Medals were awarded in the following competitions: Each event had its own qualification rules, but generally rely on FEI rankings.

Similar to dressage, teams of four riders were qualified at either the World Equestrian Games (WEG) or through a regional competition.

The WEG awarded five spots, the regions nine (Americas: two, Europe: four, Asia: two, Africa and the Middle East: one), and the hosts (Brazil).

Similar to dressage, teams of four riders were qualified at either the WEG, a regional competition, or through a composite spot.

The WEG awarded six spots, the regions seven (America: one, Europe: two, Asia, Africa and Oceania: one), the hosts (Brazil).

Chinese Taipei, Dominican Republic, Palestine, Qatar and Zimbabwe made their Olympic debuts in equestrian events.

Additionally, countries who can not make a full team may send riders to compete for individual medals.

The top six teams (included those tied for 6th) advance to the Grand Prix Special, which is a slightly more rigorous test.

Additionally, the top 8 riders who do not qualify with a team may also advance to the Special to ride for individual medals.

Riders can tailor a test to their horses' strengths, as well as incorporate movements that are more difficult than those required in the Grand Prix or the Special (such as a pirouette in piaffe) in order to increase their scores.

As the slate is wiped clean after the first two rounds, individual medals are assigned based on scores in the freestyle.