Dressage is a test of horse and rider’s ability to perform a range of movements in harmony, across the gaits of walk, trot and canter. Seven judges mark the test from different points around the arena, which measures 60m x 20m.
In Aachen, the dressage competition will take place in the Main Stadium, with the Grand Prix Freestyle being ridden under floodlights. A temporary surfaced arena has been built in the middle of the stadium especially for the FEI World Championships.
There are three sets of medals up for grabs at an FEI Dressage World Championship:
At a World Championship, national federations may put forward teams of three or four riders, with the three highest scores counting towards the final score. Nations unable to put forward a complete team can enter up to two combinations. All athletes may qualify for individual medals.
Horse inspection: All horses are presented to the ground jury to ensure that they're fit and well prior to the start of competition. The ground jury will view the horses from a standstill, then watch them trot away, turn a small circle, then trot back again. If they have any concerns over a horse's ability to compete, that horse is sent to the hold box to be examined by the on-site vet. The findings are reported to the ground jury, then the athlete may choose to either represent their horse or withdraw from the hold box. If the horse is represented and the ground jury is still not willing to accept it, then the horse may not start the competition. The horse inspection is repeated prior to the final day of competition.
Grand Prix (day one and two): The Grand Prix test is contested over two days and used to decide the team medals. Combinations perform a set test, with judges marking each of the 33 movements out of 10. Additional marks are granted for the harmony of the partnership and the lightness of the athlete's aids, while marks may also be deducted for errors of course or technical faults. The marks are tallied up and converted to give a percentage score from each judge at the end of the test, which are then averaged to give an overall percentage score. All four pairs will ride the test, but only the three best scores are counted – the team with the highest overall percentage claims the team title.
Grand Prix Special (day three): The top 30-placed riders from the team test go forward to contest the Grand Prix Special, which is a predetermined test of 36 movements with a higher degree of difficulty than the Grand Prix. No scores are carried forward and, if qualified, all four team members may contest this round. The combination with the highest overall percentage score wins the individual title.
Grand Prix Freestyle (day four): The top 15 combinations from the Grand Prix Special qualify for the Grand Prix Freestyle. Combinations ride a bespoke floorplan set to music of their choice, based on a list of required movements. Additional marks given for artistic merit and degree of difficulty. A maximum of three athletes from each nation may qualify. No scores are carried forward from the Grand Prix Special and the highest percentage takes the freestyle title.
Monday 10 August
Tuesday 11 August
Wednesday 12 August
Thursday 13 August
Friday 14 August
Saturday 15 August