The event was won by František Ventura of Czechoslovakia, the nation's first medal in individual jumping.

France earned its first medal in the event since 1912 with Pierre Bertran de Balanda's silver.

Charles-Gustave Kuhn took bronze, putting Switzerland on the podium for the second consecutive Games.

Argentina, Hungary, Japan, and the Netherlands each made their debut in the event.

In the second re-ride, some obstacles were raised to 1.60 metres in height to increase the difficulty.