Brilliant Brits put best foot forward but Danes look imperious at Paris Olympic: all the stories from the grand prix qualifier

The Olympic dressage competition is well underway. Today was the start of the two-day grand prix competition, which acts as a qualifier for both the teams in the grand prix special and the individuals in the freestyle at Paris 2024.

What a contrast from the first day of eventing, where the Palace of Versailles was shrouded in drizzle. Today, the sun blasted down, making for stunning pictures of the action (plus a lot of fans, ice and towels). Here’s our round-up of the top stories of the day.

Britain’s Becky Moody stole the show on her Olympic debut

• Find out why Becky beamed throughout her test – and why Jagerbomb is so named 

Carl Hester rode a composed test under tremendous pressure on Fame

• Learn why this super-cool stallion could be a family pet

The Danes look on imperious form, with Nanna Skodborg Merrald leading the field at the halfway stage

• Where does Nanna feel there’s room for improvement?

Her compatriot Daniel Bachman Andersen conjured a fabulous performance from his improving stallion

• What did Daniel say about riding on autopilot on the Olympic stage?

Another Scandinavian rider has secured his berth in the freestyle

• What treat will Patrik Kittel be offering Touchdown?

Germany fielded just the one rider today – but he was a very good one

• How did Frederic Wandres secure his qualification?

A British-based Australian savoured his moment in the Olympic arena

• Learn how Jayden Brown adapted Quincy B’s warm-up to mitigate the heat

And Abi Lyle may not be among the qualifiers, but she had the time of her life in Versailles

• Find out how the Irish rider coped with her rollercoaster of emotions

Emotion was at the forefront when a Belgian rider finished her test

• What do the scribbles on Larissa Pauluis’ gloves mean?

Unfortunately for one US rider, his horse accidentally nicked herself on the way in, leading to elimination

• Hear Marcus Orlob’s update on his mare Jane’s “minor cut”

Of course, horse welfare was the hot topic of the day, with all riders answering questions on the subject

• Read Carl Hester’s comments on the Charlotte Dujardin video

Away from the dressage competition, there are changes afoot in the British showjumping team

• Which rider’s reserve horse is now set to start in the competition?

And H&H eventing editor is recovering after a mammoth press day on the three days of eventing

• Read Pippa Roome’s blog to find out her thoughts on medals, writing through the night – and selfies with Laura Collett

And to whet your appetite for tomorrow, here’s a preview of the highlights you must not miss from the Olympic dressage in Paris

• 5 things you must watch from the grand prix qualifier on day two

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