As the sun sets on 2024, we reflect on the incredible performances of both human and equine athletes at the Paris Olympic Games this past summer. Twelve days of equestrian competition took place from July 27 – August 6 at the incredibly stunning Chateau de Versailles, about 15 miles southwest of Paris, where horses and riders put forth their best effort in hopes of claiming a medal.

What were some of the most memorable insights from riders at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games? Riders spoke with the media after each day of equestrian competition and shared their thoughts on the competition, the experience and their partnerships with their horses. Here are some of their thoughts.

EVENTING

Boyd Martin (USA)

After his cross-country round with Fedarman B (Bruno): “I heard more cheers ‘Go Bruno’ than ‘Go Boyd!’ There’s plenty of our stars and stripes out there and a lot of French people going ‘Allez, allez, allez. (Go, go, go.),'” Martin said. “It was a wonderful feeling though I tried not to look around too much, but it was one of the most memorable cross-country rounds of my life, just because of the setting, the venue, and the crowds and the moment, so I’ll remember this one forever.”

Mike Winter (CAN)

On being the Canadian team’s pathfinder with El Mundo: “I tried to be a good caretaker of my position of going first and put a score on the board,” Winter noted. “And I tried to be a good caretaker of my horse’s well-being and give him the best possible ride I could around there and bring him home safely with a score that can contribute to the team.”

Laura Collett (GBR) 

The eventing team gold and individual bronze medalist on Michael Jung (GER) and Chipmunk FRH winning individual gold: “The best man won. Michael Jung is the big master,” Collett said. “He’s raised the sport to 10 different levels and missed out on so many championships on that horse. I wanted him to win just as much as I wanted myself to win.”

Michael Jung (GER)

On winning the eventing individual gold medal with Chipmunk FRH: “I tried to stay really focused and concentrate through the whole week. I tell myself, ‘it’s just a normal show.’ It’s not always easy with so many spectators and on such an important show,” Jung said. “But I think it’s quite important that the horses feel it’s nothing special. I needed a few times to look on the board to see if was really true. It was a very special moment for me. I think I need a moment to realize all of it.”

DRESSAGE

Steffen Peters (USA)

On the lead-up to the Olympic Games with Suppenkasper alongside teammates Marcus Orlob and Endel Ots: “We came with such a great atmosphere from the training camp here. We had such great camaraderie, so much humor. I’m not used to being on the team with three guys. So this was incredible,” Peters noted. “We really had a good time.”

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER)

The dressage team and individual gold medalist on TSF Dalera BB, who competed at the final championship of her career in Paris: “This is very emotional because it’s not so many more competitions I’m going to ride with her. She’s always leaving her heart in the arena for me,” von Bredow-Werndl said. “And especially in such a big atmosphere, her antennae are always with me. When I’m totally focused, she is, as well. I’ve never had this feeling with another horse in my whole life.”

Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour (DEN)

The dressage team silver medalist on building a partnership with her horse, Freestyle: “It’s been a matter of creating a good friendship and really getting to know her inside out, not as an athlete but as a horse,” Laudrup-Dufour noted. “So I’m really proud that she let me in there and that she wanted it.”

Charlotte Fry (GBR)

The dressage team and individual bronze medalist after her freestyle with Glamourdale: “The support from the public today was incredible” Fry recalled. “I never experienced anything quite like that.”

JUMPING

Karl Cook (USA)

After winning the jumping team silver medal alongside Laura Kraut and McLain Ward: “I’m still digesting. It’s what you hope for when you’re a kid wanting to go to the Games one day. It’s really special. It was amazing to compete with people I’ve watched and respected and learned from for so many years,” Cook said. “And to be on the inside, watching how it all works and to be able to go in and jump and do it all together was incredible.”

Olivier Perreau (FRA)

The jumping team bronze medalist after having the first clear round of the day in the Jumping Team Final with Dorai d’Aiguilly: “I was really concentrating to make sure I didn’t get any faults,” Perreau remembered. “When I realized I had done such a good round, I just let go, and the emotion came out.”

Christian Kukuk (GER)

After winning the jumping individual gold medal with Checker 47: “It’s the most emotional day in my life, honestly, in my career. This is the highest you can achieve in our sport,” Kukuk said. “I’m one of only a few who can call themselves an Olympic champion and gold medalist. That is something that will stay.”

Maikel van der Vleuten (NED)

The jumping individual bronze medalist on his horse, Beauville Z: “We took a lot of time in the beginning to get confidence in each other. I needed to understand my horse in and out, and the other way as well,” van der Vleuten noted. “Once I had the feeling he was believing in me, I think we got to a very great partnership. And that has already brought us fantastic memories.”

For More on the Paris Olympics:

For of full coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics Games, click here.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2024 Issue of Practical Horseman.