Competition format
Get to grips with how the format works and how the medals are decided.
Number of riders per team: 3
Total number of combinations: 60
Each team will travel to Paris with four horse and rider combinations - three representing the team and one travelling reserve combination who may be brought in between the team qualifier and team final. Teams have been qualifying across all corners of the FEI competition calendar, with places at the Olympic Games now decided.
Grand Prix
The Grand Prix test opens the show for dressage at Paris 2024 and acts as an all-important qualifier for the team and individual finals.
To decide the nation line-up for the team final, scores from all three team riders are combined to contribute to a final total score. The top eight teams will qualify for the team final, the Grand Prix Special.
All Grand Prix starters are split into six groups, determined by the FEI World Rankings list. To qualify for the individual final, the Grand Prix Freestyle, riders must finish in the top two in their group or be one of the six next best-placed combinations. If a qualified combination has to drop out before the individual final, the space will be filled by the next best-placed rider.
Grand Prix Special
24 combinations making up eight top teams from the Grand Prix will come forward to ride the Grand Prix Special. In this test, you'll see an emphasis on the collected work, which has a big influence on the scores through double coefficient marks. You'll also notice carefully chosen music for this round, as riders submit their music choices to be played while they ride their test, although this isn't a judged element of the competition.
The Grand Prix Special results will decide the ultimate team medal standings, with all three scores counting towards the final result. It's important to note that scores are not carried over from the Grand Prix, it's a clean slate to start Grand Prix Special day.
Grand Prix Freestyle
The final test of the week is the Grand Prix Freestyle, where the top 18 combinations from the Grand Prix step forward for a chance at individual medal glory. Scores aren't carried forward from the previous rounds, so it's down to a perfect combination of technical talent and musical artistry to earn success.