The Tokyo Olympics 2020 eventing championships are underway. A whopping 63 rider-horse combinations will have a go at three tests to determine the winner. The first test is the dressage test, and an equestrian judge has served a startling warning to the athletes before they try to clear it.

Equestrian judge describes eventing dressage test at the Tokyo Olympics 2020

The dressage event at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 ended two days ago in stunning fashion. Germany stormed to a double gold medal with Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl, Isabell Werth added #12 and #13 to her medal collection while Charlotte Dujardin won two bronze medals to become the most decorated female British Olympian.

But in eventing, the dressage test serves as the doorway to the rest of the competition. A terrific performance in the dressage test makes it easier for athlete-horse combinations to make it to the podium. In the first session, eventing world #1 Oliver Townend sailed to first place with a score of 23.60 penalties.

To rule that course, Townend had to keep a few things in mind, and to better explain it, we have eventing judge Stephen Clarke. He described the new eventing dressage test as, ?very difficult, with no let-ups?it will be a case of do or die. The counter canter strike off, which is quickly followed by two flying changes on a straight line across the diagonal is particularly challenging and will sort the men from the boys.?

?If combinations make a mistake in that movement, it will be very hard for them to recover. It takes a very well-trained horse to do it well?those who performed the test at Royal Windsor proved that if a horse isn?t on its rider?s aids, they will lose marks?there is no room for error.?

How do they stand after Session One of the dressage test?

After session one, the rankings look a little incomplete. The likes of Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and Michael Jung haven’t performed yet. However, world #1 Oliver Townend has cemented his position at the top of the list with an impeccable performance.

His throne is under attack from China’s Alex Hua Tian, who lies 0.30 points behind him in second place. In third comes Germany’s Julia Krajewski. She will look to extend Germany’s run of dominance at equestrian since the dawn of the century.

USA’s Doug Payne and Vandiver lay in 12th place after a decent performance. Australia’s Shane Rose is one place above him while Brazil’s Marcelo Tosi rounds off the top ten.

Read more: Former Australian Equestrian Gold Medalist Ruled Out of Tokyo Olympics 2020 After Horse is Deemed Unfit