Equestrian Jumping at the 1952 Summer Olympics

The biggest news in 1952 Olympic equestrianism was the change in the eligibility rules. Prior to 1952 equestrian competitors had to be military officers, and this was highlighted in 1948 when Sweden’s Gehnäll Persson was found to be “only” a sergeant, and he and his Swedish team was disqualified in the dressage. Beginning in Helsinki equestrian competition was opened to civilians. Women were allowed to compete in 1952 in the dressage, but jumping would not be open to women until 1956.

The show jumping competition took place in the main Olympic Stadium. Team and individual events were held concurrently. France’s Pierre Jonquères d’Oriola won the individual title, while Great Britain took the team gold. Jonquères d’Oriola would win a second gold medal in individual show jumping in 1964.