Equestrian – Dressage

Summary

All Equestrian events at the 2012 Olympic Games were held at Greenwhich Park from July 28 – August 9. The competition saw 200 athletes perform in either the Dressage, Show Jumping or Eventing disciplines.

Dressage is often described as Equestrian Ballet or Horse Dancing, a Dressage test is comprised of a series of movements that are marked on a scale of one to 10 by seven judges seated in specific locations. Riders strive for harmony, lightness and a free, flowing regular movement of the horse at all paces, giving the impression to both judges and audience that the horse is executing all exercises on its own.

The Dressage competition consists of a Team event, which includes the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special rounds, and an Individual event, which includes the Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Special and the Grand Prix Freestyle. The Team and Individual events are conducted simultaneously: a rider’s score in a test may be counted in both events.