DRESSAGE begins in Versailles on Tuesday, July 30th, and, just like in Tokyo, there are just three riders to a team. Ireland will be represented individually by Abigail Lyle who is making her Olympic debut.

What is the format?

The FEI Grand Prix test, taking place on July 30th and 31st, in which all 60 athletes must participate, is the qualifying competition for the individual competition (FEI Grand Prix Freestyle) and the team competition (FEI Grand Prix Special). Athletes compete in six groups, with three groups competing on the first day and the remaining three on the second day.

The composition of the groups are based on the FEI World Ranking List position of the horse. Two from each group, plus the next best six ranked athletes (overall best results) qualify for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.

The top-10 ranked teams (including those tied for the 10th place), qualify for the team competition, FEI Grand Prix Special. No individual athletes will compete in the special.

Can teams make substitutions?

During the period between the Grand Prix (team qualifier) and up to two hours before the start of the Grand Prix Special (team final), the chef d’equipe may substitute an athlete/horse combination with the Ap alternate athlete/reserve Horse. Substitutions cannot be tactical and are only allowed in the event of an accident or illness of an athlete or horse. An appropriate medical or veterinary cert must be produced in any case. The substituted combination cannot compete in the Freestyle (individual final).