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"READY STEADY TOKYO" Equestrian Test Event Held
Equestrian events are characterized by the absence of gender distinctions and the fact that they are contested by horse-and-rider pairs, meaning the qualities of the mount influence the outcome just as much as those of the rider.
At the Olympics, three disciplines are contested: "Show Jumping," where riders compete to clear obstacles on the course with the fewest faults and fastest time; "Dressage," where the accuracy and beauty of movements like steps are judged; and "Eventing," which combines these two with the dynamic cross-country phase. Each discipline features both individual and team competitions (scoring based on the results of three horse-rider pairs per nation).
This event featured 16 horse-rider pairs from four countries (Australia, Great Britain, Germany, Japan). Dressage took place on the 12th (at the Equestrian Centre), cross-country on the 13th (at Umi no Mori), and show jumping on the final day (at the Equestrian Centre).
On the 14th, before the show jumping began, a horse inspection was conducted (to prioritize horse welfare, judges and veterinarians confirm the horse is fit to compete; horses failing this inspection cannot participate).
The sight of riders in their riding attire and their horses moving in perfect harmony, clearing the obstacles set up in the arena one after another, possesses a unique elegance distinct from other equestrian events.
The three-day event was won by Germany's Michael Jung & FISCHERWILD WAVE. Second place went to Ryuzo Kitajima & VICK DU GISORS JRA, and third place to Yoshiaki Oiwa & BART L JRA. Jung is a seasoned competitor, having won gold medals in the individual eventing at both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics.
While equestrian powerhouses like Germany and other European nations traditionally dominate the sport globally, the 2020 Tokyo Games promise exciting performances from riders and horses from Japan and around the world.
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