6 things you need to know about today’s Olympic eventing dressage: from hard luck stories to a veteran 15.1hh and a young rider who impressed…

The Olympic eventing dressage phase of the competition in Tokyo is well underway, and at the end of day one, here are six things you need to know about how today’s action unfolded…

Oliver Townend got Britain off to a flying start at the Tokyo Olympics today (30 July). Riding Ballaghmor Class (pictured), the pair scored 23.6 to lead the first phase of day one.

• Find out what Oliver had to say on his smart test aboard the imposing grey

The British team hold the gold spot too, with the Swedish team in second and Japan in third.

• Find out the placings of teams and individuals, and why Germany are not yet in the reckoning

Britain’s second team rider, Laura Collett, sits in fourth at this stage of the competition with London 52.

• Discover why Laura was slightly disappointed following her test

Horse & Hound’s horse of the day is the amazing 20-year-old Tayberry, who is the oldest horse in the competition.

• Find out more about this remarkable little horse, who stands at just 15.1hh

Our rider of the day is the youngest competitor in the Tokyo Olympic eventing, Lea Siegl.

• Hear from Lea and why the Games being postponed has worked strongly in her favour

Plus, find out what some of the world’s top riders think of the cross-country course they will face in the next phase of this competition.

• Read why Oliver Townend thinks the course is going to cause problems

You might also be interested in:

‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel any pressure’: Asian Games medallist shakes up Olympic eventing dressage top 10 with stellar debut

‘Riding at the Olympics with my amazing horse is really cool’: Sweden’s chances boosted in Olympic eventing dressage

Tales from Tokyo: the one-eyed horse who ‘looked like a meatball’

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Gemma Redrup

H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.