Canada’s Jessica Phoenix had the privilege – and the added pressure – of being the first to step into the dressage arena at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro. Riding A Little Romance, the 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse mare owned by Donald Leschied, the pair had a steady test that earned 52pp.

“What an honour to open the 2016 Rio Olympics, and I was really, really happy with A Little Romance,” said Phoenix after their ride. “It was her personal best and I don’t think I could have asked for anything more. I am extremely proud of what she did in that ring today. She relaxed, she enjoyed every minute of it, and it was just a lot of fun.”

This is Phoenix’s second career Olympic appearance, having finished 22nd individually at the 2012 London Olympic Games with Pavarotti.

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