The 2024 Paris Olympics are well underway, shining a spotlight on some of the lesser-watched sports such as equestrian.
This year, some of the world’s top horses and jockeys have gathered in France to compete for gold in this prestigious event.
With three equestrian events in the lineup – Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing – Olympians have been putting their skills to the test in hopes of taking home a medal.
Jumping involves riders and horses tackling obstacles in a timed format, while Dressage showcases a musical performance between rider and horse.
Eventing combines the elements of jumping and dressage into a challenging course of obstacles and performances.
A total of six gold medals are up for grabs in Olympic equestrian, with individual medals awarded for each format and team medals offered as well.
The competition has been fierce, with athletes from around the world vying for the top spot on the podium.
One interesting aspect of Olympic equestrian is how the horses themselves travel to the games.
While local athletes in Europe may have a relatively easy journey by car or train, those from farther regions such as the Americas, Asia, and Africa face a more complex transportation process.
In a unique sight, Olympic horses are flown to the host city to avoid the stress of sea travel, with a dedicated team of caretakers ensuring their well-being throughout the journey.
Equestrian has a rich history in the Olympics, dating back to ancient times when it was one of the original five sports.
The sport made its modern Olympic debut at the 1900 Paris Games, with events in individual jumping.
Over the years, additional disciplines such as team jumping, dressage, and eventing were added, with women joining the competition in 1952.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, equestrian events are already underway, with medals being awarded in team eventing and individual eventing.
The competition is fierce, with riders from various countries showcasing their skills and expertise.
The rest of the events, including team and individual dressage, as well as team and individual jumping, will take place over the coming days, offering fans plenty of exciting action to look forward to.
