Discipline's origin

   The sport of training horses for competition has existed for several centuries. Dressage developed as a method of training horses for war, teaching them precise movements. There is some evidence that dressage-type manoeuvres were developed by the ancient Greeks. Modern dressage began during the Renaissance when the Neapolitan nobleman Federico Grisone founded a riding academy in Naples in 1532. France quickly became the top nation in dressage and embraced it enthusiastically. In the 20th century, Germany replaced France as the top nation in this event.

   Olympic history

   Equestrian events have been on the Olympic programme since 1900, when jumping events were held during the Olympics in Paris. However, equestrian events were not held again until 1912 in Stockholm. Since that year, the sport has always been on the Olympic programme. The programme has been remarkably constant. In 1900, a high jump and long jump for horses was held for the only time, while in 1920, vaulting made a single appearance on the Olympic programme. Otherwise, the programme has rarely varied.

Credit: IOC

For further info., please visit http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/disciplines_uk.asp?DiscCode=ED.