All About Olympic Horse Sports:
The scope of riding experience we saw at the 2008 Beijing Olympics is huge. Athletes like Ian Miller and Mark Todd, who came out of retirement vying for an Olympic medal, were familiar faces with decades of experience. Beezy Madden and McLain Ward contributed to the USET show jumping team.
Hiroshi Hoketsu was 67 and competed for Japan. His last Olympic competition was in the 1964 Games. China competed in the Equestrian events for the first time with four riders qualified for the team. None have previous Olympic experience making them truly new kids on the block in Beijing.
About Olympic Equestrian Sports:
The Olympic Equestrian Sports are governed by the Federation
Equestre Internationale (FEI). Learn about the rules, the competitions and what it takes to become an Olympic level rider.
Olympic Equestrian Sports History:
Equestrianism is one of the few Olympic sports
where men and women compete on equal grounds. Many Olympic Equestrians
can boast a longevity unheard of in most sports as well. Learn about
previous medalists, some milestones in competition and a little Olympic Equestrian sport history.
Action Image Gallery:
Admittedly some people have compared watching
dressage to watching grass grow. But a closer look reveals the sublime
control and refinement of human and animal in perfect partnership. No
one can dispute the thrills of the
show jumping competition or
the cross country phase of eventing, both tests of stamina and agility. Here's a look at the
elegance, the spills, the venues and familiar faces.
Olympic Equestrian Riders:
The equestrian sports are more about experience and skill than athletic prowess. This year, you'll see some of the oldest Olympians competing for medals, like Hiroshi Hoketsu, who at 67, is returning to the Beijing Olympics 44 years after his first Olympic appearance. Meet the horses and riders you'll be seeing competing for podium spots in dressage, eventing and show jumping.
