- Who has claimed the mixed dressage championship grade I Paralympic crown?
- 2008:
GBR - 2004:GBR
- 2000:GBR
- 1996:
DEN
The Athletes
On horseback since she was old enough to know what fillies were, Emma has taken the Para Dressage world by storm
With nine Paralympic gold medals and a CBE under his belt, dressage veteran Lee Pearson and his stable of steeds will be unstoppable at the 2012 Games
Meet Sophie Christiansen, the Great Britain Para-Equestrian Dressage star who likes to talk algebraic number theory over dinner
How it works: Equestrian
Rider and their steed compete in two events - a pre-set routine designed to test the duo's skill and a freestyle breakout round, exhibiting their talents to music in a creative display of their own design.
What you need to know
The horse and rider must move in complete harmony and will be judged on their lightness and rhythm.
Riders who are visually impaired use 'callers' to find their way around the arena. Ann Cecile Orr from Norway - who is completely blind - rode to the sound of a whistle at the Paralympic Games Sydney 2000, winning two silver medals.
The Paralympic equestrian dressage competition arena measures 40x20 metres or 60x20 metres depending on the difficulty grade of the rider.
There are a total of 11 gold medals up for grabs at London 2012, when 78 riders will be battling it out in Greenwich Park.
Up until the Olympic Games Helsinki 1952, only commissioned officers from the armed forces were allowed to compete in dressage events. Fortunately, nowadays any old Tom, Dick or Harry can compete, and the sport attracts participants and spectators from across the world.
What to say: Equestrian
There's a lot of chat about the horses' power, balance and expressiveness, but you'd be best muttering this quietly on the sidelines - these majestic creatures are sensitive to loud noises.
Who's good: Equestrian
Paralympic dressage is the perfect excuse to dust down your Union Jack, as our talented team has swept the board in the past three Paralympic Games. Surprise surprise though, Germany could steal our thunder this time round.
Inside stories
Why does Britain dominate dressage?
GB riders on how they maintain their incredible Paralympic gold medal record
Video
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