Like all other equestrian events, the jumping competition was mixed gender, with both male and female athletes competing in the same division.

After his disqualification, the event was won by Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, the nation's first medal in individual jumping.

Silver went to Chris Kappler of the United States, with bronze to Marco Kutscher of Germany.

[3] The urine B-sample went missing en route to a testing laboratory, prompting a flurry of media interest.

[5] On 27 March 2005, the FEI gave a ruling disqualifying O'Connor and banning him from competition for three months, while accepting his contention that the drugs were administered by a vet as part of a sedative for a leg injury and were not with intent to enhance performance.

[8] Rodrigo Pessoa was presented with his gold medal in August 2005 at a ceremony on Copacabana Beach.

The reigning World Champion, Dermott Lennon of Ireland, did not compete due to an injury to his horse, Liscalgot.

Other notable absences included Marcus Ehning (also due to equine injury) and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (positive doping test), both of Germany.

Royal Kaliber, an American horse ridden by Chris Kappler, was injured during the jump-off and the pair halted.

Rodrigo Pessoa and his horse Baloubet du Rouet earned 4 penalties in the jump-off, completing the course in 49.42 seconds; their silver medals were later upgraded to gold.