Triumphs and Trials: A Look Back at the 2024 Olympic Equestrian Events
The 2024 Paris Olympics have come and gone, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable moments in sports history - some good, some bad.
Here at Paddock Blade, we’ve already covered Team Eventing, and in this article, we’re on to the individual equestrian competitions, where the world’s top riders and their horses showcased their skills in dressage and show jumping.
These events were a true testament to years of dedication and training. We’re going to dive deep into the individual equestrian events, offering an in-depth analysis of the dressage and show jumping competitions, spotlighting the riders and their extraordinary horses, and recapping the results that had the world on the edge of their seats!
Let’s start with dressage.
Dressage Individuals: The Art of Precision
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, Photo Cred: FEI/Benjamin Clark
Dressage, often referred to as the "art of precision," was one of the most anticipated events at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This discipline, which most of you know, requires horse and rider to perform a series of predetermined movements with grace and exactitude. Dressage is meant to be a true test of the partnership between them.
The 2024 competition featured an exceptional lineup of riders, many of them hailing from France, but each paired with horses that exemplified the highest levels of training and talent.
Notable Performances and Results
The individual dressage event was highlighted - in my humble opinion - by a breathtaking performance from Becky Moody and her horse, Jagerbomb. This dynamic duo has been a force in the dressage world for some time now, consistently ranking at the top of international competitions.
In Paris, they delivered a nearly flawless freestyle routine that left them with the bronze in team dressage. Their performance was marked by fluid transitions, impeccable timing, and a deep connection between horse and rider that was evident in every movement.
As someone who finds dressage hard to watch at times, this performance was one I actually enjoyed.
Charlotte Fry took home the bronze in individual and team dressage. I know she rides a challenging horse, but her continuous need to dip her toes into hyperflexion leaves me unimpressed every time.
I feel the same about Isabelle Werth, who took home the silver in individual dressage.
Remember, it’s not about whether or not you’re at the top. It’s about how you got there.
Which leads us to…
Welfare Considerations in Dressage
While the performances were awe-inspiring, the issue of horse welfare lingered in the background. The FEI had promised to prioritize welfare in the lead-up to the Games, citing stricter regulations and more attentive monitoring.
However, the reality on the ground did not fully meet these expectations. Critics pointed out that despite the claims of increased welfare oversight, there were few noticeable changes in how the competitions were conducted or how horses were managed behind the scenes.
Some observers noted that the pressure of Olympic competition, coupled with the intense demands of dressage, might have led to situations where the welfare of the horses was not as rigorously safeguarded as promised.
The welfare of dressage horses, particularly during the high-stress routines, remains a critical issue that the FEI and the broader equestrian community will need to address more transparently and effectively in future events.
In short, we saw a lot of stressed horses and extremely tight nosebands, and not much being done about it, but dressage was not the only culprit.
Show Jumping Individuals: Power and Agility
The show jumping event at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a thrilling display of power, agility, and strategy. Riders and their horses faced a challenging course filled with high fences, tight turns, and complex combinations that tested their ability to navigate at speed without knocking down any obstacles.
This year’s competition was particularly fierce, with several of the world’s top riders and their equine partners delivering performances that kept spectators on their toes! We sent Paddock Blade owner and our fearless leader Jake to check things out.
Needless to say, he had an amazing time!
Notable Performances and Results
The individual show jumping gold medal was captured by Christian Kukuk, riding the phenomenal Checker. The horse, obviously, was instrumental in their victory.
A heart-stopping jump-off decided the medal rankings, and this pair’s performance was a study in speed and precision, with a clear round that was completed in record time.
Every jump was executed well, with the horse clearing the fences with room to spare and maintaining a perfect rhythm throughout the course. It was certainly impressive.
My favorite show jumping performance goes to Wilm Vermeir and his horse, IQ, for Belgium. He rode in a bitless hackamore, and he did it well.
There’s a lot of nonsense over bitless bridles being less harsh than those with a bit, but that’s far from the truth. Hackamores put pressure on the nose, poll, and chin groove - and your horse will tell you if you’re using it right.
Overall, Wilm had a quiet round with IQ. There wasn’t much arguing back and forth. If you need a comparison, watch Karl Cook (USA) ride his round in a bitless hackamore with Caracole de la Roque.
Her noseband is way too low, causing a whole lot of pressure in the wrong place, and so she fought with him the entire round. He jumped clean and was able to secure silver in team show jumping.
Welfare Concerns in Show Jumping
Show jumping, with its intense physical demands, has always raised concerns about horse welfare. The FEI’s promise to enhance welfare measures was particularly scrutinized in this discipline, where the physical strain on the horses can be significant.
During the 2024 Olympics, there were instances where observers questioned whether the promised welfare enhancements were adequately enforced.
Despite the FEI’s assurances, some incidents, such as horses appearing visibly fatigued or stressed after challenging rounds, sparked debate about whether enough was being done to protect these elite athletes.
The physical and mental demands on show jumping horses are immense, and ensuring their welfare requires more than just monitoring; it demands proactive measures that may not have been fully realized in Paris.
Hopefully, we’ll get there sooner rather than later.
Training and Preparation
Preparing for the Olympics is a long and arduous journey, requiring years of training and preparation for both horse and rider. For dressage and show jumping, this preparation is not just about physical conditioning but should also be about building a deep, intuitive partnership between horse and rider.
The leading competitors in Paris spent countless hours perfecting their techniques, working with top trainers, and participating in key competitions leading up to the Games.
The intense training regimens often spark discussions about the balance between achieving peak performance and maintaining horse welfare.
While most top-level riders and trainers are deeply committed to the well-being of their horses, the pressures of Olympic competition can sometimes push these limits, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and stronger welfare protocols.
Wrapping it Up for 2024
Photo Cred: AP Press
The individual equestrian events at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered as some of the most thrilling and competitive in recent history.
The dressage and show jumping competitions showcased the best that the sport has to offer, with riders and horses delivering performances that combined artistry, athleticism, and a few unbreakable bonds.
The welfare of the equine athletes remains an area where the FEI’s promises of improvement did not fully materialize, leaving room for significant progress in future competitions.
The call to remove equestrian sports from the Olympics altogether has been initiated, and it’s important that the entire industry pays close attention to that movement and what it could mean for us if we don’t consider it.
Regardless, as the Olympic flame in Paris dims, the memories of these remarkable achievements will continue to inspire and resonate within the equestrian community and beyond.
But as we celebrate these successes, it’s crucial that the conversation about welfare continues, ensuring that future competitions better reflect the commitment to the well-being of the horses that make this sport possible.
After all, we wouldn’t be equestrians if it weren’t for them.
I hope you all enjoyed the thrills of the 2024 Paris Olympics as much as I did. There were many high points, and a few lows, and an incredible testament to what these animals can do when we ask them.
See you in LA!
