Bits come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, styles and designs, and what suits one horse wont work as well for another.With such a vast range to choose from, deciding which to use is a complex task. However, it is also a very important one, as a bit is a vital item of tack (unless you choose to ride bitless).Before you put a bit in your horses mouth, you need to understand how it works. So weve put together this handy A-Z guide to bits to help you recognise all the different types and learn the action and affect they have on a horses mouth.What is a bit?A bit goes inside the horsesmouth and sits in the spacebetween their front andback teeth. They are usuallymade from types of metal such asstainless steel or copper, but they canalso be made from synthetic materialssuch as rubber (more on this later).The bit attaches to a bridle and the reins, and helps the rider control the horses speed and direction. Bits come in many styles and materials, which can make choosing the most suitable one for your individual horse confusing.How to choose a bitSometimes bitting is trial and error. You might ride in one bit for a few days before trying another, and it could take several rounds of this to find the bit that your horse is happiest in.Every horses mouth is different, so factoring their mouth conformation into your decision and choosing the best size for them is vital.Important things to consider before choosing a bit include:Size andshape of your horses mouthHowwell-schooled your horse isThe levelof your riding and how experienced you are. Do you, for example, have an independent seat?Theaim is to select the mildest bit that stillallows for clear communication with yourhorse.Bear in mind that a rider with softhands using a more severe bit will be akinder experience for the horse than arider with heavier hands using a soft bit.Its about getting the balance right for thetwo of you and finding it could meanenlisting the help of a bitting consultantor an experienced trainerwhose opinion and knowledge you trust.Types of mouthpieceThe mouthpiece isthe part of the bit that sits in the horsesmouth, and it comes in a variety ofdifferent types. These can be:Straight-bar mouthpiecesA straight-bar mouthpieceAs thename says, these are a solid bar of metalor other material such as rubber or plastic.Straight and rigid Mullen Mouth bits exertsteady and even pressure on the tongueand put less pressure on the tongue edgescompared to jointed bits.The stronger therein the more pressure is directed ontothe tongue and lower jaw bone.Mullen Mouth bitsThese horse bits can also be straightand flexible, or have a port. The latter hasno joint but does have a slight curvaturein the centre in order to accommodate thehorses tongue, meaning no pressure isapplied to it.Single-jointed mouthpiecesA single-jointed fixed snaffleSingle-jointed bits produce a nutcracker pressure in the horses mouth.Nutcracker action occurs when the reins are applied and the bit forms a V-shape in the mouth, applying pressure on to the edges of the tongue.Double-jointed mouthpiecesDouble-jointed bits have two pieces joined by a link, which distributes pressure from the rein aids over a wider surface area onto the horses tongue.Styles of double-jointed bits include ported (with a raised portion in the centre), French link, Dr Bristol and ball double-jointed mouthpieces. Each operates differently, with double-jointed considered milder than single-jointed.Bit textureA double-jointed mouthpieceBits come with different textures of mouthpiece, such as twisted or textured mouthpieces.Smooth mouthpieces are softer than textured or twisted ones.The thickness of the mouthpiece in terms of the horses comfort depends largely on the size and shape of the individual horses mouth. Generally, thicker mouthpieces are believed to be kinder than thin bits.Snaffle bitsSnaffle bits are one of the simplest bitdesigns, and consist of a mouthpieceand rings.The mouthpiece can be jointed,straight-bar or mullen mouth.Its oftenthought that snaffles are all mild bits, butthis isnt always true. While the pressure ismore direct in the snaffle, as opposed toworking with leverage, some mouthpiecedesigns accompanied by heavy hands onthe reins will make it more severe.There are several different types ofsnaffle bits:D-ring snafflesThe rings on a D-ring snaffle are D-shaped rather than circular.The shape does not allow the bit to rotate,and also applies some lateral pressure onthe horses mouth.Eggbutt snafflesEggbutts are mild as they donot pinch the side of the mouth. Themouthpiece does not rotate, which canfeel more comfortable to some horses.Full cheek snafflesA full cheekFull cheek horse bits have long arms on either side and the ring is attached to the arms. This helps with lateral guidance and keeps the bits position in the horses mouth consistent.It is often used with young horses to help teach them steering without the bit being pulled through their mouth.Loose-ring snafflesThe mouthpiece may slide on the full,loose ring, so that it rests in the mostcomfortable position for the horse, ratherthan being fixed in place, which canencourage the horse to relax its mouthand chew the bit.Hanging cheek snafflesA hanging cheekThese have single round cheek rings towhich the reins attach, while the bridleattaches to a piece about half an inchhigher than the ring, giving the bit a verymild amount of leverage (poll pressure).Loose-ring or fixed snaffle?Choosing between thesesnaffle types will comedown to what best suitsyou and your horsesrequirements.Loose ringsLoose ringstransmit the pressure ofthe reins directly onto thetongue and the lower jaw,without any leverage onthe neck. The moveablerings may help to slightlycompensate and balanceunsteady/inexperiencedrider hands too.The horsemay also be able toslightly lift the bit in theirmouth by stretching thetongue and evading toostrong a pressure fromrein aids in the short term.A loose ring snaffleLoose rings are suitablefor all horses doing allactivities, starting fromthe early days of theirridden career andonwards.Fixed ringsFixed rings alsotransmit rein pressuredirectly on to the tongueand the lower jaw withoutleverage on the poll, butthey do this in a moredirect way.Being fixed means these bits stay steady in the mouth, while smooth edges make it suitable for horses with sensitive mouth corners.A fixed ring/cheekpiece is often recommended for a horse that likes to play with their bit, giving the rider an unsteady contact, or who fall out on a turn or when approaching a jump.Horse bits: curbsCurb bits work by applying indirectpressure on the horses mouth. Thismeans you use less pressure on the reinsto reach the same pressure on the bit thatyou would with a snaffle.This makes itmore severe depending on how muchforce is placed on the reins.The length of the shank also increasesthe severity, as longer shanks mean morepressure on the horses mouth.Other than shank sizes, there aredifferent shapes as well. The straighterthe shank, the less warning the horsehas before the pressure hits it.Someare loose-jawed that is, they let themouthpiece rotate more while others arenot.Curb horse bits also come with a curb chain,which runs under the chin andapplies pressure on the chin groove.A Pelham with two reinsTypes of curb bit include:Weymouth curbThese are often part of a double bridleensemble (more on this below) and usually havea solid mouthpiece, either straight orwith a slight port. They are usedalongside a snaffle.PelhamThe Pelham is almost like a double bridlein that it allows for two sets of reins tobe used at once, but it is only onemouthpiece. Its often used to transitiona horse to a double bridle.KimblewickA Uxeter slotted kimblewickThese have a D-ring like the D-ringsnaffle, as well as a curb strap or chain.The further the rein slides down the ring,the more poll pressure is applied.A Uxeter slotted kimblewick has slots in the D-ring offering different holes to place the reins through. The higher the rein is applied, the less severe the leverage.Three pressure points of a curbHorse bits with a curb act on threedifferent parts of the horses head:Over the tongue into the bars Bylever action of the lower cheeks onthe poll Through the curb chainon the chin groove. Working in this way enables therider to give clearer instructionsand to have more control overstrong and powerful horses.However, a correct basiceducation and level of training(both horse and rider) is necessarywhen using these bits. A hand thatis too strong, for example, will beparticularly unkind if applied to abit with such leverage on the polland lower jaw.A curb chain guardis recommended, too, in order toprotect the sensitive chin areawhich is only covered by a thinlayer of skin.Horse bits: gagsA Cheltenham gagGags work like snaffle bits but offer someleverage. They apply some pressure on thehorses poll, depending on where the reinsare attached.Different types of gags are:Cheltenham gagA Cheltenham gag consists of a mouthpiece with two rings at either end, as in a snaffle, but each ring has two holes one at the top and one at the bottom through which the gag cheekpieces run in order to connect it to the bridle and reins.Dutch gagA Dutch gag with three ringsA Dutch gag (or three rings) bit consists of three or four rings.The big ring is attached to the mouthpiece, with one smaller ring on top to attach the bridles cheekpiece.There are then a further one or two small rings beneath the big ring.The reins can attach to any of the rings (but not the very top one) according to how much poll pressure you require.The lower the ring, the more leverage you have over the poll.How gags workWhen applying the reins to a gag, pressure is distributed from the tongue on to the lower jaw and the poll. This enables a rider to have more control over strong horses that evade the bit by putting their heads up, as the horse normally reacts to the gags leverage by lowering the head in order to avoid the pressure.This effect is even moresignificant in a three-ring gag, asthe leverage effect is increased bythe side part.Optimum effect isachieved by using two sets of reins:the main rein stays on the largestring, acting on the tongue andlower jaw, while the second rein ison a lower ring and can be used toapply poll pressure when required.Theseare best suited to experiencedriders with a sensitive hand.Double bridlesDouble bridles are made up of two bits: a snaffle in the form of a bradoon and a curb.The double bridle has the effects ofboth snaffles and curbs on the horse, withpressure on the bars and mouth from thesnaffle bit, and on the chin, poll, tongue,palate and bars from the curb.In the higher levels of dressage, the ideais to ride on the bradoon most of the time,engaging the curb only to encouragecollection, making it a useful tool forrefining control. In the wrong hands,it can be severe and harmful.If you havent seen it yet, we have more information about double bridles and how they work here.Use with cautionA Chifney bit is for leading horses onlyRemember, its not always as simple as saying a bit is more severe than another. While this is the case in the literal sense, a soft bit can be more severe and unkind to a horse when used by a rider with heavy hands, compared to a rider with kind hands using a severe bit.There are other types of horse bits not listed here,including more specialised ones orbits intended for behaviouralcorrection or very sensitive mouths.One such type is the Chifney bit, which is used to lead a horse from the ground, including horses that are prone to rearing, or those who need more control, such as stallions.A Chifney bit should never be ridden in.Regardless of their purpose, bits come into contact with a highly sensitive part of the horses body.Even the gentlest bits can cause pain and discomfort when the person on the other end of the reins is using them heavy-handedly. This is the key message that every horse owner and rider should know and keep in mind when choosing which bit will best suit you and your horse.Which horse bit is best for what?Because bits work in different ways, you canhelp or hinder any issues you have bychoosing a bit type accordingly.Of course,you should rule out any discomfort beingcaused by another part of your tack or in thehorses body before assuming the bit is theproblem. Horse bits manufacturerSprenger advises the following:Horses with a sensitive mouthA single-jointed bit means riders can givesofter aids via the reins and are particularlysuitable for horses that do not take thecontact confidently.Horses who occasionally pullA double-jointed snaffle is ideal for horsesthat occasionally pull against the hand,but are too sensitive to be ridden in astronger bit.Horses who lean or evade the bitA straight and rigid Mullen Mouth can beused for horses that dodge downwards andlean on the bit, or evade the rein and tendto get strong.Horses who get strongA straight and flexible Mullen Mouth can suithorses who become strong or unresponsivewhen working on the flat, or approaching ajump. These bits are usually accepted well byhorses who dislike double-jointed bits.Horses who have a big tongueA Mullen Mouth with port allows more space for a fleshy tongue to sit underneath it. It can also correct issues such as horses putting their tongue out to the side of their mouth when worked, or getting the tongue over the bit. This bit type is also particularly suitable for horses who resist their riders hand.How to fit a horses bitMouth conformation can have a direct effect on the bits action and how it fits in the horses mouth.Be mindful that the horses mouth hasnt evolved to have room for the bit. There is no natural space between the tongue and roof of the mouth, so it is up to us to make sure the bit is as comfortable as it can be for the horse, says Angela Rudrum from Equine Bitting Solutions.Some horses may have unusually large tongues, while others have small, thin lips. Some may have a narrow mouth and thin, delicate bars.A horses breed can sometimes determine their mouth conformation, continues Angela. Some breeds have typically thicker lips and tongues, such as the Irish Draught, which can leave little room for thicker bits, while some finer breeds like Thoroughbreds will have smaller tongues and less lip thickness and thinner bars.How to assess a horses mouth1 Lip length and shapeLook at the shape and length of the horses lips, explains Angela. Some have what is called a short smile; this is where the lips are short from the corner of the muzzle to the corner of the lip. A short smile can be challenging when you are adjusting the bit position in the mouth.Avoid raising the bit to an excessive height, as this can cause the horses lips to be uncomfortable and become too stretched, potentially causing them to split.2 Lip thicknessHave a feel of the horses lips from the outside.Its easy to tell if a horse has fleshy lips as you can squeeze a handful and they can be quite prominent when looking at the horses head from the front, says Angela.Thicker lips take up more room inside the mouth and so leave less room for thicker bits. When the bit is in position, thicker lips may appear to have more wrinkles than thinner lips.3 Inside the mouthDo this when the horse is relaxed and not eating.From the side, gently separate the lips top lip upwards and bottom lip downwards so you can see the resting tongue, bars and tushes.Be careful not to pull the lips back towards the cheek teeth and to keep your fingers clear of these teeth, advises Angela.Horses have incredibly powerful jaw strength, around 500psi, which can easily crush a finger if its mistaken for food.4 The tongueNotice how the tongue sits in the mouth.A large, thick tongue may bulge out the sides and be the most prominent part of the mouth. It will appear thick and completely fill the mouth. A thinner bit would be beneficial for the horse so that it does not take up too much room and they can still easily swallow, says Angela.A thinner, narrow tongue sits neatly behind the incisors and doesnt bulge beyond the bars. Horses with a narrow upper and lower jaw can also have a narrow tongue, which means some bits with a wide lozenge or French link plate will be uncomfortable, adds Angela.5 Bars of the mouthThese are the spaces between the teeth and where the bit sits.The bars are the mouth are very sensitive as they are not covered with much cushioning and have only thin skin covering them, explains Angela.Horses with large tongues and flesh lips will be able to support a bit, helping to keep it clear of the sensitive bars. However, horses with a thinner tongue and lips may show evasions to a bit that touches the bars. In this case, the horse may prefer a thicker bit to spread the pressure over a larger area.6 Roof of the mouthThe palate is a very important part of the horses mouth to consider when choosing a bit.Some horses have whats called a low palate, which means the roof of the mouth sits fairly flat, without an arch. If the palate has a rounder, arched shape it can be called a high palate, says Angela.The palate has visible ridges and it is soft and sensitive. If a bit affects the roof of the mouth, it can encourage the horse to open their mouth or raise their head.Some bits can cause injury to the roof of the mouth if they are too thick or make a steeple shape when the rein aids are applied, especially if they horse has a low palate.Designers of horse bitsSprenger horse bitsThese bits are made from Aurigan, an alloy of copper, silicon, and zinc which has been developed specifically for using in horses mouths.The manufacturers claim that using Aurigan helps your horse become more attentive and relaxed, improving the connection between horse and rider. The range was developed with horse mouth conformation in mind.Research found the volume of the inside of the mouth was less than previously thought, leaving much less room for the bit. Sprenger used this information to develop their KK range of bits.Find out moreInformed Designs, by Hilary VernonThis range of bits is made up of English bits designed and carefully constructed to complement the conformation of the horses mouth to improve comfort and communication.Informed Designs is inspired by the theory that a comfortable horse will be a more relaxed horse and therefore a less resistant horse. The range includes snaffles, pelhams, doubles, daleheads, Liverpools and butterflies, with a variety of cheeks on these mouthpieces available.View the rangeAbbey EnglandThese horse bits are made in the UK and there aremore than 200 different bit patterns in stock.The range includes snaffles, gags, pelhams, double bridles, driving bits, and hackamores.These horse bits are available in various materials including copper, stainless steel, sweet iron, rubber and vulcanite. They aremade-to-measure bits which can easily be customised from existing parts for comfort and quality.See the rangeNathe horse bitsThese horse bits are made in Germany from a patented plastic material, and claim to offer a higher degree of comfort and control.The secret of their effectiveness and flexibility is said to be a unique mouthpiece, protected by a worldwide patent.Each bit has a stainless steel safety wire running through the mouthpiece for total security.They encourage salivation and are kind to the tongue, so are ideal for training young horses.Try the rangeNeue Schule horse bitsMost Neue Schule bits are made from Salox. This range of dressage and competition bits are all designed with the shape of the horses mouth in mind.The use of Tranz lozenge for comfort and communication gives even pressure over the tongue and away from the outer edges where the horse is more sensitive.Learn moreMyler horse bitsDesigned by the Myler brothers, this range of horse bits claims to create a kinder, more of effective way of communication with your horse.The bits have a forward-curve shape to give the horse more tongue room to allow for swallowing. Myler bits have a no-pinch action and each side moves independently to make rider aids clearer.Some of the horse bits in this range come with slots in the cheeks. The top slots work in a similar way to a full cheek bit with keepers holding the mouthpiece off the tongue and steady until the rider uses the reins.The bit returns to its original position once the rein aid is relaxed making the reward much clearer to your horse.Using the slots also gives some poll pressure, encouraging a horse to flex from the withers.The range of Myler horse bits is split into three levels depending on your horses level of training. Level one is designed for young horses at the beginning of their training; level two is for horses with a basic training; level three is designed for more experienced horses.See the rangeAll images: copyright Shutterstock, Sprenger, Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media/Mel BealeRelated contentBridles tried and tested for fit, performance and value for moneyWould your horse benefit from going bitless?Riding a strong horse? Why changing to a stronger bit might not be the solutionBridle fit and horse head anatomy: everything you need to know *VIDEO*How to keep horse teeth healthy and problem freeThe post Handy A-Z guide to horse bits plus fitting advice appeared first on Your Horse.

SectionKey PointsUse of Paracetamol in HorsesParacetamol is used in the UK to treat pain in horses, often alongside NSAIDs like flunixin meglumine.Pharmacokinetics and DosageAdministered orally at 20 mg/kg, paracetamol is rapidly absorbed with a short half-life. Common dosage: 20 mg/kg every 12 hours.Benefits of Paracetamol for HorsesCost-effective compared to other pain relievers.Enhances pain relief when used with NSAIDs.Available in concentrated paste form for easy dosing.Safety and PrecautionsMust be used under veterinary supervision. Overdose can cause severe liver damage. Prohibited on race days according to BHA and IFHA rules.Case StudiesExample: A horse with cellulitis was successfully treated with 20 tablets of paracetamol twice daily, improving pain and mobility.ConclusionParacetamol is effective for pain management in horses when used as part of a comprehensive plan under veterinary guidance. Adhere to dosage and withdrawal times.IntroductionParacetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic in human medicine. However, its application in veterinary medicine, particularly for horses, is less commonly discussed. This blog aims to explore whether horses can safely be administered paracetamol, under what circumstances, and what the scientific community says about its efficacy and safety.Use of Paracetamol in HorsesParacetamol has been increasingly used in the UK to treat pain in horses, often as a complementary treatment to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like flunixin meglumine. This is particularly relevant in cases where NSAIDs alone are insufficient or inappropriate due to potential side effects or contraindications.Pharmacokinetics and Dosage A study conducted on Thoroughbred horses investigated the pharmacokinetics of paracetamol when administered orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The study found that paracetamol is rapidly absorbed and has a relatively short half-life in equine plasma, making it an effective option for managing acute and chronic pain. The recommended dosage and administration frequency can vary, but one common regimen involves 20 mg/kg every 12 hours.Benefits of Paracetamol for HorsesCost-Effectiveness: Paracetamol is generally cheaper than many veterinary-specific pain relievers, making it an attractive option for long-term pain management. Complementary Use: Paracetamol can be used alongside NSAIDs to enhance pain relief, particularly in cases of severe or chronic pain.Alternative Formulations: Recent developments have led to the creation of a highly concentrated paste version of paracetamol for horses, simplifying the dosing process and ensuring consistent administration.Safety and PrecautionsWhile paracetamol is effective, it is crucial to use it under veterinary supervision due to potential risks and side effects. Overdosing can lead to severe liver damage and other complications. Additionally, paracetamol is prohibited on race days according to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Rules of Racing and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) International Agreement, making it essential to adhere to withdrawal times to avoid regulatory issues.Case Studies and Real-World Applications In a forum discussion, a horse owner shared their experience using paracetamol to manage their horse's cellulitis. The horse received 20 tablets twice daily, which helped significantly in alleviating pain and improving mobility. This anecdote underscores the practical benefits of paracetamol in equine pain management, especially when other medications reach their maximum safe doses.ConclusionParacetamol can be a valuable tool in the management of pain in horses, particularly when used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan under veterinary guidance. Its cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and ability to complement other pain relief methods make it a viable option for many horse owners and veterinarians. However, it is essential to adhere to recommended dosages and withdrawal times to ensure the safety and well-being of the horse.By understanding the benefits and risks associated with paracetamol use in horses, owners and veterinarians can make informed decisions to enhance the welfare and comfort of their equine companions.ReferencesFor further reading and detailed studies, consider the following sources:Horse and Hound Forum on ParacetamolYour Horse Magazine on Paracetamol PastePharmacokinetics StudyVetlexicon on ParacetamolPharmacokinetics and Safety StudyAsked by YouWhat are the side effects of paracetamol in horses?Side effects of paracetamol in horses can include severe liver damage if overdosed. It is essential to use paracetamol under veterinary supervision to avoid complications.What can you give a horse for pain?Common pain relievers for horses include NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin meglumine. Paracetamol can also be used under veterinary guidance, along with other medications like opioids and corticosteroids for more severe pain.How much paracetamol can you give to a horse?The typical dosage of paracetamol for horses is 20 mg/kg administered orally every 12 hours. However, this dosage can vary, so it's crucial to follow a veterinarian's recommendations.Can horses have Bute and paracetamol?Yes, horses can have both Bute (phenylbutazone) and paracetamol. Using them together can enhance pain relief, particularly in severe or chronic pain cases, but this combination should be managed and monitored by a veterinarian to avoid adverse effects.

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Work closely with your veterinarian to regularly reevaluate your horses progress and determine the success of your horses rehabilitation program.The post Measuring Equine Rehabilitation Program Success appeared first on The Horse.

Michael Blake has named his squad for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain on Friday. The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team have been in outstanding form in 2024 and this will be the final team outing before the Paris Olympic Games. Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Show Jumping Director Blake is hopeful of a positive result with Paris now just days away, as Ireland bid to keep their momentum going for the season. His team were second in last years renewal, behind the home side, and Blake is hopeful his team can deliver a similar performance. He has chosen the following combinations: Denis Lynch with Vistogrand Cian OConnor (Co. Meath) with Fermoy David Simpson with Pjotr van de Kruishoeve Max Wachman with Kilkenny (ISH) Tom Wachman with Berlux Z Blake said: While the Olympics are now just over a week away, we always look to perform []

You know we love an in-depth form guide here at EN. And weve certainly got that for you in the usual sort of sense, with a breakdown and backstory for each of the 65 eventing competitors at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But just as important, and just as worthy of microscopic analysis, are the sixteen teams wholl be battling it out for podium places. Weve got major heavy hitters, developing nations, and those exciting middle-ground nations who are transitioning from being the latter to becoming the former amongst the roster this week and weve delved in to each teams form, their qualification route, and their likely goals and outcomes this week to help you pick where youll be lending your cheers. Grab your passport, and lets take a tour around the (eventing) world.Chef dequipe:Will EnzingerTeam members: Chris Burton and Shadow ManKevin McNab and Don QuidamShane Rose and VirgilTeam reserve: Shenae Lowings and Bold VentureWhen did they last win a medal? At Tokyo. They finished in silver medal position as a team very nearly the same team as this time around, actually, although Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos were in situ rather than Chris Burton and Shadow Man on that roster. Andrew and Vassily also took home individual bronze. Australia is the fifth most-successful nation in the history of eventing at the Olympics, with six gold medals and fourteen total medals.Whats their form like? Its fair to say that Australia, despite being one of the Big Six formidable nations in our sport, comes to Paris having had no shortage of hurdles. Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos are notable in their absence but they only ran at a couple of three-stars last year and then had winning form, but also distinctly not winning form, at four-star this season. Kevin McNab and Don Quidam, who drops the Scuderia 1918 prefix to follow Olympic commercial rules for the week, havent run cross-country in an FEI evet since May, when they finished ninth in a CCI4*-S at Marbach, and they were steady and 20th at Strzegom before that. Chris Burton returns from a multi-year hiatus from eventing with Ben Hobdays Shadow Man; they made their first FEI start earlier this year and laid down four steady runs and one quick one, at Millstreet CCIO4*-S, which saw them win that competition but Shadow Man, too, hadnt evented since spring of 2022 before this year. Finally, Shane Rose and warhorse Virgil tend to be hugely reliable, but Shane had a major accident in March that saw him break a femur, his pelvis, an elbow, and numerous ribs, and hes only been back in the saddle since late May. If they can pull this off, it certainly wouldnt be the first time Aussie derring-do has triumphed against the odds but on paper, theyve got a few hurdles left to face.How did they get here? Australias team qualification was a bit of a bums-on-the-edges-of-seats moment they missed out on a ticket at the 2022 World Championships at Pratoni, where they finished tenth. They were able to rally and grab their qualification at Millstreet in Ireland in June of 2023, where an Olympic Groups F & G qualifier, for nations from Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia, and Oceania, was held. That was a CCIO3*-L qualifier, and Australia won it to take the first of two tickets up for grabs in that event.Whats their secret weapon? The spirit of tough-as-nails Gill Rolton coursing through their nations collective lifeblood, maybe? In all seriousness, though, its experience: all three members of the team have been just about anywhere, faced just about anything, and shouldnt be surprised by much, even if it all goes a bit pear-shaped. Plus, Chris Burtons last few years in the showjumping world will be a great help come the final day, when he may well find himself in the position of having to jump two clear rounds.Chef dequipe: Kai-Steffen MeierTeam members: Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and OrigiKarin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant VerahofTine Magnus and Dia Van Het Lichterveld ZTeam reserve: Cyril Gavrilovic and Elmundo De GascoWhen did they last win a medal? At their home Games in Antwerp in 1920. There, they took team bronze, and Roger douard Louis Marie Joseph Ghislain Moeremans dEmas (yes, really) and his horse Sweet Girl very nearly managed an individual medal, too, finishing fourth in the final standings. In comparison, the Belgian jumping team has won nine Olympic medals, and indeed, Belgian-bred horses are a lynchpin of each Games but the fates and fortunes of the eventing team have never quite matched up.Whats their form like? Actually, really, really exciting and very much on the up-and-up. Kai-Steffen Meier, himself a former top-level competitor for Germany, took the team leader role four years ago and his effect on his squad has been tangible. Hes been able to bring German systems into place, formalising organised team training previously, it was every rider for himself, which meant that Championship efforts were incohesive and tricky, with too many trainers and too many separate systems and bringing in team overseers for each phase. Hes created, in essence, a united front, and an uptick in Belgian results, both as a team and individually, is contributing to a hugely positive ripple effect across the nations High Performance riders. At the helm of this? Kais wife, Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, whos overcome no shortage of battles, including learning how to differentiate her husband from her chef dequipe when theyre the same person. Its been worth the effort, though shes had an incredible run of form, leading the way in the 2023 season for the most runs, clears, clears inside the time, and so on and so forth ad infinitum, and this year, she won Luhmhlen and became Belgiums first-ever five-star winner.How did they get here? They qualified at the 2023 FEI European Eventing Championships at Haras du Pin, which was a seriously tough week plagued by difficult conditions and, crucially, held over a course designed by Paris course designer Pierre le Goupil. Theyd made colossal headway in the 2023 Nations Cup series, anticipating an eleventh-hour need to bid for their ticket through that avenue, but they didnt need it: they took one of two tickets at the Euros, and then won the Nations Cup series for good measure. This will be their first time fielding a team for the Olympics since London 2012.Whats their secret weapon? As above its confidence, and great leadership. The system has changed for the better, and its creating a self-belief that weve not seen the Belgians possess before. Over the last two seasons particularly, theyve been getting better and better and better, and while a lot of this still feels like foundational future-building, the fairytale podium finish isnt actually out of the question at all. And what a story that would be for the sport, wouldnt it?Chef dequipe: Julie PurglyTeam members: Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova OR Kilcoltrim Kit KatRuy Fonseca and Ballypatrick SRSRafael Mamprim Losano and WithingtonCarlos Parro and SafiraTeam reserve: TBC from the list of four above.When did they last win a medal? They havent yet. In fact, the only Central or South American country ever to win an Olympic medal in eventing is Mexico and even the most recent of those dates back to 1980. But Brazils presence, and their continued fight for Olympic representation, speaks enormously to the ongoing commitment to the growth of the sport in this region of the world.Whats their form like? Fledgling, it would be fair to say, as a team entity but theres a huge amount of experience here across the four named riders, all of whom are based in the UK and are familiar faces in very good company on that side of the pond. Ruy Fonseca has two Olympics, three World Championships, and five Pan Ams to his name, so is a real weapon for the team, although his ride, Ballypatrick SRS, has had a fairly low-key spring, and hasnt run in an FEI event since retiring on course at Mays Kronenberg CCI4*-S, where he had a 20 though he did have a good run at Sopot CCI4*-S prior to that. Marcio has a choice of rides, both of whom have had the same spring campaigns: both went to Kronenberg for the March CCI4*-S, and finished on very nearly the exact same scores in each phase, and then they both went to Luhmhlen for the CCI4*-S selection trial, where Castle Howard Casanova finished seventeen places ahead of his slightly more experienced stablemate. Carlos Parro comes forward for his fourth Olympics he made his World Championships debut when he was just eighteen, if youre thinking he seems rather young for all that with his Pan Ams partner, the twelve-year-old Safira, who finished sixth in her first-ever CCI4*-L at Sopot in May. Shes very green, all things considered, but also hasnt ever had a cross-country jumping penalty in 18 FEI runs, so theres a reason shes being sent to Paris. Finally, young gun Rafael Mamprin Losano returns after his Tokyo Olympic debut, this time with some more learning under his belt and a new ride in the Sam Ecroyd-bred Withington, with whom he was ninth at the Pan Ams. In short? Its a team full of promise, but much of it is about building for the future of their team, and of their sport back home in Brazil.How did they get here? They qualified at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where they finished in bronze medal position as a team to take the second of two available team spots. Marcio Carvalho Jorge also won individual silver in Chile aboard one of his two named rides, the smart Castle Howard Casanova. The Pan Ams were held at CCI3*-L.Whats their secret weapon? One newly-retired William Fox-Pitt. He stepped into the role of Brazilian team coach two years ago, and by all accounts, his wealth of knowledge and straightforward teaching style have been a huge boon to the team. Whats also helpful is that everyone, including Fox-Pitt himself, is UK-based, which allows for consistency and cohesiveness in the way that a more spread-out team might not be able to achieve. Brazils riders were able to use the Pan Ams as a Paris test run; William wanted to use the opportunity to put them under significant pressure so that when the real deal comes around, they feel mentally ready to hit the ground running. William also coached them through the 2022 World Championships in Pratoni, though their success their felt more developmental than obvious, and they finished 13th out of 16 nations.Chef dequipe: Rebecca HowardTeam members: Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GSKarl Slezak and Hot BoboMichael Winter and El MundoTeam reserve: Colleen Loach and FE Golden EyeWhen did they last win a medal? They won team bronze in Stockholm in 1956, with a team that included the late, long-time eventing supporter John Rumble. Thats the extent of their medal-winning run at the Games, which puts them on level-pegging with Belgium.Whats their form like? Like Brazil, its in a developmental period. Things havent always been wholly straightforward in the Team Canada camp, but theres no shortage of talent in their ranks if the puzzle pieces can fall into place.One complication, of course, is distance: Jessie Phoenix is based between Ontario and Florida; Karl is based full-time in Florida; Mike is based in the UK; and Colleen is based between Quebec and Florida. That means that the Canadian system has to largely rely on riders developing their own sensible support structures and training systems, which isnt always that easy to manage once in the hermetically sealed environment of the Olympics. But to their credit, theres been some great results picked up by all four of the named horses and riders Hot Bobo won last years tough Kentucky CCI4*-S as a ten-year-old with Karl, and was fourth at the Pan Ams, and won the CCI4*-S at Bromont last month. Jessie, whos been to more Championships than most riders have had hot dinners, has in interesting partner in Freedom GS, whos a frequent placer in Canada and Florida but doesnt have a huge amount of real world experience. Mike has put a huge amount of work into the hot, talented El Mundo, who was meant to be a sales prospect but became part of the Winter family when he was injured and faced a long, laborious rehabilitation, and the gelding is now a really consistent and rather quick cross-country horse. Finally, Colleen and FE Golden Eye are compelling even in the reserve spot, and won Tryons CCI4*-S en route to selection. In short? This feels like one of Canadas strongest teams yet, and perhaps represents the writing of a new chapter for an often beleaguered nation.How did they get here? Through the Pan American Games route, where they finished in silver medal position last year to secure the first of the two tickets on offer there.Whats their secret weapon? Mike Winter, though not in the way you might think (though he is absolutely an asset as a competitor, too). In early 2022, he teamed up with Shandiss McDonald to create the Canadian Eventing High Performance Advisory Group, which is chaired by Emily Gilbert and which has been a crucial lynchpin in raising funds, improving communication, prioritising areas for improvement, and generally reshaping the slightly nebulous being that was the Canadian Eventing Team. You can read more about these efforts to take the next step up the ladder here.Chef dequipe: Thierry TouzaintTeam members: Stphane Landois and Ride for Thais Chaman DumontceauKarim Laghouag and Triton FontaineNicolas Touzaint and Diabolo MentheTeam reserve: Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la LogeWhen did they last win a medal? France is the seventh most successful nation in the history of Olympic eventing, with nine medals in total to their name. The most recent of those came in Tokyo, where they took team bronze. That team also had Nicolas in situ, though on Absolut Gold HDC, and Karim and Triton Fontaine, too. The French were gold medallists in Rio, though only Karim was on that line-up, and on Entebbe de Hus, not Triton. Astier Nicolas also won individual silver on that occasion on the great Piaf de BNeville.Whats their form like? The French are such an interesting nation, because their form so seldom seems to have any bearing on what they actually end up doing at Championships, and theyre often really on-point at an Olympics. Their last Championship run as a team was last years European Championships, where they finished in bronze medal position over a course designed by the Paris designer, Pierre le Goupil, and in tough conditions. The World Championships in Pratoni was a bit of a disaster, though they finished 14th out of 16 teams, and the national mood was held together solely by young gun Gaspard Maksud, who finished sixth individually with Zaragoza but who missed out on selection for this all-important home Olympics.And what of the riders who did get the nod? Well, Nicolas and Karim always felt like shoo-ins, it just came down to which horses theyd bring. An injury to Embrun de Reno meant that Karims Tokyo mount Triton Fontaine got the nod and hes a seriously solid banker for the team in Paris. He was tenth at the Europeans, second at Pau the year prior, and is always reliably cruising around his CCI4*-S runs. Nicolas, on the other hand, is leaving his Tokyo mount at home a decision that hasnt been without drama in favour of his 2023 Boekelo winner Diabolo Menthe. The eleven-year-old hasnt finished outside the top ten since 2020.The team proper is rounded out by young up-and-comer Stephane Landois, who makes his Olympic debut after finishing sixth individually as part of the bronze-medal-winning Europeans team last year. His partnership is one of the most poignant of the Games: his horse was formerly ridden by young rider Thais Meheust, a great friend of Stephanes, who died in a cross-country accident while riding the gelding and dreamed wholeheartedly of this Olympics through her short, impressive career. Now, Stephane will ride in her honour with the horse with whom he won a tough Chatsworth last season. Gireg le Coz brings plenty of five-star mileage to the table with the excellent, consistent Aisprit de la Loge, fifteenth at last years Europeans.How did they get here? As host nation, they automatically earned a place.Whats their secret weapon? The same thing that could be their kryptonite: a home crowd. Every breath they take, every step they make, theyll be watched and cheered on emphatically, because the majority-French crowd will be desperate for eventing to come home. Theres no nation in the world as enthusiastic about this sport as France is, and the extraordinary roar as these riders tackle the cross-country course is going to be a spectacle that is unlikely ever to be matched. That kind of support can make magic happen and buoy horses and riders to incredible feats of athleticism, but its also a hell of a lot of pressure to carry, and the fear of disappointing that home crowd will be colossal. If the French front can bear the burden and find the joie de vivre within it, they will be formidable.Chef dequipe: Chris BartleTeam members: Ros Canter and Lordships GraffaloLaura Collett and London 52Tom McEwen and JL DublinTeam reserve: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du LoirWhen did they last win a medal? In Tokyo, where they took team gold, and where Tom McEwen took individual silver, too, with Toledo de Kerser. It was the feather in the cap of an extraordinary reign of dominance that arguably still continues now, but interestingly, it wasnt really their best showing, which speaks to the remarkable strength that they bring to this Games, at which theyre the hot favourite to triumph again.Whats their form like? Almost silly, at this point. Theyre the reigning Olympic and European Champions, and their strength in depth is so good that for the second consecutive Games, they have the reigning World Champions in the reserve box. Last time around, that was Ros Canter and Allstar B; this time, its Yas Ingham and Banzai du Loir, who won in Pratoni that made Yas the first-ever individual competitor to become World Champion and this year, have been victorious in the final selection trial at Luhmhlen and third at Kentucky CCI5*.The team is helmed by reigning European Champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who also won Badminton last year. They finished second in the CCI4*-S at Bicton this spring, which was won by Laura and London 52, and they were fourth individually and best of the British team at the World Championships in Pratoni in 2022. Laura and London 52, for their part, headed to Luhmhlen after winning Bicton and Burnham Market, but withdrew while in second place before the final horse inspection because the gelding had a cut on his coronet band. Thats all healed now, and so back to their accolades: they were part of the gold medal-winning Tokyo team in 2021, though they tipped a shock two rails in the individual final, and theyve won Pau (2020), Badminton (2022), and Luhmhlen (2023), which means they have a 100% win rate at the level. Finally, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin have finished second at Kentucky CCI5* and Luhmhlen CCI4*-S this year, as well as winning the CCI4*-S at Kronenberg in March, and although Tom had a late tumble at the Europeans last year, they regrouped to take third place at Pau in October. JL Dublin was crowned European Champion in 2021 as a ten-year-old with former rider Nicola Wilson aboard. In short? They should all have a very good chance of getting individual medals, and collectively, the team gold is their one and only goal.How did they get here? They qualified in the first batch of nations, all of which took tickets at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships at Pratoni. They just missed out on a team medal, which came as something of a shock with a team full of five-star winners or runners-up, but finished fourth and so took their qualification home (as well as an individual World Champion!).Whats their secret weapon? Confidence, although thats a double-edged sword, as we saw in Pratoni. There, the string of experienced five-star horses wasnt totally rideable on cross-country was it because the course wasnt enough to challenge them? Was it complacency or some other human error? Whatever it was, were confident that learning will have been done and again after last years Europeans, where the team did win gold, but that was with a 20 for Yas and a 15 for a missed flag for Laura on the tally, and Tom, who was competing as an individual, didnt even complete. It can never be assumed that the dominant team will automatically produce the dominant result, and the Brits will need to make sure theyre not resting on their laurels even a little bit if they want to continue their reign.Chef dequipe: Prof. Dr. Jens AdolphsenTeam members: Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du MatzMichael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRHChristoph Wahler and Carjatan STeam reserve: Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21When did they last win a medal? Individually, they took the gold at Tokyo, thanks to a superb performance from Julia Krajewski and the now-retired Amande de bNeville. As a team, they missed out on the podium that time, because of a string of uncharacteristic crap luck Sandra and Mat picked up a 20; Michi and Chip had that enormously contentious late MIM activation but they were silver medallists at Rio in 2016, where they also took individual gold, thanks to Michi and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. In fact, you have to go all the way back to 2004 to get to the last Olympics in which a German didnt win individual gold and even thats a nebulous one, because that was the year Bettina Hoy won it and then lost on a technicality, so it was handed over to Great Britains Leslie Law and Shear LEau retrospectively. Germanys the most successful country ever in this sport at the Olympics, in terms of gold medals won: theyve got eight to their name, though their seventeen total medals actually puts them in third place if youre going by the number won.Whats their form like? Excellent. They took team gold at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships at Pratoni, and all three horses and riders on this team were on that one, too. They were also silver medallists as a team at last years European Championships. Christoph, the young gun of the team, is actually in many ways its banker: he and the rangy Carjatan have been extraordinarily consistent at Championships, with that excellent Pratoni round and three similarly excellent rounds at European Championships under their belts, including two top-ten individual finishes. Theyve also finished second at five-star, at Luhmhlen in 2021. They can really be relied upon to finish on, or very close to, whatever they start with, and they can start quite low, although a high-20s is most likely.And then theres Sandra and Mat, who are very competitive most of the time, but prone to the odd blip they had one this month at Aachen, in their final run, in which they had a planned retirement at the halfway point of the course. That was their first cross-country jumping penalty since Tokyo 2021; in the years since, theyve finished top five at Kentucky in 2023, individual bronze at the Europeans last year, won Aachen in 2022, and contributed to that Worlds team gold, among their accolades.And finally, Michael Jung, the most medalled man in the sport but its never quite come together for him and the former Julia Krajewski ride, Chipmunk, at Championships. Theyll almost certainly lead the dressage, but that could be followed by a bit of rotten luck like that MIM corner at Tokyo, which fell strides after theyd departed the landing zone, or they could have two rails, as they did at Pratoni to lose the individual World Championship. They had an extraordinarily rare rider fall at last years European Championships, and so actually, you have to go all the way back to the Europeans at Luhmhlen in 2019 to find an individual medal for the pair. They finished second there. Will it finally all come together this week?Julia Krajewski, whos the reigning Olympic individual champion, sits in travelling reserve position this time, boosted after an excellent performance saw her win CHIO Aachen with the ten-year-old Nickel 21. As an experienced coach as well as an experienced competitor, shell be well able to handle the mental game of preparing to potentially sub in; shell also be able to help keep everyones headspace in check as needed. Shes a valuable asset even if she doesnt get the call-up.How did they get here? Through the first round of tickets, given out at the World Championships at Pratoni in 2022, where they won gold handily.Whats their secret weapon?Consistency. That dates back a long time, and team trainer Peter Thomsen knows it too he, after all, also rode for Germany at the Olympics. Theres a single-mindedness to the way that Germany tackles Championships, and the wealth of experience they have within their ranks will make them one of the frontrunners for a gold medal this week.Chef dequipe: Dag AlbertTeam members: Susie Berry and Wellfields LincolnSarah Ennis and Action Lady MAustin OConnor and Colorado BlueTeam reserve: Aoife Clark and Sportsfield FreelanceWhen did they last win a medal? They havent won any Olympic medals yet, though theyve won medals at World and European Championships.Whats their form like? On the up and up, with a fourth place finish at last years Europeans. Theyll have had their confidence bolstered by a third-place finish in the Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen, even though that wasnt their Olympic team. Theres a real sense now that they can play with the big guns, and thats well deserved. Individually, theyve got a lot to like the very obvious team leader is Austin OConnor, who won Maryland 5* last year with Colorado Blue, and this year, they only seem to be getting better and better, with those first-phase scores dipping down to a really competitive place. Theyve earned a reputation for being the fastest duo in the world very deservedly and so its kind of wild to think that back in 2021, when they finished best of the Irish at Tokyo, they were actually only travelling reserves, and were pulled in early when Cathal Danielss Rioghan Rua had some slightly off blood test results.Young gun Susie Berry managed to qualify a whole handful of horses for this Olympics, and in Wellfields Lincoln, shes got a really, really exciting campaigner. He might not be wildly experienced, but the smart gelding is capable of doing three competitive, appealing phases. He was third in Kronenbergs CCI4*-L this spring but his top ten finish at Bramhams selection trial CCI4*-S feels like more solid evidence that hes the real deal. Finally, Sarah Enniss ten-year-old Action Lady M has been an under-the-radar competitor, but a serious one: she may start her week in the 30s, but she should come really close to finishing on whatever she lays down between the boards, because shes fast, capable, and a serious jumper. If travelling reserve Aoife needs to step in, much the same can be said of her Sportsfield Freelance.How did they get here?They qualified at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships at Pratoni, where they finished fifth. The top seven teams booked their tickets there.Whats their secret weapon? Like team Belgium, its burgeoning confidence. Theres been a lot of shake-ups at Horse Sport Ireland, and now, with team leaders locked in and a lot of drama behind them, the riders are able to just focus on developing within their system and enjoying some stability. Austin OConnors Maryland 5* win last year, which was the first in more than five decades for an Irish rider, has really bolstered belief across the Irish ranks, and its no coincidence that were seeing remarkable performances from young up-and-comers now, like Lucy Latta, who was second at Badminton, and Jennifer Kuehnle, who made an exceptional five-star debut at Luhmhlen. The Irish are riding as though they believe in themselves now, not as though they expect to be middle of the pack, and thats showing through. Its a powerful enough headspace to get them past their ongoing limited budget in comparison to other teams.Chef dequipe: Katherine LucheschiTeam members: Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des MelezesEmiliano Portale and FutureGiovanni Ugolotti and Swirly TemptressTeam reserve: Pietro Sandei and Rubis de PrereWhen did they last win a medal? Theyve won eight total Olympic medals, but their heyday ended a while ago. Their last team medal was a silver at the turbulent 1980 Olympics in Moscow, which was widely boycotted that team included Federico Roman, father of Pietro Roman, who was part of the Italian team at Rio in 2016. Federico was the individual gold medalist that year.Whats their form like? Theyre a team in a building process. The members are fairly widely spread out or, at least, de facto team helmsman Giovanni is based in the UK, while the others are not, so cohesive, consistent team training isnt really that feasible. They were ninth out of sixteen teams at the World Championships, and thats about right for where theyre at right now theres a tonne of talent in their ranks, but at a broader level, theyre still using every championship to work out the best way of using it. The fact that they have an Olympic team is a fantastic boost; this will only help in their longer-term development.So lets look a bit closer at that talent in their ranks. At the forefront is Gio and the striking Swirly Temptress, who have been competitive on the European four-star circuit, scoring consistent sub-30s and delivering pretty quick clears across the country. They were top twenty finishers individually at last years European Championships and should be able to pin down a very respectable finish in Paris. Emiliano Portale is a slightly lesser-known talent on a new-ish ride, Scuderia 1918 Future, who he took on at the beginning of last season from fellow Italian Pietro Grandis. Together, theyve ade a great start to their partnership, taking fifth place in the Nations Cup CCI4*-S class at Montelibretti earlier this season, finishing in the top twenty in the CCI4*-L at Saumur, and taking tenth place in the Nations Cup class at Avenches, too, as their final FEI prep run. Theyll start around the 32 mark but are swift around a long-format course, though like all of the Italian team, the final phase can be expensive. Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes have had an excellent lead-up to this Games, finishing third in the CCI4*-S at Pratoni this spring and 13th in the Nations Cup class at Avenches, and they proved at the World Championships in 2022 that they can go sub-30 on the main stage. Theyre consistent, though not quite as quick as their teammates, across the country.In the reserve spot, weve got Pietro Sandei and his longtime partner, the nineteen-year-old Rubis de Prere. These two finished tenth in the CCI5* at Luhmhlen in June, and though holds at each horse inspection make it hard to put them on the team proper, theyre very reliable and will be able to be an asset if called upon this week.How did they get here? Through the FEI Nations Cup series last year. Belgium had a colossal lead throughout the season, and maintained it to the win the series outright at the finale at Boekelo, but because theyd picked up their ticket at the European Championships, it opened up that final leg to be a close battle between Italy and Spain for the golden ticket. Spain had opted out of the European Championships in order to best target this route, but as Boekelo dawned, they were unable to field a team, and Italy won the qualification by default.Whats their secret weapon? Financial support. Theyre not quite as robustly well-supported as, say, the Brits or the American team, but Italian riders do get support as part of various wings of their nations armed services. Thats why youll often see Italians in military dress and varying military dress at that, because they may be part of, and receiving support from, different areas of the forces. Its not a perfect system, but its a system that allows them to access more assistance than if they had to go it alone.Chef dequipe: Shigeyuki HosonoTeam members: Ryuzo Kitajima and CekatinkaYoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton StreetKazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la VigneTeam reserve: Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson JRAWhen did they last win a medal? Theyve not yet won a medal at the Olympics, which was a bit of a heartbreak for them in their home Games in 2021. But they did come close, individually anyway: Kazu and Vinci de la Vigne finished fourth as the hometown heroes, so achingly close to the podium.Whats their form like? Very good individually, and not always 100% cohesive as a team. Kazu is an absolute weapon for a team to have in their pocket he only began eventing a few years before Tokyo because the Japanese Federation already had enough showjumpers, and within about five minutes of arriving in the UK and starting his new sport, hed nearly won Blenheim. He finished last season with a CCI4*-S win at Little Downham with Vince and then had a steady start to 2024, running a couple of three-stars to knock the rust off his experienced fifteen-year-old, and then stepping back up to four-star at Bicton, where they had a really uncharacteristic horse fall. The pair bounced back for a decisive third place finish in a very competitive selection trial CCI4*-S at Bramham in June. Its worth noting, too, that they were eighth in the 2022 World Championships at Pratoni, so theyre consistently capable of pulling out their best work at a championship. Theyve always been very quick and very good jumpers, and their excellent sub-30 dressage scores frequently hit the mid-to-low 20s.The newest partnership on this line-up is Yoshi and MGH Grafton Street, whos one of those horses that either wins or doesnt complete, because hes incredibly talented but also hugely mercurial. Yoshi is an exceptional talent, though he led the first phase at the London Olympics in 2012, and is a former Bramham CCI4*-L winner, so hes really blazed trails for his countrymen in this sport. He and Squirrel came together over the off-season and have four FEI runs under their belt together, but so far, theyre looking really well-matched their best result was fourth in Ballindenisks CCI4*-L in April, and theyve got a clean sheet on cross-country so far.Ryuzo and former Price family mount Cekatinka came together ahead of the Tokyo Games, but Ryuzo was ultimately selected as travelling reserve with another horse. Second place in the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk in April secured their Paris slot, and will give them the chance to shake off the demons of the 2022 World Championships, where they ran very well but didnt make it to the final trot-up.Finally, Toshi as travelling reserve brings a quiet confidence and excellent results with his new mount, the Chris Burton (and latterly Bubby Upton) produced Jefferson JRA. They came together in mid-2023 and have placed in four of their eight FEI runs the rest were top twenty finishes, plus one withdrawal ahead of cross-country that was rather more circumstantial, as it came at Bicton in late May. All in all, this is a team that, on paper, should put up a strong fight, and if they do, itll be great for the sport to see how nations can transform themselves over a couple of Olympic cycles.How did they get here? In about the most complicated way possible. Technically, they qualified through the Groups F&G qualifier at Millstreet last year, the same as Australia. But actually, in the first instance, they didnt: it was Australia and China who got the tickets, and Japan, who had no more chances to get a team to Paris, lost much of its funding and support, leaving the riders to fend for themselves. But then, months later in October, it all changed one of the Chinese horses at Millstreet was deemed to have failed a drug test after trace amounts of Regumate were found in his system, perhaps from contaminated hay, and he was retroactively disqualified. That knocked China out of their advantageous spot and down to fourth, and pushed Japan up into second place in that competition and earned them their team place after months of having been unmoored. So, in short, perhaps not the ideal prep but each rider has been continuing to work hard in the UK to get their own results and bring it back together this summer.Whats their secret weapon? In a funny sort of way, it could be that lack of team cohesiveness in the unmoored months, because while it wasnt at all a fun time for Japans riders, it also drove them to be necessarily results-oriented as they planned ahead for individual selection. Now, if they can each bring their individual best to the team competition in Paris, theyll be formidable. Their other secret weapon, though, is British legends of the sport Kazu is coached by, and based with, William Fox-Pitt, wholl also be coaching the Brazilians in Paris, and Yoshi bought Burghley winner Grafton Street from Pippa Funnell on the proviso that he keep the horse at her yard and train under her supervision. Add in Ryuzo and Toshis coaching from judge and trainer Angela Tucker, and you have some serious input.Chef dequipe: Andrew HeffernanTeam members: Janneke Boonzaaijer and ACSI Champ de TailleurSanne de Jong and EnjoyRaf Kooremans and Crossborder Radar LoveTeam reserve: Elaine Pen and DivaliWhen did they last win a medal? In 1932 at Los Angeles as a team the Dutch won silver that year after having been gold medallists the two Olympics previously. The eagle-eyed among you will notice that that means they won the last Paris Olympics, back in 1924. They also took individual gold in 1924, 1928, and 1932, which was really their golden era as an eventing nation.Whats their form like? Theyre building. The Dutch system works a little differently from most nations, in that its much harder to get owners in the Netherlands if someone has the money to have a very good horse, theyre more likely to want a more hands-on role. So getting great horses matched up with the right riders has been hard, and its interesting to unpack the line-up and see the different approaches. Weve got a longtime partnership from bottom to top in Janneke and Champ; a rider on a homebred horse in Sanne and Enjoy; and a rider with a horse purchased from another great talent (in this case, Dutch superstar Merel Blom, via young rider Sterre van Houte) in Raf and Crossborder Radar Love.Its also interesting that this is largely such a team of young guns. We dont have the Netherlands two most established stars on this list Merel and Tim Lips are conspicuous only by their absence and instead, the baton is being passed to this trio to gain experience on the world stage and help propel the Dutch effort along. (Raf, notably, already has plenty of experience he rode on the Dutch team at the 2018 World Championships.)Sanne and Enjoy are consistent, if slightly steady, across the country, and should start their week sub-35; their showjumping has also become very reliable over the last season or so. Raf and eleven-year-old Crossborder Radar Love finished second in the CCI4*-L at Strzegom in June, which was their most recent FEI run and their best-yet result as a partnership. Theyre still new enough to one another their partnership only began this season but theyve shown that they can go sub-30 on the flat, are very capable of a clear showjumping round, and are steady banker types across the country. Finally, Janneke Boonzaaijer and ACSI Champ de Tailleur have some Olympic experience behind them already: they competed as individuals at Tokyo in 2021, though they didnt complete the cross-country; they were eliminated for missing an obstacle. Thats a hefty learning experience, and now, the longtime partnership will be ready to put everything theyve taken on into practice. A rare sub-30 at their final FEI run, Bictons CCI4*-S, will be a great confidence boost, and theyre very reliable on the cross-country. They can be prone to a rail on the final day, though more often, they jump clear. Finally, Elaine Pen and Divali have had three steady, successful runs at FEI this year, making up for a tricky 2023 which saw them eliminated for a horse fall at the European Championships.Its all progressing, though and while its unlikely that well see the Dutch on the podium this week, the fact that theyve got a team back at the Games for the first time since Rio is really exciting. They earned THAT spot after taking team bronze at the 2014 World Championships, also held in France, and in seriously tough conditions that they triumphed through when many more established nations faltered. They have all the talent, and certainly, proximity to some excellent horses Dutch horses continue to be among the most sought-after in the world its just a matter of getting the right kind of funding and support to see it through. A solid result here could be the thing that secures that for them.How did they get here? At last years FEI European Eventing Championships. They, like their neighbours in Belgium, took one of two tickets available there in what was a really great moment for both developing eventing nations.Whats their secret weapon?While this team certainly boasts some exciting younger talent for the future, the team will vastly benefit from the previous championship experience of Raf Kooremans, who was on the 2018 WEG team and whos got a reputation for staying calm and cool under pressure. This will filter out to the rest of the team as a steadying energy and could help garner a solid finish to build on for this team.Chef dequipe: Jock PagetTeam members: Clarke Montgomery and Menlo ParkTim Price and FalcoJonelle Price and HiaradoTeam reserve: Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special CavalierWhen did they last win a medal? Theyve won 10 Olympic medals in total, and the most recent came in London in 2012, when they were the bronze medallists as a team. Both Jonelle who was then still unmarried and riding as Jonelle Richards and Caroline were on that team, as was now team head honcho Jock Paget. From 1988 to 1996 they had a three-Games run of taking team medals, but a team gold has always eluded them. Individual gold, though, hasnt Blyth Tait and Ready Teddy won it in 1996, and Mark Todd and Charisma took it in 1984 and 1988. Their last individual podium place came at Sydney in 2000, where Mark Todd took bronze on Eye Spy II.Whats their form like? Its always been a bit of a surprise that, despite having some of the strongest individual competitors in the world, the Kiwi team doesnt always make it happen as a collective. But Pratonis World Championships in 2022 seemed to herald a shifting of the tide they finished in bronze position there, and took individual bronze, too, thanks to Tim Price and Falco.Tim and Falco return for this team, having taken tenth place in the hot selection trial at Luhmhlen in June. But their form is a little tricky to pin down theyve had two other runs this year, one in the CCI4*-S at Bicton in May where they activated a MIM clip and then retired, and one in the CCI4*-S at Kronenberg in March, where they were second. Before that, you have to go all the way back to Aachen in June of 2023 to find their last FEI run, and they had 40 penalties across the country there. In his younger years, Falco was prone to quite frequent issues in that phase, but from 2021 onwards had looked to have improved considerably hopefully, these more recent little issues dont mean that hes taking a step back again. On his day, Falco can score sub-25, go quick and clear, and is one of the best showjumpers in the field.Clarke Montgomerys Menlo Park is perhaps more obviously on-form he was twelfth at Luhmhlen CCI4*-S, eighth in the CCI4*-S at Marbach, and third in the CCI3*-S Burnham Market, and in July of last season, he won the CCI4*-L at Kilguilkey House.Jonelle and Hiarado are, possibly, the surprise choice on this list, which most expected to see Badminton winners Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier, who are travelling reserves, on. Hiarados tricky patch of cross-country runs came just in 2022; since then, the now-12-year-old finished second in the Kilguilkey CCI4*-L last year, and seventh in the CCI5* at Pau. This season, they were sixth in the CCI4*-S at Wiesbaden and fifteenth at Luhmhlen CCI4*-S, and so the results are there, just perhaps in a quiet way. Theyre low-30s scorers, quick-ish across the country, and very good in the final phase.How did they get here? At the 2022 World Championships at Pratoni, where they took one of the first batch of team tickets when they finished third.Whats their secret weapon? A support team helmed by people who were, until very recently, riding on teams themselves chef Jock Paget is joined by Australian five-star winner Sam Griffiths in the team trainer role. Theres something to be said for that proximity to top-level success in the saddle theyll understand very well exactly the kind of support their riders need and how to manage them.Chef dequipe: Andreas DibowskiTeam members: Malgorzata Korycka and CanvalenciaRobert Powala and Tosca del CastegnoPawel Warszawski and Lucinda Ex Ani 4Team reserve: Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134When did they last win a medal? Theyve won two in total: they were team silver medallists at the 1936 Games in Berlin, which is probably basically the same thing as winning since they gave nearly all the gold medals to Germany in that, um, contentious Olympics, and they were bronze medallists in Amsterdam in 1928.Whats their form like? This is another developing team, returning for another slot at the Games. They wont vie for a team medal, nor individual ones, but every opportunity they get to compete at a major event is a huge foundational step for them and it has to be noted that theres such a small pool of top-level athletes in the country that they only sent one individual to last years European Championships. This is an exceptional accomplishment.Their team is made up of Malgorzata Korycka and Canvalencia, who finished third in the Olympic qualifier that got Poland here, and who have competed for their nation previously at the 2021 European Championships at Avenches, though were eliminated there for a fall on the flat on cross-country. They didnt compete in any FEI events after the Olympic qualifier in May last year until this spring, when they did four internationals three of them at Strzegom and had mixed results. They were ninth in the CCI4*-S at Baborowko in May, but retired in their first run at Strzegom CCI4*-S and picked up 11 penalties apiece in both their subsequent runs at the level at that venue. While their reliability profile isnt always totally on point, theyre actually a reasonably quick pair on their day. Thatll be their biggest boon here their mid-to-high 30s scores and tendency to knock a couple of rails will matter far less in the grand scheme of Polands goals this year.53-year-old Robert Powala gets his first senior team call-up after riding for Poland at two Junior European Championships back in the eighties. This week, hell be riding the Italian-bred Tosca del Castegno, whos having a very good season after getting some wobbles out of her system as a young horse. Shes just eleven, and other than one tricky run in a CCI2*-S at Pratoni last year, shes looked really good across the country, taking placings in four-star classes at Montelibretti, Strzegom, and Baborowko. Again, this is a mid-30s horse, but shes smart in the second phase and reasonably quick, and her rail or two on the final day wont take the shine off a good finish for the team.Finally, on the team proper, theres Pawel and Lucinda, who are very capable of starting their week on a 30 or thereabouts, though well have to hope that their 20 on course at Wiesbaden on CCI4*-S in their penultimate international run before Paris sharpened them up, rather than dented their confidence. Their clear in the CCIO4*-S at Strzegom last month suggests the former, rather than the latter. Theyre a steady pair across the country, but generally reliable, and will likely have two rails down in the final phase. Wiktoria, in the reserve spot, had a recent 20 at Baborowko but placed in that final run at Strzegom, and is sitting on one of Polands quicker cross-country horses.How did they get here? They won the Olympic Group C Qualifier for Central European nations at Baborowko in Poland last spring. They beat the Czech Republic and Hungary in the competition, which was held at CCIO4*-L. That was accomplished by very nearly the same line-up of horses and riders we see here the only difference is that Jan Kaminski, who won the class with Jard, has sadly had to sit out the Games due to a fall in June that left him with a couple of fractures. Hes already back out competing as of the first week of July but for the Olympics, hes been replaced by Robert and Tosca.Whats their secret weapon? The depth of wisdom imparted by team leader, German superstar Andreas Dibowski. Poland occupies a funny sort of middle ground in the sport it hosts some top-notch events, including Strzegom, Sopot, and Baborowko, but theres not a huge amount of support or funding for competitors. In the recent past, weve seen Polish success most deftly attained by the likes of Pawel Spisak and Banderas, and thats in no small part because they relocated to Germany to train in the heart of the sport with Michael Jung. Bringing that kind of depth of knowledge out of the core of the sport and into Poland proper can only further enrich the sports culture there.Chef dequipe: Dominic BergerTeam members: Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CHMlody Johner and Toubleu de RueireFelix Vogg and Dao de lOceanTeam reserve: Nadja Minder and TobleroneWhen did they last win a medal? Like Poland, theyve won two, and both are historic medals: they were silver medallists in Rome in 1960, where Anton Bhler and Gay Spark (yeah, were not kidding) won individual bronze, too.Whats their form like? Switzerland has had one of the really fun trajectories to follow over the last couple of cycles, because theyre a developing nation thats really begun to hit its stride, in much the same was as Belgium has more recently. Its not totally beyond the realm of possibility to think that they could be a dark horse contender for a podium spot, which would be lets be real for a moment here cool as hell for the sport. They were fifth as a team at last years European Championships, so theyre inching closer and closer to those podiums.Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully feel like the natural team leaders here theyve got the 2018 and 2022 World Championships and three Senior Europeans under their belt already, all with smart completions or better, and Robin was also a part of the Swiss team at Tokyo, though his week ended with tragedy there. Hes an extraordinary competitor who rides with a maturity well beyond his 26 years, and with a cross-country prowess that calls to mind that of Andrew Nicholson, who has been so instrumental to the Swiss team over the last few years. This pair have won both their FEI runs this year and come to Paris brimming with confidence, and rightly so: theyre capable of starting sub-30, theyre quick though not lightning fast and seriously consistent across the country, and theyll either have one or none on the final day.Speaking of consistency, it seems to be a rite of passage for Swiss talent to take the next step up the ladder aboard Toubleu de Rueire, and its something thats making us consider a change of nationality so we can have a go, too. Mlody Johner is the third Swiss rider to have the horse, and shes been campaigning him since 2020, so they have a well-established partnership now. In their 21 FEI starts together, they have 14 top-ten finishes, and have competed for Switzerland at the Europeans last year, the World Championships the year before that, oh, and the Tokyo Olympics, too, where they finished in the top twenty individually. They can be mid-30s scorers but theyre very, very good across the country theyre naturally speedy, and have never had a cross-country penalty together though they are prone to a rail on the final day.Felix Vogg made Swiss history when he won Luhmhlen CCI5* two years ago, becoming the first Swiss five-star winner since the 1950s, but his ride this week isnt Colero, with whom he took that title. Instead, its the slightly under-the-radar Dao de lOcean, who notched a top-ten finish at Boekelos CCIO4*-L last season. They won the CCI4*-S at Wiesbaden and finished second in the CCIO4*-S at Avenches this season, and are consistently scoring sub-30, but often creeping further and further towards the mid-20s. Theyve never had a cross-country jumping fault at four-star and theyre quick enough when they need to be and arguably the best showjumpers on this team.Finally, young gun Nadja Minder and Toblerone, occupying the reserve slot, are hugely capable: they finished just outside the top twenty at last years tough Europeans, and competed at the 2022 World Championships, though had a very rare parting of ways there. They know each other inside and out from growing up together, and theyre arguably the fastest cross-country pair in this line-up. If they get the call-up, theyll deliver though they, too, are nearly guaranteed a rail or two.How did they get here? They scored a team ticket through the 2022 World Championships at Pratoni, where they finished seventh and it was the top seven teams that would get the nod. This was a huge moment for them and their major goal of that Championship to score a qualification in the first batch is no small feat.Whats their secret weapon? Andrew Nicholson, arguably, who stepped into the cross-country coach role before the pandemic. Hes been instrumental in taking them from riders who play it safe and just try to get round to riders who have the base instincts and foundational skills to take smart, calculated risks and ride much more aggressively and competitively. Thats been the lynchpin, really, in their progression, but theres another side to the coin, as well there were some disputes between Felix and Andrew at the Tokyo Olympics that Felix has been outspoken about, and regardless of the details and whos actually in the right or in the wrong here, theyll all have to work hard to make sure that the rift doesnt affect the rest of the team this week.Chef dequipe: Fred BergendorffTeam members: Frida Andersen and Box LeoLouise Romeike and Caspian 15Sofia Sjborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof ZTeam reserve: Malin Asai and Golden MidnightWhen did they last win a medal? Theyre actually and this is pretty wild the second-most successful nation ever in terms of gold medals won at the Olympics. In fact, it could be argued that the Swedes really started this sport, and certainly for those first few Olympics, they were extraordinarily dominant. They took individual gold in the first-ever Olympic event, in Stockholm in 1912, and at the second, at Antwerp in 1920, where they also took individual silver. They were also individual gold medallists in 1956 again in Stockholm and in 1960 in Rome, and as a team, they took gold in 1912, 1920, and 1952. But that 1952 gold was also the last time we saw their team take a medal. Their most recent individual medal is much more modern at London 2012, Sara Algotsson Ostholt won the silver medal with Wega. She was the first Swedish Olympic eventing medallist since 1972.Whats their form like? They were sixth at last years European Championships and the same placing at the 2022 World Championships, which is an uptick in form on the world stage in recent history, theyve been a nation thats consistent at Nations Cup series, as they keep showing up and plugging away, but translating that to championship success has been a bit trickier. But its certainly proving to be on the up and up, and now, their one real hurdle left to overcome is the first phase. Fridas Box Leo will be a mid-to-high 30s scorer; Sofias horse can go into the 40s, though is more often a high-30s type; and Louises Caspian has gone sub-30 at three-star test but hasnt translated that to the four-star test with its flying changes yet. Similarly, Malin and Golden Midnight in the reserve spot are similarly a high-30s to low-40s pair.But if they start off the pace, they will climb. Sofia and Belle are very, very quick and consistent across the country, though prone to a pole on Sunday; Frida and Leo are similarly quick and slightly less prone to that pole; and mega-experienced Louise and Caspian might have the horses relative inexperience to contend with, but the ten-year-old is naturally lightning-fast and has never had an FEI cross-country jumping penalty, and showjumps like a dream, too. If Malin is called up, she and stalwart Golden Midnight have a tonne of mileage behind them to put down a banker round. If the cross-country is influential this week, this really could be Swedens moment to make a great dark horse play and give us all some ABBA-based headlines to write.How did they get here? Like the Swiss, they had a huge, wonderful victory as a team at the 2022 World Championships when they secured their team ticket in that first round of qualifications. They managed that by finishing sixth as a nation and three of the horses and riders on this line-up (Frida and Box Leo, Sofia and Belle, and reserves Malin and Golden Midnight) were on that team.Whats their secret weapon? Other than their gorgeous chef dequipe, who everyone in eventing universally has a little crush on? And other than ABBA, which they have to listen to every single time they do a dressage test anywhere outside their home nation? Its probably the fact that theyre not in the spotlight. They havent had a recent major win for a rider, like Belgium or, in the longer term, Switzerland theyve just been plugging away in their various home bases and bringing it to the table when theyre able to train together. They come in without the pressure of the worlds expectations, which could be a perfect recipe to help them surprise everyone and have a very jolly time doing it.Chef dequipe: Bobby CostelloTeam members: Will Coleman and Off The RecordBoyd Martin and Fedarman BCaroline Pamukcu and HSH BlakeTeam reserve: Liz Halliday and NutcrackerWhen did they last win a medal? Fun fact: on medal count, the US is the most successful eventing nation ever at an Olympics. Theyve got 25 in total thats more than even the Brits (21) or Gerrmany (17), though Germany and Sweden beat them on number of golds, and theyre neck and neck with the Brits on that tally. Their last medal as a team, though, came back in 2004 in Athens, when they took the bronze. That was the end of a three-strong podium run as a team. Their last team gold came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.Individually, theyve visited the podium more recently: Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice were bronze medallists at Rio in 2016, and Gina Miles and McKinlaigh took silver in 2008 at Beijing. In 2000, David OConnor and Custom Made took individual gold, making them the USAs last Olympic Champions, though the nation has since sort of adopted Britains Leslie Law, in spirit if not on paper, who was the 2004 Olympic champion and now acts as a crucial part of the high performance developing rider system in the country.Whats their form like? After a fallow period, the USA has really hit their stride. Theres been a lot thats contributed to this an overhaul of the high performance system, notably, and with it, a shift in how each riders own system is incorporated. Rather than the old toe-the-party-line system, theres now much more scope to use what has worked on an individual level for each competitor, and maximise it so it can benefit the team. Bobby Costello, who became the permanent chef dequipe after a successful stint as an interim one, is obviously doing a few things right.And how does that stack up on a fundamental level? Beyond even this high-flying team, the US has finally broken its Kentucky duck, with a poignant win for Tamie Smith and Mai Baum last spring, and the US were gold medallists even if with a slightly out-of-character final phase performance at last years Pan American Games, which they didnt have to use to qualify for the Olympics this time, which was great. They also finished second as a nation in the very prestigious team competition at Aachen a couple of weeks ago, with a team of developing riders and horses.On the team, weve got the ultra-consistent Will Coleman and Off The Record, who became the USs first-ever Aachen winners in 2021. They were part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2022 World Championships, where they also finished seventh individually, and they were seventh, too, at Kentucky CCI5* last spring. Theyve got two top-fives at four-star under their belt this spring, and while exceptional up-and-comer Chin Tonic HS may have been Wills great hope for Paris prior to been sidelined for the season, Timmy is one heck of a weapon.Boyd Martin had a laundry list of good horses on the up and up for this Games, but its poignant that the nod should go the way of Fedarman B, who was produced and campaigned by the late, much-loved Annie Goodwin before her tragic passing a few years ago. Now, she can ride along with Boyd on the horse she loved so much and they should have a super shout at a great finish, too. Boyd and Bruno have finished in the top ten in all bar three of their 13 FEI runs two of those saw them withdraw before cross-country, and the other, which ended in a retirement on course, was their very first international together. They were eighth at both Pau and Luhmhlens CCI5* classes last year amongst strong European company.Caroline Pamukcu is on the form of her life with HSH Blake they won the individual gold at the Pan Ams last year, took Tryon CCI4*-L this year, and havent finished outside of the top five in an FEI class since 2022. All three horses on the team should be sub-30 any day of the week, and nine-year-old Blake can try for the mid-20s and all three, similarly, are fast and reliable across the country and good jumpers. Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker are extraordinarily strong reserves they come to Paris off the back of an eighth place finish in the CCI5* at Kentucky this spring. Its time, in short, for Team USA to bring the noise and fight for a medal. The most coveted one of all is not at all beyond their grasp.How did they get here? That silver medal at the 2022 World Championships secured it for them.Whats their secret weapon? Whatever it is, we want some. A combination of openmindedness within the system, we reckon, is a key part of it, and whatever secret sauce Bobby Costello is bringing to the table is obviously working. Pippa Funnell can definitely earn a nod here for the part shes played in helping Caroline find her peak, and the newly-found cohesiveness of the team and its wider support system is definitely influential, too. Riders, owners, grooms, friends, and family are now a really solid community when the team crosses the pond, and that has a bigger positive knock-on effect than you might think.Coming next, our traditional in-depth Form Guide to the full individual field, complete with stats from our friends at EquiRatings. Stay tuned!#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]