The equestrian Olympic events have come to an end but the horses’ and riders’ achievements will not be forgotten. From the eventers’ team gold to the showjumpers’, then the dressage double bronze, the British human and equine athletes did themselves and their country proud. If you missed any of it, you can look back at our coverage of all the action via our Olympic hub, as attention starts to turn towards the Paralympics in Paris in a few weeks’ time.
One of the surprises on the last day of equestrian Olympic action, the individual showjumping final yesterday, was world champions Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward coming unstuck on course. The little chestnut did not quite make the turn after fence eight, heading instead towards the arena fence and a timing marker, with the result that Henrik was unseated. “I tried to the last but I couldn’t and then of course he turned left and I went right,” Henrik said.
After Carl Hester and Fame helped Britain secure team dressage Bronze in Paris, some news outlets have claimed that he has officially retired from the Olympics. But this is not the case. After seven Games and four medals, and at the age of 57, Carl was asked about his future plans but did not confirm what these might be. H&H sets the record straight on what Carl actually did say after his superb performance.
To stay up todate with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
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
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
