This year, the show promises to be fabulous, in the heart of the Château de Versailles.

No fewer than 40,000 spectators are expected to support the world's best riders. Here's an update on the various disciplines.

1/ Jumping

Stressed souls, abstain! Show jumping promises suspense and adrenalin right up to the last minute! In this spectacular event, riders and horses must clear a varied obstacle course as quickly as possible, without making any mistakes. The rules are extremely demanding: every mistake, whether it's knocking over a bar or exceeding the time limit, carries penalties. To make the event even tougher, the obstacles vary in height and width, requiring high-level technical skills and perfect synchronization between rider and mount.

This event relies not only on the technique and understanding of the horse, but also on the strategy of the rider. For these Olympic Games, some of the greatest names in equestrian sport, already acclaimed at the Jumping International de Bordeaux, will be returning. Among them, Roger-Yves Bost, Olivier Robert and Kevin Staut, who are all hoping to win a medal!

2/ Dressage

Often compared to a contemporary ballet, the dressage test highlights the exceptional harmony between rider and horse. Between grace and precision, this discipline is based on a series of predefined movements, called “reprises”, which riders must execute with fluidity.

Each movement is meticulously observed and scored, and the judges evaluate performance according to the quality of movement, precision, suppleness and cooperation between horse and rider. Marks are awarded on a percentage basis. For this event, we'll be taking a look at Pauline Basquin, who made her name at the Cadre de Saumur's latest show, “Au coeur du grand manège”, at Jumping International de Bordeaux. 

3/ Eventing

Eventing is a unique combination of dressage, show jumping and cross-country, combining natural and fixed obstacles. This highly demanding event demands extreme versatility and endurance from both horse and rider.