It formed part of the 2015 FEI European Championships; other disciplines included were jumping, reining and vaulting.

The Netherlands and Great Britain maintained their domination of the sport.

As all three nations had already qualified for the 2016 Games, the quota places went to Spain, Sweden and France.

The Dutch coach of the dressage team Wim Ernes died on 1 November 2016.

The gold medal winning dressage team at these championships Edward Gal, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Diederik van Silfhout and Patrick van der Meer carried his coffin during his funeral on 5 November 2016.