The event was won by Pierre Jonquères d'Oriola of France, the first rider to win two gold medals in individual jumping; he did so 12 years apart, with his first in 1952.

Great Britain earned its second consecutive bronze in the event, this time with Peter Robeson taking the honors.

Also returning was 1952 gold medalist Pierre Jonquéres d'Oriola of France, in his fourth Games.

The five men who had won, or would win, the first seven World Championships were present: Paco Goyoaga of Spain (1953), Winkler (1954 and 1955), Raimondo D'Inzeo (1956 and 1960), Jonquéres d'Oriola (1966), and Broome (1970).

France competed for the 11th time, most of any nation, having missed the individual jumping only in 1932.