Excitement in the equestrian world is building — in just one year’s time (5 August) the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony will take place in Rio.
At Rio 2016 equestrian sport will celebrate 104 years as part of the Olympic movement.
The equestrian events will be held over 12 days at the Olympic equestrian centre at Deodoro.
“The world’s biggest sporting event is now just a year away,” said FEI director of eventing and Olympic Catrin Norinder.
“Our venue at Deodoro is absolutely stunning and we’ve marked the one-year countdown to the Games.
“We’re all really looking forward to seeing equestrianism, one of the only Olympic sports in which men and women compete against each other and which involves two athletes, the horse and the rider, at Rio 2016. The road to Rio is now a major focus in our sport, with qualifying events ongoing around the world.”
As host nation Brazil secure automatic qualification in all three disciplines.
Ten nations have so far qualified jumping teams for Rio, with six nations through for dressage.
Eight nations have already booked their team Eventing slots for Rio.
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Britain has qualified in both dressage and eventing. However, the pressure is on Team GBR showjumpers who must finish in the top three of unqualified nations at the European Championships later this month (19-23 August) to secure the country’s place at Rio.
“Rio de Janeiro will be the focus of the sporting world’s attention next year, when it becomes the first South American city to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos.
“Staged in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, the Games are going to be really spectacular. Rio will be making full use of its world-famous landmarks, just as London did, and equestrian sport will be rubbing shoulders with other exciting sports at Deodoro, including basketball, fencing, hockey, mountain biking, BMX, canoe slalom and rugby sevens.
“We are experiencing massive growth in equestrian sport around the world, and Rio will be our perfect platform, putting equestrian in the limelight at the greatest sporting event on the planet.”
The remaining equestrian team places at Rio 2016 will be decided at continental qualifiers, while individual places will be decided according to world rankings.
For a full run down of which countries are heading to Rio, and which are yet to qualify in each of the disciplines, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 6 August.
