The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which officially opened on July 23, 2021, features 33 sports, including equestrian disciplines. Among them, equestrian is unique as it is the only sport where men and women compete together and animals are integral to the competition.
In this article, we explore the history of Olympic equestrian sports, the event types, Japanese athletes’ past records, and the highlights of equestrian at Tokyo 2020. Keep reading to deepen your understanding and enjoy the sport even more!
History of Olympic Equestrian Sports
Equestrian sports have been part of the Olympics since the 1900 Paris Games, initially as only event called “show jumping.” From Stockholm 1912, events such as dressage, eventing, and jumping became standard. Japan’s participation began at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, with a notable gold medal won by Lieutenant Nishik竹ichi on his horse Uranus in 1932.
Until 1948, only male cavalry officers could compete; after that, both genders and civilians could participate, leading to advancements in technique across the sport.
Current Olympic Disciplines in Equestrian Sports
The current Olympic disciplines include dressage, show jumping, and eventing, with individual and team competitions for each.
Dressage
Dressage showcases the elegance and precision of horse movements. Competitors perform set routines within a 20m×60m arena, judged on accuracy and grace. Similar to figure skating, it features prescribed “regulated routines” and “freestyle routines” prepared by the athletes.
Show Jumping
Show jumping involves navigating 13–15 obstacles of various shapes and sizes in a set order, with the goal of completeing the course as quickly as possible. It’s a highly technical event requiring perfect harmony between horse and rider, creating exciting moments for spectators.
Eventing
Eventing combines dressage, cross-country (covering several kilometers over natural terrain), and show jumping over three days. The course includes over 30 obstacles like logs and bamboo fences, testing both the skill and endurance of horse and rider in a grueling competition.
Japanese Athletes’ Past Medal and Ranking Achievements
Historically, Japan’s only Olympic equestrian medal was won by Lieutenant Nishikichi Nishik竹ichi on Uranus in 1932, who took gold in show jumping. Despite subsequent attempts, Japan has yet to win any medals since then. Nishikichi’s horse, Uranus, was a prized breed he purchased himself in Italy, and it achieved multiple awards in European competitions before the Olympics.
Nishikichi competed again in 1936 in Berlin but finished 20th. The 1940 Tokyo Olympics were canceled due to war, and Nishikichi tragically died on Iwo Jima in 1945 at age 45. His legacy remains a legendary chapter in Japan’s equestrian history.
Worldwide Olympic Equestrian Scene
The strongest equestrian nations are in Europe, led by Germany with 48 medals and 26 gold medals, followed by Sweden, France, and Great Britain. Japan has only one medal, highlighting the substantial gap in skill and scale compared to countries where equestrian riding is deeply rooted. While the estimated number of horse riders in Japan is about 70,000, the UK has 2.7 million and Germany 1.7 million (as of 2010-2014). Overall, the sport faces declining participation worldwide, with many countries finding it challenging to make horse riding more accessible.
Schedule and Venues for Equestrian Events at Tokyo 2020
The venues are the Baji Koen (2-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya, Tokyo) and Umino Mori Cross-Country Course (3-72 Kaminomori, Koto, Tokyo). The schedule is as follows:
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| July 24 (Sat) | 5:00 PM – 10:15 PM | Dressage Team and Individual Preliminary Round 1 |
| July 25 (Sun) | 5:00 PM – 10:15 PM | Dressage Team and Individual Preliminary Round 2 |
| July 27 (Tue) | 5:00 PM – 10:40 PM | Dressage Final & Team Award Ceremony |
| July 28 (Wed) | 5:30 PM – 9:25 PM | Dressage Individual Final & Award Ceremony |
| July 30 (Fri) | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM 5:30 PM – 8:10 PM |
Eventing Dressage Team & Individual Day 1 (Group 1 and 2) |
| July 31 (Sat) | 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Eventing Dressage Team & Individual Day 2 (Group 3) |
| August 1 (Sun) | 7:45 AM – 11:10 AM | Eventing Cross-Country Team & Individual |
| August 2 (Mon) | 5:00 PM – 10:25 PM | Eventing Jumping Team & Individual Finals & Awards |
| August 3 (Tue) | 7:00 PM – 10:45 PM | Show Jumping Individual Qualifiers |
| August 4 (Wed) | 7:00 PM – 9:40 PM | Show Jumping Finals & Awards |
| August 6 (Fri) | 7:00 PM – 10:05 PM | Show Jumping Team Qualifiers |
| August 7 (Sat) | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Show Jumping Team Finals & Awards |
Highlights of Equestrian at Tokyo 2020
The equestrian events at Tokyo 2020 have garnered unprecedented attention. Japan’s recent successes include a gold medal in team eventing at the 2018 Asian Games and a 4th place at the World Championships just a month later, demonstrating the rising level of Japanese equestrian sports. Will Japan achieve a medal in the sport for the first time since Lieutenant Nishikichi Nishik竹ichi’s victory in 1932? Expectations are high!
Summary
While equestrian may not be the most familiar sport for many, its depth and the unique bond between humans and animals make it captivating. Watching the sport offers a glimpse into a world of artistry, teamwork, and profound connection—experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.