3 wishes for Tokyo

from H&H dressage editor Polly Bryan

1 A CLOSE COMPETITION: I hope the new format, with three on a team and the medals decided on the grand prix special alone, results in a close, nail-biting event. Germany have been so dominant over the past few years and while they will go into the Games as favourites, it would be great for the team result to go right to the wire in a way it hasn’t for several years. It could only take a missed change or a spook to dramatically affect the standings, meaning this should turn out to be an incredibly exciting championship.

2 BRITAIN ON TOP: it goes without saying that I would love to see Britain win the Olympic title. We have real strength in depth in the squad and the battle for those coveted three team slots is set to be very competitive, with almost every top combination likely to benefit from the extra year. It’s not just the Germans who will give us a real run for our money – Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden are among those who could prove dangerous – but there’s no reason Britain can’t win gold in 2021.

3 ANOTHER GOLD FOR CHARLOTTE: while Rio 2016 seems a long time ago, we can’t forget that Charlotte Dujardin is still the reigning individual Olympic champion, and how wonderful it would be if she can keep that crown. While this year it seemed certain Mount St John Freestyle would be her Olympic partner, the delay means the bouncy little chestnut gelding Gio could well be on the plane to Japan. I can’t wait to see Charlotte do battle with Isabell Werth on the biggest stage – and hopefully come out on top!