Three men standing on a podium.

(L-r) Silver medalist Steve Guerdat (SUI), gold medalist Christian Kukuk (GER) and bronze medalist Maikel van der Vleuten (NED). (Cara Grimshaw photo)

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

Gold medalist Christian Kukuk (GER) and Checker 47. (FEI/Benjamin Clark)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix de Belheme. (Cara Grimshaw photo)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) with Beauville Z. (FEI/Benjamin Clark)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Emerson. (Cara Grimshaw photo)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

After not lowering a single rail in the entire Games, Karl Cook (USA) was devastated to have 2 rails in the Final with Caracole de la Roque to finish in 16th spot. (FEI/Benjamin Clark)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

Scott Brash (GBR), 6th riding Jefferson. (FEI/Benjamin Clark)

 

Ben Maher (GBR) and Dallas Vegas Batilly finished 9th. (FEI/Benjamin Clark)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

Home ground favourite Julien Epaillard (FRA) was 4th with Dubai du Cedre.

 

A horse and rider walking out of the arena.

 King Edward and world #1 Henrik von Eckermann leaving the ring after uncharacteristically (and spectacularly) parting ways on course. (Cara Grimshaw photo)

 

A horse and rider jumping at the Olympics.

No-Stirrup November pays off: Martin Fuchs rode most of the Olympic Final course aboard Leone Jei with only one stirrup – and was clear up until the last fence! (Cara Grimshaw photo)

 

Three riders posing for a photo.

The victors! (JA photo)

(Below) The jumps were unique and beautiful; each one had its own fascinating story. (JA photos)

An Olympic fence.

 

An Olympic fence.