Team, Open

As in 1996, the individual and team events were held separately. Australia had won this event in 1992 and 1996 and was favored, especially as they were riding on their home turf. They led the event from start to finish, but it remained relatively close throughout. After the endurance phase, Australia led Great Britain by only 12.80 points, with New Zealand another 24.20 points back, and the United States in fourth. However, Blyth Tait’s horse, Reddy Teddy, failed the veterinarian inspection after the endurance round and she was out, which left New Zealand with only two remaining riders so they dropped well back. With the Kiwis out, the podium positions did not change after the jumping, with Australia winning their third consecutive gold medal, Great Britain second and the United States winning bronze. Andrew Hoy was on the Australian team at each Olympics from 1992-2000.

New Zealand finished eighth because of a change in the scoring. Eliminated riders did not completely disqualify a team, but they were given huge numbers of penalty points, effectively eliminating the team from medal contention.