Royal Setting for Epic Dressage Competition at 2024 Olympic Games

-- Photos © Eurodressage - No reproduction allowed - NO SCREENSHOTS!

On the morning of the flamboyant opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on the banks of the river Seine in Paris, dressage horses from across the globe trailered in to get stabled in the gardens of the castle of Versailles, where equestrian competition will take hold of the royal palace for the next 10 days. 

The temporary show grounds built at the far end of André Le Nôtre's world famous gardens are nothing short of regal. Early pictures gave the impression that the castle would be far away but that is not true. The stadium is one of the most grandiose ever seen and the background is mind-blowing. The Olympic colour scheme with blues, turquoise and pinks are featured all around and the show is simply breath-taking and magnificent. 

In the afternoon dressage horses were allowed to familiarize themselves with the show ring in walk. Most riders took the opportunity to take a stroll and admire the scene. 

Here are the first photos from the 2024 Olympics. More coverage is to come in the upcoming week as Eurodressage will bring its articles and photo reports on a daily basis, live from the scene. 

- Text and Photos © Eurodressage (this article expresses Eurodressage's' eye-witness account and opinion about the competition)  

Eurodressage is taking photos of all competitors in Versailles. No reproduction allowed - NO SCREENSHOTS!

Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the Olympic Games