The Olympic Games of 2000 were awarded to Sydney (AUS) in 1993. Two month later the Organising Committee SOCOG was established. A budget of 2.3 billion AUSD was put together, with the New South Wales Regional Government underwriting all costs of building new venues.
It was the second time that the Olympic Games were held in Australia and this time the veterinary regulations were more accommodating, while still severe. For 1956 Melbourne (AUS), the horses would have gone into 6 month pre-shipping quarantine (which led to the separate Equestrian Olympic Games in Stockholm (SWE)). This time the Australians demanded 2 weeks pre-shipping quarantine and two more weeks after arrival on site. For the equestrian events SOCOG build an exemplary site at Horsley Park, some 30 km west of Sydney. After the organisational shortcomings of Atlanta (USA) in 1996, Sydney 2000 were probably the most enjoyable Olympic Games in the present times: charm, hospitality, efficiency, knowledge, friendliness and helpfulness.
Nine countries shared the 18 equestrian medals of 2000. Germany and the Netherlands with four each (each two gold medals) were the most successful. The most surprising medal was bronze, won by Khaled Al Eid from Saudi Arabia in the individual Jumping competition.
Max E. Ammann, still Director of the World Cup Jumping, attended the Sydney Olympic Games as Media Relations Officer of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Ralph Ammann was Media Relations Assistant of the FEI.
Jumping - individual competition (25.+28.07.+01.10.2000)
1. Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) – Sjiem
2. Albert Voorn (NED) – Lando
3. Khaled Al-Eid (KSA) – Khashm Al Aan
Jumping - team competition (28.09.2000)
1. Germany
Marcus Ehning (GER) – For Pleasure
Otto Becker (GER) – Cento
Lars Nieberg (GER) – Esprit FRH
Ludger Beerbaum (GER) – Goldfever
2. Switzerland
Lesley McNaught (SUI) – Dulf
Markus Fuchs (SUI) – Tinka’s Boy
Beat Mändli (SUI) – Pozitano
Willi Melliger (SUI) – Calvaro
3. Brazil
Luiz Felipe Azevedo (BRA) – Ralph
André Johannpeter (BRA) – Calei
Alvaro Miranda Neto (BRA) – Aspen
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) – Baloubet du Rouet
Dressage – individual competition (26.-30.09.2000)
1. Anky van Grunsven (NED) – Bonfire
2. Isabell Werth (GER) – Gigolo
3. Ulla Salzgeber (GER) - Rusty
Dressage – team competition (26.-27.09.2000)
1. Germany
Isabell Werth (GER) – Gigolo
Alexandra Simons de Ridder (GER) – Chacomo
Ulla Salzgeber (GER) – Rusty
Nadine Capellmann (GER) – Farbenfroh
2. Netherlands
Anky van Grunsven (NED) – Bonfire
Ellen Bontje (NED) – Silvano
Arjen Teeuwissen (NED) – Goliath
Coby van Baalen (NED) – Ferro
3. United States of America
Robert Dover (USA) – Ranier
Susan Blinks (USA) – Flim Flam
Guenter Seidel (USA) – Foltaire
Christine Traurig (USA) – Etienne
Eventing – individual competition (20.-22.09.2000)
1. David O’Connor (USA) – Custom Made
2. Andrew Hoy (AUS) – Swizzle In
3. Mark Todd (NZL) – Eyespy
Eventing – team competition (26.-19.09.2000)
1. Australia
Andrew Hoy (AUS) – Darien Powers
Phillip Dutton (AUS) – House Doctor
Stuart Tinney (AUS) – Jeepster
Matthew Ryan (AUS) – Kibah Sandstone
2. Great Britain
Jeanette Brakewell (GBR) – Over To You
Leslie Law (GBR) – Shear H2O
Pippa Funnell (GBR) – Supreme Rock
Ian Stark (GBR) - Jaybee
3. United States of America
David O’Connor (USA) – Giltedge
Nina Fout (USA) – 3 Magic Beans
Linden Wiesman (USA) – Anderoo
Karen O’Connor (USA) – Prince Panache