London 2012 Olympic Games: Equestrian Dressage

See man and horse work as one at the Equestrian Dressage event during the London 2012 Olympic Games in the magnificent surrounds of Greenwich Park.

Equestrian Dressage at London 2012

Watch as the rider works with the horse to produce stunning displays of control, movement and posturing.

Judged over three rounds, the team medals and individual awards for Equestrian Dressage are handed out simultaneously.

The first round is a team effort of four riders, while the following two rounds are judged on individual talent. The third round includes the relatively new addition of a freestyle element to music.

Once a military event, and part of the Olympic Games for 80 years, dressage has two gold medals up for grabs between 50 competitors. It is one of three equestrian events at the London 2012 Games – the others being Eventing and Jumping.

Equestrian Dressage at the Olympic Games

The Netherlands and Germany dominated Equestrian Dressage at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, winning one gold and one silver apiece.

Germany also won the bronze medal in the individual dressage division, while Denmark's four riders won the team dressage contest.