Having won gold in Barcelona in 92 and then Atlanta in 96 in the Three-Day Event, the Australian team is going into the Sydney Games as gold medal favourites with the chance to create Olympic history. "Never before has one country taken out the gold in three consecutive Olympics in this event – I believe that we can do it this year," said Matt Ryan.

A poorly understood sport, elite equestrian competition is the ultimate team sport. A horse and a rider work together for years to hone feats of grace, daring, agility and speed. It is the only sport of its kind where men and women compete on a completely equal level.

The Three-Day event of equestrian competition has often been described as one of the most physically and mentally exacting sports, second only, to formula one racing. It combines the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country and showjumping, rewarding the horse that can excel at dressage one day and gallop flat-out cross-country the next.

Matt believes that Australia has a very strong international team and there is no reason why they cannot take out the gold again this year. "In the last few years, the ‘eventing’ scene in Australia has gone crazy. The expansion in the sport is unbelievable – we have never had so many riders looking so strong," said Matt.

Despite its growing following and Australia’s prowess in the international arena, our equestrian athletes barely rate a mention in the media and are little known to the general public.

"Few people realise that Australian riders, many of whom spend most of their time in Europe so they can compete at the highest international levels, are among the world’s most respected competitors," added Matt.

As major sponsors of Matt Ryan and the Australian Equestrian Team, animal health company, Merial Australia is committed to the support and promotion of Australia’s elite equestrians.

Greg Andrews, Product Manager, at Merial Australia said: " Merial recognises the importance of investing in the development of elite equestrians and their horses. We are very committed to supporting our top riders and helping them to promote their international success here in Australia."

In his first Olympics as a competitor, Matt rode to victory on his bay gelding Kibah Tic Toc, making Olympic history by taking out the gold medal in the individual and then leading Australia into first place in the teams’ event. Matt plans to ride Kibah Sandstone, a stable-brother of the famous Kibah Tic Toc, in this year’s Olympics.

Merial Australia
is committed
to the support and
promotion of Australia’s
elite equestrians.