Hunter Valley and had sleepovers — she’d braid my hair and pull half of it out,” smiles Lyndal, who is the fastest talker in dressage — my pen was flying to keep up.

“I’m lucky to have family and friends around me. The mixed zone was the most multi-cultural group when I was riding. That’s what I love about this sport, that it brings people together.”

Lyndal has been based in Germany for nine and a half years and goes home to Australia four times a year.

“I have 11 old horses at home, including a 33-year-old New Forest, which my Mum gets to look after,” she says.

She rode at Aachen as her last show before Rio and made it through to the freestyle, something she believes only one other Australian has achieved.

“It was a bit close to being here, but my parents were there and that meant a lot to me,” she says. “I want to make my family happy as they are along for the ride, so when they are in Europe, I show.”

‘All I could hear was inappropriate sounds’

The 15-year-old Sandro Boy 9, by Sandro Hit, was gelded after the London Olympics.

“He was going well there, but he was always predominantly large in that department and as I was going round the arena all I could hear was the most inappropriate sound from sweat,” says Lyndal.

“He was always a bit uncomfortable and it was important to make him comfortable. He bounced back quickly and his temperament is the same. Now he gets to go out eight hours a day in a long grass paddock next to the mares, so that’s a lovely thing.

“He is also a windsucker and I didn’t want him to have any additional risks.”

Continued below…

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The pair scored 70.186% in the grand prix this morning.

“I was happy with him — he was concentrating on me,” says Lyndal. “It was my fault we had a mistake in the one tempis.”

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Peter Storr.

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

Carl Hester rode the Don Ruto gelding Nip Tuck to a 75.529% performance at the Rio Olympics in Brazil this morning.

He was the third rider for the British team of four. Carl was hoping for a score akin to his 79% grand prix at Hartpury CDI in July, but Nip Tuck was spooky in the early movements and jumped out of his skin in the transition to extended walk — a pace which can often be fragile in dressage horses anyway.

“One minute it’s a camera, one minute it’s a flower; he’s got a tiny mind,” said Carl. “In the transition to walk he saw a tiny flower. I think he needs glasses; we’ll have to see if someone can invent them.

“I wanted a higher score, but Nip Tuck used to get that score when he was at his best. I’m disappointed, but it’s not a terrible score.”

He added on Facebook: “Frustratingly a Pokemon at P! A lot of points lost but lots to like! Tomorrow is another day!”

Britain now has a team average of 75.125% and are currently in fourth place. Germany leads the way with an apparently unassailable average of 80.19% with Isabell Werth (Weihegold) still to come later today. The Netherlands are lying in the silver medal positition despite being down to only three horses, while the USA have crept above the UK into the bronze position thanks to a cracking plus-77% test from Steffen Peters and Legolas.

Continued below…

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Germany’s Kristina Bröring Sprehe, 29, is top of the leaderboard both as part of her team and the individual standings. Last to go before the lunch break, she pulled off a stunning 82.257% with her black De Niro stallion Desperados.

“Desperados was a really great today,” said Kristina. “I had a few mistakes, but apart from that he was really concentrating.”

Ireland’s sole representative, Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K, put in a clean and accurate test to score 74.7%.

“I’m just really happy with ‘JP’. He didn’t get nerous and was really with me,” she said.

In this grand prix, the final rotation of riders happens this afternoon, including Charlotte Dujardin, Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, Laura Graves, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Isabell Werth. Charlotte and Valegro go at 14.24 (18.24 British time).

The team medals will be decided tomorrrow based on the resutls of both the grand prix and special tests. Individual medals are won through performances in the freestyle alone.

Team standings

1. Germany

2. Netherlands

3. USA

4. Great Britain

Individual standings

1. Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH (GER) 82.257%

2. Dorothee Schneider and Showtime FRH (GER) 80.986%

3. Steffen Peters and Legolas (USA) 77.614%

4. Sonke Rothenberger and Cosmo (GER) 77.329%

5. Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia (GBR) 77.157%

6. Cathrine Dufour and Cassidy (DEN) 76.657%

7. Severo Jurado Lopez and Lorenzo (ESP) 76.429%

8. Diederik van Silfhout and Arlando (NED) 75.9%

9. Carl Hester and Nip Tuck (GBR) 75.529%

10. Edward Gal and Voice (NED) 75.271%

—

16eq. Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II (GBR) & Allison Brock and Rosevelt (USA) 72.686%

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison.

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

Follow the grand prix action from the dressage competition at the Rio Olympic Games via our live and interactive written commentary service

Welcome to H&H Live – Horse & Hound’s live and interactive written commentary service – as we prepare for the first two days of the dressage competition at the Rio Olympic Games. The grand prix action is due to get underway at 2pm UK time on Wednesday 10 August, so make sure you’re logged on so you don’t miss a moment. You can register to receive an email reminder if you’d like to do so.

Former British Olympic rider Emile Faurie will be on hand to share his expert insight on each rider’s grand prix performance on 10-11 August, supported by H&H’s website editor and eventing enthusiast Carol Phillips. The grand prix and the grand prix special performances are combined to decide the team medals at the Olympics.

What is H&H Live?

For those who aren’t familar with H&H Live, it is an up-to-the-minute written commentary service enhanced with still images, which also gives you the opportunity to take part in live interactive polls, pose questions to our team and post your comments.

You can follow on your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone, so you can get live updates whereever you are, without having to be in front of your TV. NB: This is NOT a live video stream.

Can I watch on TV?

All action from the Olympic Games is going to be available via the BBC’s red button services as well as the BBC sports website. We hope that you will join us as well for the insight the H&H team can provide, and take part in our interactive options. Find out what’s happening when ».

H&H Live will continue throughout the Games covering all the action across all three equestrian disciplines. Richard Barrett will be on hand on Friday 12 August to share his views on the grand prix special, after which the team medals will be awarded, and Hayley Watson-Greaves will be online on Monday 15 August for the grand prix freestyle. The remaining action will be brought to you by H&H staff members. We look forward to you joining us for two fantastic weeks of equestrian sport.

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

According to the Rio 2016 official results, the British dressage team lie in bronze medal position after the first half of the grand prix. However, due to the Dutch rider Adelinde Cornelissen’s early departure from the competition with Parzival after he was bitten on the face and had a toxic reaction, they only have one score on the board, that of Edward Gal and Voice (75.271%).

The results are calculated using average scores, so the Netherlands’ average is showing as Edward’s 75.271% score. The reality is that Britain is in a stronger position that the Netherlands as Spencer Wilton’s score will hopefully become the drop score. But there is some way to go, as the final team medals are decided on the results from both the grand prix and the special tests. The three best riders’ scores from each nation count.

The first two British riders out of the blocks have put solid plus-70% scores on the board.

Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia’s score underwent a number of amendments, showing at one point as 77.4%, but the final, official result is 77.157%. Spencer scored 72.686% this morning with Super Nova II.

Continued below…

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“I’m over the moon,” said Fiona, who was wearing an eye patch to help with the double vision she suffers from after falling off in April 2014. “Carl Hester has been absolutely amazing training us and helping us prepare for this.”

“Tillie was so listening to me from the moment I got on.”

The German team are in pole position after two assured performances.

Rookie rider Sönke Rothenberger and his inexperienced horse Cosmo 59 rode an inspired round for 77.329%, while his compatriot Dorothee Schneider’s performance on the Sandro Hit son Showtime FRH was rewarded with 80.986%, putting the London 2012 silver medal winning nation very much at the head of things in Rio.

Team standings

1. Germany

2. Netherlands

3. Great Britain

Individual standings

1. Dorothee Schneider and Showtime FRH (GER) 80.986%

2. Sonke Rothenberger and Cosmo (GER) 77.329%

3. Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia (GBR) 77.157%

4. Edward Gal and Voice (NED) 75.271%

5. Kasey Perry-Glass and Dublet (USA) 75.229%

6. Juliette Ramel and Buriel KH (SWE) 74.943%

7eq. Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II (GBR) & Allison Brock and Rosevelt (USA) 72.686%

9. Agnete Kirk Thinggaard and Jojo Az (DEN) 72.229%

10. Mads Hendeliowitz and Jimmie Choo SEQ 71.771%

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison.

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

Rio Olympic dressage competitor Yvonne Losos de Muñiz is the first rider from the Dominican Republic to make it to the Games in any discipline.

“No one else has got close, but every time I got knocked down, I just bounced back,” says Yvonne, who actually quit the sport for a couple of years after losing an appeal over a place to ride at London 2012 with Carl Hester’s world and European team silver medallist Liebling II.

She returned to international competition in September 2014 after being asked to reconsider by the Dominican Republic Equestrian Federation.

“Thank god it’s a sport you can compete in forever,” says the 48-year-old. “I’ve come for the whole experience and to see what it’s about.”

Yvonne was her nation’s first equestrian to win a medal at the Pan Am Games when she claimed bronze on home soil at the 2003 Games at the Palmarejo Equestrian Center — a property built by her and her husband Eduardo Muñiz for the event — in Santo Domingo.

“The Olympics is a whole different world to the Pan Ams and I’m floored,” says Yvonne. “It’s like watching Avatar — all these beautiful bodies, except not blue.

“Being here has really sparked it — I want it 150 times more next time. You compete with top riders, a little here and a little there, but you put them all in one place — wow.

“I 100% want to be in Tokyo — in fact, that was a warm-up for Tokyo.”

‘I’m sort of from everywhere’

Yvonne is a mother of two and splits her time between Florida and Europe, but says she is “sort of from everywhere”. She was born in Nigeria and spent her childhood in Kenya before moving to Germany as a teenager to train at the state stud at Marbach.

Her family subsequently moved to Canada before she made the Dominican Republic her home after marrying Eduardo Muniz. She also holds a Canadian passport.

Continued below…

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Yvonne scored 62.3% today in the grand prix riding the 10-year-old Foco Loco W.

She says: “He’s very green and spooky and I had to really keep him together, but he misunderstood keeping together and came back too much. I can’t get mad at him, I have to be happy he tries so hard. When he understands and get stronger, he’ll go better.”

Full report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday, 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison.

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

As soon as Danish dressage rider Anders Dahl trotted his Rio Olympics ride Selten HW 10m, he knew he wanted him.

“There was an instant connection,” he says, explaining he turned to his wife, British Rio rider Fiona Bigwood, and said: “We need this horse.”

That was at the 2012 Equine Elite Auction in the Netherlands and the Sandro Hit son duly made his way to the couple’s Sussex yard, with a price tag of €500,000.

But things didn’t go so smoothly once Selten was back home.

“He was very ill,” says Anders. “We weren’t sure if we were going to lose him. He had strangles and then a virus which meant that by law he would have to be put down if he failed a blood test, which he did, but luckily he had another which was clear.”

When the horse recovered, he was “very naughty” in his work after the long break. He had originally been bought by Fiona, but the couple agreed Anders would take the ride.

“But I made it clear that if I’m riding this horse, I’m keeping him,” he says. “I sold Bukowski, who is at Rio with Korea’s Kim Dongseon, and used the money to buy him off Fiona.

“He’s a lot more mature now. I think because he’d had so long off he was flying more than staying on the ground.”

As well as Bukowski, the couple also sold another Rio horse, Don Lorean, who is ridden by Japan’s Yuko Kitai.

Anders was pleased with Selten’s grand prix test this morning, which scored 69.9%.

“He was listening to me, although the first piaffe got a bit tense and was not as good as it could be,” he said. “In the second piaffe I let him go more forward to relax into it.”

‘We are always there for each other’

The 40-year-old Dane said that he and Fiona have things well worked out so they can support each other but also focus on their own performance.

“We do it so much, but it’s fantastic we can be at something as big as the Olympics as husband and wife,” he said, explaining they each have their own trainers, but will support each other in the warm-up. “We were a bit nervous about the draw and whether we’d be a bit close together, as we are always there for each other.

“I feel almost part of the British team and Fiona is almost part of the Danish team. Most of the time in the Athletes’ Village I am in my room and Fiona is in hers, but I have been over to hers.”

The couple have three children, four-year-old Lars, eight-year-old Morten and 10-year-old Mette and they are also out in Rio, staying in a hotel with other British supporters. They are being looked after by Anders and Fiona’s mothers, as well as a Danish guide who lives in Rio, and have been seeing all the sights including Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Continued below…

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“We didn’t want to feel we had to look after them as we wanted to focus on competing, but tomorrow we’ll be here [at the venue] with the kids and we’ll be with them on the rest days,” said Anders.

Full report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday, 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison.

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

The first Dutch team member in the dressage at the Rio Olympics today, Adelinde Cornelissen, retired after just a handful of movements. Adelinde was riding her 19-year-old Jazz gelding Parzival, who won individual silver and team bronze at London 2012.

He had been running a fever after being bitten by something on the face, she said.

“Yesterday I came to the stables and his cheek was completely swollen and it appeared he was bitten by a spider or a mosquito or something,” said Adelinde. “His body was full of toxic fever [with a fever of] over 40.

“We manged to get his temperature down, and yesterday he was on liquids for nine hours.”

Things had looked up for the horse later on.

Continued below…

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“In the evening it was all good, his temperature was back down; this morning also,” she said.

The Dutch team did not bring a travelling reserve with them, as all the riders who were possibles elected not to travel their horses.

“I discussed it with the team vet and we decided we’d give it [the grand prix] a try for the team result,” she added. “But he felt totally empty and I didn’t want to put him through that. He didn’t deserve that, did he?

The Dutch team is now down to three, with all scores from Edward Gal, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Diederik van Silfhout to count for their result. As the grand prix acts as the first individual qualifying round, Adelinde and Parzival cannot start in the grand prix special and their Rio journey is over.

Britain’s first team member into the arena, Spencer Wilton, scored 72.686% riding Super Nova II. Britain’s second rider, Fiona Bigwood, takes to the arena at 3.06pm local time (7.06pm in Britain) with Orthilia.

Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin will ride tomorrow. Click here for full times and information. 

Full 20-page report on the dressage from Rio in H&H next week, out Thursday 18 August, including full analysis of how the medals were won and comment from Richard Davison and Gareth Hughes. 

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

After the first two groups this morning, Britain’s Spencer Wilton is sitting in equal first individually with Super Nova II. They scored 72.686% — exactly the same score as America’s Allison Brock (Rosevelt).

Spencer’s lowest score, 70.2%, came from the American judge Gary Rockwell who is at H. His highest, 74.7%, was awarded by the Mexican judge Maribel Alonso, who is presiding from M.

There are still two team riders to come to complete the first rotation — from the Netherlands and Germany, though they ride after lunch.

Super Nova (Neville) spotted one of the TV cameras, then spooked and spun while he was going round the edge before starting.

“It was a big occasion in there for him — and for me,” said Spencer.

“He had a little moment and I thought, ‘Not here Neville, of all places!’. That unnerved him, which I think showed in the first part of the test,” said Spencer. “but he relaxed and got into it. The camera rattled us both, but it’s the same for everyone in there and it’s no good making excuses.”

The judges gave lots of eights for the passage work.

“I was particularly pleased about the pirouettes too as those can be tricky, but I will be having nightmares about the mistake in the one-time changes,” he said.

Continued below…

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After scoring 77.5% in the grand prix at Hartpury, hopes of a score around the 75% mark were high for this combination.

“I would have liked a higher score to take a bit of pressure off Fiona,” he added. “But I hope that my score’s good enough to get into the special. I want to go back in there!”

Stars and stripes

America’s rider Allison, on the same score as Spencer, said: “I’ve been riding Rosevelt for seven years and we’re like a married couple at this point.

“He had a rough ride to becoming a grand prix horse and really struggled with the one-times. He can be a playful monster in the jog [trot-up] but he’s a really sweet horse.”

The rider currently in third is Sweden’s reserve combination of Mags Hendeliowitz and Jimmie Choo SEQ, who got the late call-up when team horse Dante Weltino did not pass the vet check or his reinspection the following day. The scored 71.771%. Canada’s Medan Lane (Cavavella) is fourth with 71.286%, while Anders Dahl and Selten are in fifth have the highest sub-70% score (69.9%).

The next British team rider into the arena is Fiona Bigwood, who goes at 15.06 Brazilian time (19.06 UK time) with Orthilia.

Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin both ride tomorrow, the second of two days of grand prix competition. Carl ries at 11.27 (15.27 UK time) and Charlotte at 14.24 (18.24 UK time).

Follow all the action with H&H’s live, interactive text service and expert comments on all the tests from Olympic rider Emile Faurie.

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

Unconfirmed rumours circulating around the Rio Olympics equestrian venue suggest a bullet landed in the stables area today.

A spokesman for the Rio organising committee said: “We are aware of an incident this morning in the stable area.

“The security services responded rapidly and are on-site now establishing the facts.

“We will update you as soon as we have more information. In the meantime, additional security has been deployed to the venue to support the investigation and ensure the safety of everyone on site. This is our top priority.

“Nobody was injured, nobody was hurt,” the spokesperson added.

Continued below…

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H&H has three journalists on site and will bring you more information as soon as it is available.

This follows an incident during the dressage of the eventing competition where a stray bullet landed in the press office during the lunch break, when the room was full of journalists and photographers.

In a security briefing, Rio 2016 communications director Mario Andrada said that the bullet “came from a community far from here”.

“The ministry of defence have confirmed that the bullet was aiming at the police blimp, which carries surveillance equipment. Their findings were that the bullet arrived with low energy and speed, on a parabolic trajectory, aiming at the blimp.”

Another incident took place yesterday, in which a bus carrying members of the press between venues was hit and a window shattered.

Horses from all disciplines are currently on site at Deodoro. The first action of the pure dressage competition is underway this morning, the event horses are having a rest day before leaving to go home and the showjumpers have arrived to prepare for their competition, which starts on Sunday.

Full reports and news from Rio in H&H this week, out on Friday (12 August) rather than Thursday for this week only.

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The British dressage team has been drawn sixth of the 11 teams in contention at the Rio Olympics.

The order of go has also been announced. Chef d’equipe Richard Waygood has chosen Spencer Wilton (on his own and Jen Goodman’s Super Nova II) as the pathfinder, with Fiona Bigwood (on Orthilia, owned by Penny Bigwood and Neils and Lis Dahl) as the second rider. These two will compete on the first day of team dressage.

Carl Hester (on his own and Jane De La Mare’s Nip Tuck) and Charlotte Dujardin (on Valegro, owned by Rowena Luard, Anne Barrott and Carl Hester) with both ride on day two of the grand prix (Thursday, 11 August).

The times for the two riders on Wednesday are:

Spencer Wilton: 11.18am (3:18pm UK time)

Fiona Bigwood: 3.06 (7.06 UK time)

The times for the two riders on Thursday are:

Carl Hester 11:27am (3:27pm UK time)

Charlotte Dujardin 2.24 (6:18pm UK time)

Should disaster strike, travelling reserve Lara Griffith (Rubin Al Asad) can be swapped in up until 8am Brazilian time tomorrow (midday in the UK).

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Results from both the grand prix and the grand prix special on Friday count towards the team medal results, while the individual freestyle, which takes place on Monday 15 August, is a stand-alone class, with all riders’ results slates wiped clean.

The dressage will be available on the BBC red button service, and H&H will be running a live and interactive online blog with former Olympic rider Emile Faurie giving input on every test.

The British team will be defending the gold medal they won at the London 2012 Olympics, and Charlotte will be bidding to retain her Olympics title with Valegro. They are the only British pairing to compete at both Games: Carl rode Uthopia in London and the other two British riders in Rio are making their Olympic debuts.

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

At the reinspection of the two dressage horses hoping to contest the upcoming grand prix at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, one passed and one failed.

Both were presented to the ground jury yesterday (Monday, 8 August) and requested to trot up again this morning, before the inspection for the eventing horses.

The horse who is now out of the Games is Sweden’s young star Dante Weltino. The nine-year-old stallion looked unlevel behind in the trot-up and the reinspection ground jury was not convinced that the horse was sufficiently fit and sound to compete when they reexamined him this morning.

Italian horse Chablis was passed on reinspection so will contest the grand prix under his rider Valentina Truppa (pictured, top, at the London 2012 Olympics on Eremo Del Castegno).

It’s some welcome good news for the Truppa family, whose national federation have banned Enzo Truppa from coaching his daughter at the Games for breach of contract when they sold the top international horse Eremo Del Castegno.

Continued below…

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The Swedish team will now go through the late replacement process to bring forward their travelling reserve pair, Mads Hendeliowitz and Jimmie Choo.

Mads is a pupil of the team’s stalwart Patrik Kittel.

Team reserve combinations can we swapped in up until two hours before the first horse goes in the grand prix on Wednesday morning.

Jimmie Choo is a 12-year-old stallion by Sandro Hit x Don Schufro owned by Segersta Equestrian. Mads and Jimmi Choo are ranked number 61 in the world.

Dante Weltino’s departure leaves just one nine-year-old left in the field; Cosmo, ridden by 21-year-old Sönke Rothenberger.

The grand prix starts at 10am Brazilian time tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 August), which is 2pm UK time.

You can follow all the action with H&H’s live interactive online text service, which will feature expert commentary from Emile Faurie, by clicking here.

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

After an eventful trot-up, two horses have not yet been deemed fit to compete in the dressage competition at the Rio Olympics.

All five British horses — the team of four plus the reserve horse Rubin Al Asad — passed on first inspection.

Three horses were sent to the holding box. France’s Badinda Altena, the ride of Pierre Volla, was re-presented and passed, though the 10-year-old mare by Tolando had to trot twice before the ground jury was convinced she was sound and fit to compete.

Two other horses sent to the holding box did not represent. Both Sweden’s Dante Weltino (rider Therese Nilshagen) and Italy’s Chablis will be re-inspected at 7.30am Brazilian time (11.30am UK time) tomorrow (Tuesday, 9 August) before it is decided whether they can start in the grand prix.

The test represents the first round in both the team and individual competitions.

Chablis is Italy’s sole representative and is due to be ridden by the country’s top rider, Valentina Truppa. This marks a continuation of bad news this week for the Truppa family, after it was announced that Valentina’s father Enzo is barred from coaching at the Olympics. He was suspended by the Italian Equestrian Federation for breach on contract when he sold Eremo Del Castegno in December 2015.

Continued below…

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Dante Weltino, a black stallion by Danone, is the equal youngest horse in the field at nine years old and is on the Swedish team. If they need to call on their travelling reserve, Mads Hendeliowitz, they can do so as Mads’ horse Jimmie Choo was presented and accepted.

Another Swedish rider, Patrik Kittel was markedly lame during the trot-up, but luckily his horse Deja was sound.

Team reserve combinations can we swapped in up until two hours before the first horse goes in the grand prix on Wednesday morning (10 August).

The British and Irish horses all looked in fine fettle, with Super Nova (pictured, top) leaping around like a youngster and keeping Spencer Wilton’s hands full.

Charlotte Dujardin grinned as she trotted the powerful Valegro. Carl Hester’s Nip Tuck and Fiona Bigwood’s Orthilia both looked in great shape.

Ireland’s Judy Reynolds had smooth passage through the trot-up with her horse Vancouver K to be accepted first time.

All the Dutch, German and American horses passed on first inspection, as well as the Australians, Brazilian, Japanese and Spanish team horses.

Adelinde Cornelissen’s Parzival — individual silver medalist behind Valegro at London 2012 — looked fit and well but his tongue lolled out of his mouth during the trot-up.

Two of the Danish team horses (Cassidy and Jojo Az) had to trot twice, but were accepted. Anna Kasprzak’s ride Donnperignon was run by her trainer Andreas Helgstrand.

The Korean horse Bukowski had to trot twice, as did France’s After You, but both were subsequently accepted.

Check out the full schedule of dressage action here. And follow H&H’s live online commentary — with expert input from Emile Faurie by clicking here.

Follow H&H’s dressage-specific Facebook page for all the latest news, views and pictures.

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

The trainer and father of Italian Olympic dressage rider Valentina Truppa (pictured) will not be allowed to coach his daughter in Rio.

Enzo Truppa was fined €10,000 and given a four-month suspension from his Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) roles, postponed until 1 September, following a dispute over the sale of a horse.

Following the hearing on 27 June, Mr Truppa — a trainer and judge — lauched an appeal against the decision.

But the FISE Federal Court of Appeal has now partially amended the ruling, suspending Mr Truppa from his roles immediately.

His daughter, Valentina, is Italy’s sole dressage entry at the Rio 2016 Olympics, riding the 19-year-old chestnut gelding Chablis.

A statement from FISE, posted on its website on Sunday (31 July) said it had “taken note” of the Court of Appeal’s judgement and would not be commenting “at this time”.

Sanctions were brought against Mr Truppa following the sale of grand prix dressage horse Eremo Del Castegno. A civil case is due to begin in November.

The horse had achieved qualifying results for Rio 2016 with Valentina, but was sold in January to Brazilian millionaire Jorge Ferreira Da Rocha.

Mr Da Rocha, a long-term sponsor and investor in Brazilian dressage, had been hoping to ride at his home Games.

FISE claimed the sale was a breach of contract, which Mr Truppa disputed.

In 2012, H&H reported that FISE had renewed a 2010 agreement with Enzo that Italy’s top grand prix horse would be retained for the country until the Rio Games.

The federation gave Enzo €70,000 per year for securing the horse, which Enzo’s daughter Valentina competed for Italy in two European championships and the London Olympics.

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However, Mr Truppa told H&H at the time that the money was given not only for Eremo and Chablis, but also for a number of goals. He said these included training horses and riders up to grand prix level with the purpose of taking part with a team at European and World Championships to qualify for the Olympics.

“All obligations up to 31 December 2015 were fulfilled, including qualification for Rio,” said Mr Truppa.

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

Richard Waygood MBE, Chef d’Equipe for the British dressage team and guest speaker at the Saracen Horse Feeds summer trade conference – a prelude to Rio (26 July) discusses just how different Rio will be for Team GBR at the 2016 Olympic Games

1. The language barrier – the people of Rio speak Portuguese, and 90% do not speak any English

2. The time difference – the team are advised to turn off their mobile phones before they go to bed, as it is amazing how many people will forget the time difference and call or text during the night to wish them good luck

3. The Olympic village is a huge distraction in itself – even the food hall has over 25 different restaurants inside

4. The weather – obviously the climate is very different in Brazil compared to at home. Although the team have been training properly and have had access to heat chambers, Rio will still be a bit of a shock for both the horses and riders

5. The opposition – no one knows how the opposition will perform in Rio, so it all comes down to what will happen on the day

6. The crowd – although many equestrian enthusiasts will fly over for Games, local people still attend and they may not know how to behave sympathetically around horses. For example, they could use flash photography, clap or cheer at the wrong time and spook the horses

7. The flight – the dressage horses travelled from Belgium on a flight lasting for 11 hours 40 mins yesterday afternoon (1 August). It will take them at least two days to fully recover. There are between 35 and 45 horses on each flight, and most flights leave from Belgium as 90% of the horses competing are based in Europe

Continued below…

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8. The adjustment– alongside the journey and the heat, the horses may not like the water so special precautions have to be taken, as it contains a much higher chlorine level

9. Travel arrangements– the Olympic village is a distance away from the venue, so travel arrangements and traffic must also be carefully considered each day

Make sure that you don’t miss a minute of the action this summer with Horse & Hound’s extensive coverage

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“Four years ago I compared collecting my kit for London 2012 with my first Olympic experience, of Barcelona 20 years earlier, as 20 times more sophisticated,” Carl told H&H. “So, how about preparing for Rio 2016? Well it was another level entirely on our trip to the NEC for briefings and kit collection.

“After the statutory drug and doping talk we spent a really good hour with the BBC’s James Pearce. All the riders were interviewed and then we went through it with James. I may be used to giving interviews but there is nothing worse than sitting in a room with your mates and having to watch yourself.

“Apparently each quote should last 30-40 seconds, which is easy if you’re a yacker like me. I have the opposite problem — when to add the full stop. With no advertising on the BBC it’s a real opportunity to get your point across if you’re asked for an interview. Remember we are selling a product, which is, of course, the sport we all love, dressage. And smiling is the best way to show enthusiasm.

“Then it was kit collection. Imagine being let loose in a glamorous department store, a sort of upmarket supermarket sweep. We came home with three great big cases each and a fantastic selection of Christmas presents for my godchildren to try after I’m done with them — although it would be interesting to try and ride dressage in the hiking boots.

“We also stopped at the Aldi munchies store to fill up with snacks. Unfortunately they only had healthy ones. With Alan, Charlotte, me and all our gear in the car we really should have organised a bus to bring it home.”

All fired up for Rio?

“With a room full of sponsors with whom we were encouraged to engage and chat, it brought a whole different process to bringing out the Olympic spirit. The horses leave on 31 July. Ours will be in Alan’s care, with Charlotte and I following our leader Dickie Waygood with the rest of the team on a BA flight two days later. So yes, we’re Games-ready.

“And while Dickie was wearing the smallest pair of shorts at the London kit-out; this year he’ll be more suitably attired.

“Hartpury was superb preparation for the home side. Looking to the opposition, Aachen made very interesting viewing. What a German team! They look super-strong in quality although it was disappointing that the marks did not reflect the mistakes — and without a JSP (judges’ supervisory panel) there was no correction. They certainly look the team to beat.

“It was also interesting to see Edward Gal popping out of the woodwork on Voice despite his non-appearance at Rotterdam and only doing the grand prix (which they won) at the Dutch Championships, to give the Dutch team a boost.

“The one to watch from Aachen is Spain’s Severo Jurado López on the 10-year-old chestnut Lorenzo. I have known Severo since he was a working pupil at my friend Anne van Olst’s yard in Holland. He’s someone who has stuck with it and worked hard. They burst onto the scene as a combination in February this year and they’re on the up. Alongside Spanish champions Beatriz Ferrer-Salat and Delgado they’ll be putting Spain in with a shout of a medal.

“Hopefully the home side will all have a great trip and take the very best of British luck with us.”

• Carl was interviewed for his column this week to comply with Olympic regulations

Ref: Horse & Hound; 28 July 2016

An appeal made by a Canadian dressage rider who felt she should have been selected for Rio has been unsuccessful – but the FEI is investigating connected allegations.

Karen Pavicic was selected with Don Daiquiri as an “alternate” for the Games but felt she should have been the second confirmed individual, as the country did not qualify for the team event.

Karen appealed to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) over Equestrian Canada’s decision to select Megan Lane and Caravella, based on allegations of biased judging at Cedar Valley, Ontario, CDI3* (17-19 June).

In a document publicising his decision, arbitrator Richard W Pound QC explained that Karen was ranked 89^th on the FEI dressage rankings list, while Megan was 87^th.

The document reads: “Her position is that the results of a final qualification competition, in which she did not compete (she lives in British Columbia and the competition was in Ontario), was affected by bias on the part of one of the FEI-qualified judges.

“Prior to that competition, the claimant [Karen] was ranked ahead of the affected party [Megan]. She says that exaggerated marks were given to the affected party by the judge whose conduct is impugned , which had the effect of moving the affected party higher than her in the FEI standings, thereby precluding her nomination as the second rider.

“The marks given in the qualification competition had the effect of moving the affected party ahead of the claimant by less than five one-hundredths of one per cent.”

Karen filed statements made by judges and others in support of her claims, and told the arbitrator she was also filing a complaint with the FEI.

‘Unproven allegations’

But Mr Pound added: “I note for the record that the allegations are as yet unproven. I make no findings regarding the allegations. They are, however, very serious and clearly call for further investigation on the part of the FEI.”

The FEI dressage committee had already investigated the scoring of the event and recommended the results stand, as “there were insufficient grounds for either annulling or changing the results”.

An FEI spokesman told H&H: “This matter was put on the agenda in order for FEI headquarters to provide the FEI dressage committee with an update on the current situation in relation to this matter.

“As communicated to Equestrian Canada, and Karen Pavicic, the FEI dressage committee decided, based on the available evidence and judging analysis, that the results of the CDI3* Cedar Valley will stand.

“The committee also tasked FEI headquarters to follow up on this matter in a fair and thorough manner, looking into any remaining allegations.

“This follow-up is ongoing, with due process being followed.”

Related articles:

• Canada’s top eventer awarded place on Olympic team after appeal
• What extremes do riders go to in their quest for Olympic glory?
• The Olympics: when things are happening and how you can keep up to date

Mr Pound concluded that “nothing can be done” to deal with Karen’s request to be selected for Rio, as Equine Canada had “adopted and disseminated the applicable selection procedure, with which the claimant has no complaint”. He said the qualification events had led to official FEI rankings, showing Megan ahead of Karen.

The report adds: “An arbitrator appointed by the SDRCC has no jurisdiction to override a decision taken in these circumstances by an international federation with respect to a matter that falls within the competence of that international federation.

“If, in the particular context, the impugned judge acted improperly in some respect, it is for the FEI to determine what the consequences should be.”

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

Keep this handy guide close to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action. All times shown are British time (which is four hours ahead of Rio). Rio times are shown in brackets.

All the equestrian action will be shown on the BBC red button and on the BBC sport website. The following sessions may also appear on the main BBC TV channels: cross-country, eventing showjumping, showjumping team round two (team final) and individual final, dressage grand prix special (team final) and grand prix freestyle (individual final).

Friday 5 August

• Eventing first horse inspection: 12.30-1.55pm (8.30-9.55am)
• Opening ceremony: 11.30pm (7.30pm)

Saturday 6 August

• Eventing dressage: 2-8pm (10am-4pm) H&H Live with Matt Hicks

Sunday 7 August

• Eventing dressage: 2-8pm (10am-4pm) H&H Live with Matt Hicks

Monday 8 August

• Eventing cross-country: 2-7pm (10am-3pm) H&H Live
• Dressage horse inspection: 7.45-8.55pm (3.45-4.55pm)

Tuesday 9 August

• Eventing second horse inspection: Noon-1pm (8-9am)
• Eventing team showjumping, eventing individual showumping, eventing team and individual medal ceremonies: 2-7.30pm (10am-3.30pm) H&H Live

Wednesday 10 August

• Dressage grand prix: 2-8pm (10am-4pm) H&H Live with Emile Faurie

Thursday 11 August

• Dressage grand prix: 2-8pm (10am-4pm) H&H Live with Emile Faurie

Friday 12 August

• Showjumping horse inspection: 11.30am-1pm (7.30-9am)
• Dressage grand prix special team final and team medal ceremony: 2-8.30pm (10am-4.30pm) H&H Live with Richard Barrett

Saturday 13 August

• Showjumping training session: 2-6.50pm (10am-2.50pm)

Sunday 14 August

• Showjumping first qualifier (team and individual): 2-5.45pm (10am-1.45pm) H&H Live

Monday 15 August

• Dressage grand prix freestyle and individual medal ceremony: 2-6pm (10am-2pm) H&H Live with Hayley Watson-Greaves

Tuesday 16 August

• Showjumping team round one: 2-5.30pm (10am-1.30pm) H&H Live

Wednesday 17 August

• Showjumping team round two and team medal ceremony: 2-4.45pm (10am-12.45pm) H&H Live

Thursday 18 August

• Showjumping horse inspection: 8-8.30pm (4-4.30pm)

Friday 19 August

• Showjumping individual final and individual medal ceremony: 2-6.45pm (10am-2.45pm) H&H Live

Sunday 21 August

• Closing ceremony: 11.30pm (7.30pm)

Get all the action from H&H

H&H is sending two journalists and a photographer to Rio so that we can provide the best possible coverage of the Games both on our dedicated Olympics microsite and in the magazine.

• H&H Live (up-to-the-minute interactive written commentary, find links above) from every session of sport, including expert analysis from celebrity guests including Emile Faurie, Hayley Watson-Greaves, Matt Hicks and Richard Barrett
• Reports on all the action
• Interviews featuring fascinating competitor stories
• Daily video round-up of the competition
• Blogs from our journalists on the ground in Rio

Magazine issues

• 4 August: Olympic pull-out form guide — including every rider and horse, plus scorecards to fill in
• 12 August (H&H is published on Friday this week to allow us to report the full Olympic eventing, which finishes on Tuesday, 9 August): Olympic eventing report
• 18 August: Olympic dressage report
• 25 August: Olympic showjumping report
• 1 September: Olympic commemorative issue
• Our bumper magazine reports will feature full analysis, beautiful pictures, exclusive columns from the likes of Mark Phillips, Ruth Edge, Tina Cook, and many more plus special features, such as photos of every cross-country fence, showjumping course plans, thrills and spills, and dressage test sheets.

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

Below is the list of the confirmed horse and rider combinations that will representing their countries in Rio, including reserve riders where appropriate. This list will be kept up to date with any changes in the run-up to the Games as they happen.

Useful information

• Beginners’ guide to Olympic dressage
• British dressage team announcement

Rio Olympics: confirmed dressage riders and horses

Australia

• Mary Hanna and Boogie Woogie 6
• Kelly Layne and Udon P
• Kristy Oatley and Du Soleil
• Lyndal Oatley and Sandro Boy 9
• Reserve: Suzanne Hearn and Remmington

Austria

• Victoria Max-Theurer and Della Cavaleria

Belgium

• Jorinde Verwimp and Tiamo

Brazil

• Giovanna Prado Pass riding Zingaro de Lyw
• João Victor Marcari Oliva riding Xamã dos Pinhais
• Luiza Tavares de Almeida riding Vendaval 4
• Pedro Manuel Tavares de Almeida riding Xaparro do Vouga
• Travelling reserve: Manuel Rodrigues Tavares de Almeida Neto riding Viheste

Canada

• Megan Lane and Caravella
• Belinda Trussell and Anton
• Reserve: Karen Pavicic and Don Daiquiri

Denmark

• Anna Kasprzak on Donnperignon
• Cathrin Dufour on Cassidy
• Agnete Kirk Thinggaard on Jojo AZ
• Anders Dahl on Selten HW

Dominican Republic

• Yvonne Losos de Muñiz and Focoloco W

France

• Stéphanie Brieussel and Amorak
• Ludovic Henry and After You
• Karen Tebar and Don Luis
• Pierre Volla and Badinda Altena
• Reserve: Alexandre Ayache and Axel

Germany

• Kristina Bröring-Sprehe on Desperados FRH
• Sönke Rothenberger on Cosmo
• Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD
• Dorothee Schneider on Showtime FRH
• Travelling reserve: Hubertus Schmidt on Imperio

Great Britain

• Carl Hester on Nip Tuck
• Charlotte Dujardin on Valegro
• Fiona Bigwood on Orthillia
• Spencer Wilton on Super Nova II
• Travelling reserve: Lara Griffith on Rubin Al Asad

Ireland

• Judy Reynolds with Vancouver K
• Reserve: Roland Tong with Ambience

Italy

• Valentina Truppa riding Chablis
• Reserve: Micol Rustignoli and Corallo Nero

Japan

• Yuko Kitai and Don Lorean
• Masanao Takahasi on Fabriano 58
• Kiichi Haradi on Egistar
• Akane Kuroki on Toots
• Reserve: Shingo Hayashi on Ramses der II

Korea

• Dongseon Kim and Bukowski

Mexico

• Bernadette Pujals on Rolex

Netherlands

• Adelinde Cornelissen on Parzival
• Edward Gal on Voice
• Hans Peter Minderhoud on Johnson N.O.P
• Diederik Van Silfhout on Arlando N.O.P
• Reserve: Madeleine Witte-Vrees on Cennin

New Zealand

• Julie Brougham and Vom Feinsten

Palestine

• Christian Zimmermann and Aramis 606

Russia

• Inessa Merkulova and Mister X
• Marina Aframeeva and Vosk

South Africa

• Tanya Seymour and Ramoneur 6

Spain

• Beatriz Ferrer-Salat on Delgado
• Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez on Lorenzo
• Jose Daniel Martin Dockx on Grandioso
• Claudio Castilla Ruiz on Alcaide
• Travelling reserve: Borja Carrascosa Martinez with Wonder

Sweden

• Patrik Kittel with Deja
• Therese Nilshagen with Dante Weltino OLD
• Juliette Ramel with Buriel H.K.
• Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén with Don Auriello
• Travelling reserve: Mads Hendeliowitz with Jimmie Choo SEQ

Switzerland

• Marcela Krinke-Susmelj riding Molberg

Ukraine

• Inna Logutenkova on Don Gregorius

United States

• Allison Brock and Rosevelt
• Laura Graves and Verdades
• Kasey Perry-Glass and Dublet
• Steffen Peters and Legolas 92
• Reserve: Shelly Francis and Doktor

The German dressage and showjumping teams have been announced for the Rio Olympics at a press conference held in Aachen today.

Dressage:

• Kristina Bröring-Sprehe (above) on Desperados FRH
• Sönke Rothenberger on Cosmo
• Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD
• Dorothee Schneider on Showtime FRH
• Travelling reserve: Hubertus Schmidt on Imperio

Showjumping

• Christian Ahlmann on Taloubet Z
• Ludger Beerbaum on Casello
• Daniel Deusser on First Class Van Eeckelghem
• Marcus Ehning on Cornado NRW
• Travelling reserve: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum on Fibonacci 17

Meredith’s listing is to be confirmed as she has to check her owners are happy for the horse to travel on the reserve basis.

The dressage team is exactly the same as the quartet which has dazzled this week in Aachen, winning the Nations Cup with three plus-80% scores in both the grand prix on Thursday and the special today. Sönke is an Olympic debutant, but the other three all have Games experience.

The showjumping team also has one Olympic first-timer in Daniel Deusser, who was the World Cup champion in 2014.

The Germans won the showjumping Nations Cup in Aachen last Thursday evening, when Meredith was in the team and Daniel was left on the bench. Casello and Fibonacci were on that Nations Cup team, with Christian riding Epleaser Van’t Heike and Marcus on Pret A Tout.

The German eventing team is expected to be announced imminently too, after the conclusion of the Aachen Nations Cup this morning. Germany finished second to Australia, but this will not cause the reigning Olympic, world and European champions any concerns as they were only fielding one of their expected Rio quartet in the team. Michael Jung won the class individually on FischerTakinou, who is his preferred mount for Rio.

Full report from Aachen in H&H this week, out Thursday, 21 July.

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

Edward Gal’s top grand prix horse Glock’s Undercover NOP has been withdrawn from this week’s Dutch National Championships (14-17 July) – and from contention for an Olympic place in Rio De Janeiro.

Edward said he felt competing the 15-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding by Ferro this weekend in Ermelo “was not going to work”, and the Dutch national federation told H&H today Undercover was no longer in the running for Rio selection.

“But he’s still in the race with Voice,” a spokesman said.

The withdrawal of Undercover, who is owned by, Austrian Gaston Glock, was announced by Glock Horse Performance Center.

“We are really sorry, but Edward won’t ride Undercover at the Dutch Championships in Ermelo this weekend,” a statement read.

Edward added: “I feel that it is not going to work. ‘Fritsie’ will get stressed again for sure. It’s a pity but our decision is for Fritsie’s sake.

“My ambitions to ride are not as important as the welfare of the horse. So Fritsie stays at home where he is happy!”

Edward and Undercover were eliminated during the 2015 European championships under the FEI’s blood rule. They made their competition comeback at the Nieuw en St Joosland grand prix in April, when they finished sixth with a score well below their best.

The 2010 World champion is still due to compete his second long-listed horse, the 14-year-old stallion Glock’s Voice, with whom he represented the Netherlands at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, at the Dutch championships.

Related articles:

• Dressage star Edward Gal injured in fall
• British riders announced for Rio Olympics dressage team
• €10,000 fine for owner who sold horse ahead of Olympics

The other 12 riders announced on the Dutch long-list for Rio are Marlies van Baalen, Kirsten Beckers, Adelinde Cornelissen, Katja Gevers, Daniëlle Heijkoop, Marjan van der Jagt, Patrick van der Meer, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Emmelie Scholtens, Diederik van Silfhout, Tommie Visser and Madeleine Witte-Vrees.

This weekend’s championships had been pinpointed as the second of two mandatory selection trials, after Rotterdam CDIO (23-26 June).

Dutch team trainer Wim Ernes is due to announce the Olympic team on Sunday (17 July).

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

The squad of five riders who will be heading to Rio to represent Britain at September’s Paralympics has been unveiled.

The following combinations have been selected:

• Anne Dunham (grade Ia) with the Lady Joseph Trust and Henrietta Cheetham’s Lucas Normark, a 15-year-old stallion by Ravaldi.
• Sophie Christiansen (grade Ia) with Diane Redfern’s Athene Lindebjerg, a nine-year-old mare by Gribaldi.
• Lee Pearson (grade Ib) with David and Lynda Pearson, Gillian Chinn and his own Zion, a 12-year-old gelding by Flemmingh.
• Natasha Baker (grade II) with Christian Landolt, Phil and Lorraine Baker and Dorothy Alder’s Cabral, a 15-year-old gelding by Bujak.
• Sophie Wells (grade IV) with her own Valerius, a 14-year-old gelding by Flemmingh.

Anne said: “It felt amazing to get the call – it gave me as much fizz and excitement as the very first time. There’s been such strong competition for a place on this squad.”

From this squad of five, four pairs will be chosen at a later date to form the team, while the final combination will compete as an individual at the Games.

Sophie Christiansen, Sophie Wells, Natasha and Lee were all members of the British squad that scooped 11 medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, while Rio will be Anne’s fifth Paralympics. Her first was Atlanta in 1996, when dressage made its debut as a Paralympic discipline.

Sophie Christiansen, 28, made her Paralympic debut in Athens in 2004, aged 16, and since then has racked up 21 championship medals for Britain. She will be joined in the grade Ia section, for riders whose disability most severely affects their riding, by Anne, 68, who has partnered the striking Knabstrupper stallion Lucas Normark since 2013. They recently claimed a hat-trick of high-scoring wins at the Hartpury CPEDI3*.

Grade Ib rider Lee Pearson, 42, has represented Britain at four Paralympic Games to date, accumulating 10 gold medals, as well as six world and three European titles.

Double Paralympic and five-time European champion Natasha Baker, 26, will be partnering her London ride Cabral at their second Olympics together. The grade II pair have enjoyed a great run of form recently, and are unbeaten since March 2015.

Continued below…

Related articles:

Beginners’ guide to Paralympic dressage at Rio 2016

Para dressage star retires from riding to become car salesman

‘I live life, I set goals and I keep pushing’: how one para dressage rider beats the odds

2016 is the year grade IV rider Sophie Wells’ London reserve ride Valerius gets the chance to strut his stuff on the Paralympic stage. Sophie, 26, and the 14-year-old, whom she owned for over nine years, recently posted an 80% personal best freestyle at Hartpury CPEDI3*.

“It’s very exciting and there’s an element of relief too – you work towards this for four years and selection is the first hurdle,” she said. “Now the really hard work starts! We had a really good week last week at Hartpury and I think that cemented it in the selectors’ minds.”

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Isn’t it British to be talking about the weather in Rio? But while any Olympian is focused on rivals and tactics, there’s a glut of other factors — weather included — that are far less peripheral than one may imagine.

Past Olympics abound with tales of flooded courses, volcanic terrain and horses dying in transit. Stifling temperatures in Barcelona 1992 provoked a four-year study into the effects of heat and humidity — leaving a lasting legacy in how we cool horses today — while in Mexico City 1968 riders collapsed due to the high altitude only a week before the event.

So what can our riders expect in Rio next month?

What is the flight time? 12 hours

What is the time difference? Four hours behind the UK

What is the temperature in August? Average 22°C, max 26°C (London 19°C, max 23°C)

What is the humidity in August? 75% (London 65%)

How far away is the rider accommodation from the equestrian site? 40 minutes

Where are the stabling facilities? On-site

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is not envisaging challenging conditions in Rio.

“Acclimatisation will be relatively quick given that the Olympics and Paralympics are taking place during Brazil’s winter,” says the BEF’s Pippa Wade.

“The climate at its hottest is like a hot summer day in England, and can be much cooler.”

The British horses are set to travel at least five or six days before the trot-up.

“The flight time and time difference are not thought to be of much concern for the horses,” Pippa adds.

“In general they deal with these incredibly well, and after a day or two of rest will be ready to begin their final preparation for the Games.”

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

Gemma Tattersall’s British team horse named for Rio Olympics

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The stabling, training areas, vet clinic and grooms’ accommodation are on-site, which is important to preserve biosecurity measures and safeguard the horses’ health.

However, the British riders will be based in the Olympic village, 40 minutes away, and will use the official Olympic transport.

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

Yesterday’s Olympic rider list is the most hotly anticipated news of the year. I’ve never been to one of these live team annoucement events before as it’s all usually done via email with a fairly pedestrian press release for major championships, but the Olympics is The Big One.

It was only at the end of last week that we learned that there would be a live declaration. The BEF’s cryptic communication — which stressed that the information was for planning and not for publication — cryptically just gave “Wiltshire” as the location.

For “planning” purposes, we asked where in Wiltshire it would take place (I mean, Wiltshire is 1,346 square miles so they wouldn’t exactly be spilling the secret beans by saying which end of it we were dealing with here).

We were given short shrift and reminded that the initial communication had said the information would be shared on Monday. I mused about the lack of information over the weekend, but when I got the address on Monday morning, a quick google revealed why they didn’t want to share it earlier. It was to be at Kitty King’s base near Chippenham at 11am the following day. So she was on the list.

The showjumping team had been leaked over the weekend, so the major question marks remaining were over William Fox-Pitt’s selection and who the fourth rider would be to join Carl, Charlotte and Fiona for dressage.

Bear in mind then that all invited journalists who have google (yep, all of us) knew that Kitty had been selected since seeing the address and could have made that information public.

But there is a big dollop of trust involved with these things, and nobody squealed. It was disappointing then that @eventingstig shared a screenshot from Kitty’s sister Lucy’s Facebook account at 10.37am on Twitter, letting the Kitty out of the bag about her selection — 27 minutes before the waiting journalists were given the green light to go public.

Sometimes, in this job, we are in possession of information that it is not prudent to share. When I pulled into Kitty’s, I saw Fiona Bigwood. I could’ve blurted about it on social media, but that’s just not cricket (this is an unsubtle nod to Test Match Special’s Jonathan Agnew who, as a newly-minted equestrian journalist preparing to commentate on all the horsey sport from Rio for the BBC, was also at Kitty’s. His number plate is even TMS — perhaps he can replace it with H0R5E after the Olympics?).

Which way to turn?

Meanwhile, back at Kitty’s base. It’s 10.55am, five minutes until The Big Reveal, and we’re asked to assemble in the back garden. There’s a buzz among the journalists — about 30 of us, and a good mix of equestrian and non-equestrian media. My colleagues in the office and I had set up a Whatsapp group called The Big Announcement so that I could communicate with them and, from their desks, they could whack the stories up live online within seconds of the names being uttered.

Presumably the BEF performance director Dan Hughes is going to stand before us and read them out, I thought. Nobody is even sure which way to face. Will the riders come through the house? Or across the immaculate lawn? Or come hidden in a massive red white and blue Olympic cake? Or or or? The excitement was almost too much, even for the hackneyed old hacks.

11am came and went. The tension.

We’re all still milling about, heads swiveling to try to be the first to pick up on any signals of who might have made the cut. At 11.04am, I become aware of a lady in an official team top (there were a fair few of them about) among us with a sheaf of papers. She asks me if I’d like a press release. Sure I would.

I look at the release and my heart surges like 10 espresso shots. Bloody hell, this is it! The names! The horses! They were all there right in front of me. The Big News. And no ceremony.

In my haste to send the info to my waiting in-office colleagues (who were sending messages like ‘Eeek SO EXCITED’) on the Whatsapp group, I inadvertently send them a wild-hair selfie rather than a picture of the list. Hate it when the phone does that.

With shaking, stabbing fingers I finally get the information over to them in a modern version of short-hand (one message simply read: Ben Nick JW MW) and, by 11.08am, all three of our team announcement stories were live and shared across social media.

Then Dan appeared and announced that a number of the riders were on-site. But not Carl or Charlotte as they were preparing for Hartpury Festival of Dressage, where they are taking about a dozen horses between them.

The riders appeared and trooped over from the corner of the garden. It would be unfair on them to say it was a let-down. But it was a little anti-climactic.

They were spearheaded by John and Michael Whitaker, flanked by Nick Skelton and Ben Maher. None of them looked wildly excited, but then again they had had days for the information to sink in. We journalists were still fizzing with fresh, child-like excitement.

The eventers and two of the dressage riders stood at the back. They’d all been dressed in official blue Adidas tracksuits. In the sun, they were a bit shiny. Yes, they are all supreme “athletes” and athletes can rock the tracksuit look, but most of them looked like fish out of water. Or like people heading to the corner shop hoping not to be seen by anyone they know en route.

Unfortunate tracksuits aside, it really is a remarkable group of repaired humans (head injuries, broken neck, brain haemorrhage etc etc) that we’re fielding for Rio.

Announcement day might have been really weird, but there’s nothing odd about the stunning talent of these selected athletes. And, make no mistake, whatever injuries they have sustained and overcome, these astonishingly talented people truly are athletes at the pinnacle of the possible.

Please make sure they are kept away from all naked flames between now and their respective big days; those outfits look awfully flammable.

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There were always three clear contenders for dressage team places at the Rio Olympics, but the battle for the fourth spot has been bubbling for many months and was a closely-fought contest.

H&H can now reveal the dressage riders and horses who have been chosen to represent Britain in Brazil next month. They are:

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro — a 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Negro owned by Carl Hester, Roly Luard and Anne Barott

Charlotte and Valegro have been the lynchpins for the British team since their first championship appearance at the Europeans in Rotterdam in 2011. The pair have not competed since the European championships in Aachen in August of last year, where they won all three tests. They are unbeaten in their last 15 consecutive starts. Their next outing is at Hartpury Festival of Dressage, which takes place this week.

Carl Hester and Nip Tuck — a 12-year-old KWPN gelding by Don Ruto owned by the rider and Jane de la Mare

Carl, who turned 49 last week, has nurtured the huge gelding, known at home as Barney, throughout his career. Although he used to be very sharp, that sensitivity has worked in his favour for the higher level movements and he has become a very reliable grand prix performer. He proved this in the spooky arena at Bolesworth International last month.

Fiona Bigwood and Orthilia — an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare by Gribaldi owned by the Bigwoods and the Dahls

Stellar results over the Olympic qualifying period put this pair firmly in the frame for Rio. Sussex-based Fiona rides with a patch over her eye to mitigate the double vision she now suffers as the result of a fall in April 2014.

Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II — a 13-year-old British Hanoverian by De Niro owned by the rider and Jen Goodman

This pair have attended three shows this year and scored over 70% at least once at every one. Their 2016 high water mark came in the form of two plus-73% wins at Lier CDI in March, though they did top 74% in the grand prix special in 2015. “Neville” is a former ride of Carl Hester’s whom Spencer has been competing since early 2012. The pair were grand prix winners with over 72% at both Somerford Park and Keysoe Premier League shows this season.

The travelling reserve is: Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Asad — a 14-year-old Hannoverian by Rubin Royal owned by Dr Wilfried and Mrs Ursula Bechtolsheimer

This pair have an average score of 70.64% in the 10 grand prix and grand prix special tests contested in 2016 — including half a dozen tests in Wellington, Florida, at the beginning of the year.

Find out who made the other British Olympic equestrian teams:

British showjumping team revealed for Rio Olympics

British eventing team named for Rio Olympics

Don’t miss H&H’s Olympic preview issue (28 July) or our form guide (4 August), with details of every runner and rider, plus score cards to fill in. Our Rio eventing report is published on 12 August — the magazine will come out on Friday rather than Thursday that week to tie in with Olympic competition schedules.

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Picture Brazil and certain stereotypes spring to mind — the soccer, the samba, the sun-kissed beaches... but horse sport? A vibrant equestrian culture is one of the many surprises this sprawling South American country has to offer, if you’re prepared to dig a little deeper than the clichés, says Andrea Oakes

1. There is a diverse interest in horse sport

A look at the stats reveals a diverse equestrian scene, two-thirds of it made up of western events such as barrel racing, reining and cutting. The remaining sector more closely resembles our own, comprising the Olympic disciplines plus vaulting, driving, endurance and a fast-developing racing industry.

“The equestrian competition scene in Brazil is small compared to those in Europe and the United States, but it has been growing year by year,” says Juliana Machado, a journalist at the country’s monthly magazine Revista Horse.

“More than a million horses are used in Brazil today for sport, be it classical or western. The number of competitions has also increased considerably in recent years, which has helped the technical improvement of the athletes.”

2 . Brazil’s version of the BEF is the Brazilian Equestrian Confederation (CBH)

An unprecedented push for success at its home games has been driven by the Brazilian Equestrian Confederation (CBH) — an umbrella organisation similar to our British Equestrian Federation (BEF). “The CBH has conducted several clinics with renowned professionals, brought in foreign technicians to train teams and invested in horses and events in general,” explains Juliana.

3. The size of the country can be a problem for equestrians

British trainer Nick, who was coach and manager of the Brazilian three-day eventing team from 2009-2012, says that the sheer scale of the country — it’s a whopping 35 times the size of the UK — poses a challenge to the keen rider.

Most of the eventing, a relatively small sport, is centred in São Paulo state. “The level in eventing has improved no end,” he says. “I tried to introduce more foreign judges, which is now becoming the norm. With higher-level ground jury members the riders have a better idea of where they are.

“At the top level they’re very keen to make progress and this can be seen in some of the results,” adds Nick, pointing out that riders are avoiding the “big fish in a small pond” syndrome by travelling to Europe and the States and even basing themselves abroad for training. “Those riders hungry for more success are investing time, money and effort to expose themselves to what others are doing.”

4. Eventing is starting to hit the headlines

Eventing may account for just 0.9% of the country’s horse sport by participation, yet the Brazilian riders are starting to hit international headlines. Extra investment in training seems to be paying off. While Nick had to manage the team single-handedly, the eventers have campaigned for Rio under the expert eye of New Zealand Olympian Mark Todd, with British rider Anna Ross concentrating on the dressage side.

“They’ve made a concerted effort to improve,” says Mark, explaining that certain aspects of horsemanship needed attention. “They won the South American championships in 2014 and last year came second in the Pan Am Games, giving the Americans a real fright.”

5. The horse world is a tight knit community

According to Mark, it’s a close-knit community. “It reminds me of the New Zealand eventing scene 30 years ago,” he says. “Everyone knows everyone. In the UK people are in such a hurry to get away after an event, but competitions in Brazil are a social occasion. There’s always a barbeque with a few drinks afterwards and the whole family is often involved. It’s a lovely atmosphere.”

6. Riding clubs are often like upmarket sports complexes

Anna visits the country regularly to coach the eventers and also teaches in some of the big riding clubs in São Paulo. “A lot of people keep their horses at these clubs,” she explains, describing them as the equivalent of an upmarket sports complex.

“Most competitive riders treat their horses as we do in Europe. One club I go to has its own sushi restaurant and swimming pool, and there’s often a vet based on site.”

7. There’s no Pony Club — but riding is still popular among kids

“There’s no Pony Club, as such, but you do see a lot of kids riding,” adds Anna. “Quite a few children ride horses, usually kind, well-behaved animals.”

Youngsters hoping to progress must largely rely on financial help from their parents. Funding is limited at all stages and what there is available is difficult to obtain, although some sponsorship exists, mostly in the high-profile sport of showjumping.

8. Brazil is proud of its showjumping legends

Brazil’s climate means that the showjumping circuit is outdoor-based and year-round, except for the very hottest part of the summer, when most competitors take a break. There’s a lively amateur scene and a clique of professionals holding their own internationally.

Chief among these is Rodrigo Pessoa, whose father Nelson — known as “The Wizard”, for his bewitching riding style — made his first Olympic appearance in 1956. Rodrigo has dominated at the highest levels for decades and aims to make history on home turf this summer as the first Brazilian to make seven Olympic appearances.

With multiple Olympian Doda de Miranda in the running and legendary American rider-trainer George Morris at the helm as team coach, the Brazilian team could be formidable. Belgium-based Pedro Veniss is also hotly tipped.

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9. There is growing enthusiasm for dressage

The country’s dressage is largely centred around the riding clubs, using quality Lusitano horses. With little in the way of dressage heritage and a limited grand prix scene, ambitious riders are travelling to the sport’s leading nations to train and compete. A surprising number are campaigning for a place on the Olympic team, under the shrewd management of Belgian former international dressage judge Mariette Withages.

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Kiwi dressage rider Julie Brougham will pip Mark Todd to the “elder statesman” record at this summer’s Olympics.

The New Zealand Olympic committee had said that Mark, 60, would become their most senior Olympian.

But it has been revealed that Julie, who will make her Olympic debut in Rio, edges him by “a year or so”.

“It’s an age old issue of whether you should ask a lady her age . . . well, in keeping with those manners it transpires Sir Mark Todd may not be the oldest in the New Zealand Olympic team after all,” said a statement from the organisation.

Julie, 62, will become the third New Zealander in the history of the Olympics to compete in the dressage.

She rides her own and her husband David’s Vom Feinsten, a 13-year-old chestnut gelding with whom she holds the Australasian grand prix freestyle record (76.3%).

“I had tried to keep my age on the down low, but hey, now I’m an Olympian I may as well embrace it,” she said.

“But really, I am the newbie in all of this. Mark has more Olympic experience that would be hard to match.

“I am happy to pass the mantle back as the one we should all take advice from and aspire to.”

The combination have also won numerous national titles and earlier this year made the long journey from their home in Manawatu, New Zealand, to Germany to prepare for the Games.

Mark added: “I did quite enjoy being the elder statesman of the team, but am happy to concede.”

Julie and Mark are joined by eventers Jonelle Price, Clarke Johnstone, Jock Paget and reserve Tim Price as the Kiwi equestrian squad heading to the Olympics.

Related articles:

• Confusion surrounds conflicting statements over British Olympic showjumping selection
• Mark Todd set for eighth Olympics as New Zealand team announced
• Rio Olympics dressage: top combination out of contention through injury

New Zealand Olympic team CEO Kereyn Smith said for the first time athlete numbers are swaying towards women.

“While Mark may still be our most capped Olympian, it’s great to see a female athlete take over the coveted ‘most senior’ spot,” she added.

“Gender balance is really having a positive impact within our team.”

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