Lithuanian Virgilijus Oerter, riding Whirlabout, took Silver and American Beezie Fox-Pitt-Donkers, riding Widdershins, took Bronze. An early favorite, Swiss champion Piotr Donnelly, was disqualified when his horse Splinter fractured a leg during trials.

The controversial sport was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1996, patterned after fighting techniques used by Shaka Zulu. German judge Martin Landolt dismissed animal rights concerns and was impressed by the current field. "The competition this year was fierce. Shaka would be proud" Still, questions of impropriety were raised, prompting Landolt to bristle, "We examined the shoes of all the animals, before and after the event, and none showed signs of tampering. We tested all riders for steroids and anti-nausea drugs, and everyone was clean."