For the top of all international riders the new year 2008 will be devoted to selecting and competing in Hong Kong. It will be quit a challenge, this first ever OG in Asia, not in the least because of climate circumstances including possible typhoons and very warm und humid weather.
The time schedule for dressage is:
August 8 Opening ceremony Beijing, welcome party Hong Kong
August 10 Veterinary inspection dressage horses 4.30 pm
August 13 Team test Grand Prix 7.15 pm – 0.15
August 14 Team test Grand Prix second deccisive half 7.15 pm – 0.15
August 16 Grand Prix Special, 2nd ind. Qualifier 7.15 pm – 12.00 pm
August 19 Grand Prix Freestyle, individual final 7.15 pm – 11.15 pm
August 20, 22, 23 Contingency days
August 24 Closing ceremonies
Chances teams Denmark, France and Spain for OG qualification
Austrian rider Victoria Max-Theurer at the moment leads the ‘cleaned’ FEI ranking list dressage for the Olympic Games, having taken out all riders from the already qualified nations Germany, The Netherlands, USA, Sweden, Great-Britain, Switzerland, Canada, and Brazil. At this moment, Denmark, France and the silver Olympic team medal winner of Athens Spain would be able to compete with a team in Hong Kong when the next 22 of the list would get qualified now, as they at the moment all have three riders in the ranking list.