Olympic athletes have to be tough. They often have to deal with physical and emotional pain, and cope with injuries and disappointment, as they push themselves to the limit. Bill Roycroft is right at the top of that list.

Italy's Raimondo d'Inzeo was destined for a long Olympic career – but Rome 1960 was to be the highlight. He was already something of a sporting veteran, having competed at his first Olympics over a decade before, in London in 1948. In 1956, he had won individual and team silver in Stockholm and now, at the age of 35, he was keen to add a gold to his collection.

Helsinki 1952 were the first Games at which dressage truly opened up to the world. Previously, it had been the preserve of military officers, but was now opened up to non-commissioned officers and even to civilians. Most notably of all was the presence of four women among the entrants, immediately transforming dressage from one of the most exclusive disciplines to one of the more inclusive.

On 14 August 1932, the Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles – the scene of so many feats of sporting glory over the previous 15 days – filled to the rafters once more to witness the culmination of the 1932 Games. The crowds were treated to one final sporting showpiece, the equestrian Prix des Nations, before the pomp and circumstance of the Closing Ceremony began.

With the majority of the equestrian athletes travelling long distances to reach Los Angeles, the logistics of transporting their precious equine cargo in a safe and humane manner presented an additional dilemma.

Every Olympic Games produces moments of controversy; one of the most famous took place in the individual dressage event at Los Angeles 1932.

In the resolution adopted at the Sorbonne Congress in Paris back in 1894 that paved the way for the launch of the modern Olympic Games, the inclusion of equestrian sports on the programme had been discussed, a motion which received the enthusiastic support of Baron Pierre de Coubertin.