Australian equestrian team makes Olympics

Australia’s three-day eventing equestrian team has formally secured its place at the London Olympic Games.

The International Equestrian Federation confirmed the team’s qualification on Saturday, ensuring Australia will have entries for all three Olympic equestrian team competitions as well as the Paralympic team competition.

Australian eventing riders have won seven Olympic team medals, including four gold, plus four individual medals.

The team was unlucky to miss 2012 Olympic qualification at their regional team qualification event in 2011 and was therefore dependent on individual rider rankings to secure a team place for London.

March 1 was the deadline for the sport’s governing body to finalise the individual rider qualifications ahead of the Games.

Australian riders claimed the top nine places on these rankings.

“We have been watching the rider rankings closely and we were always confident as Australia has consistently had plenty of riders in the top 20,” said national performance director for eventing Prue Barrett.

“So whilst we fully expected to qualify the team, it is great to have it confirmed so we can move forward with our training and preparation as planned for London.

“Australia is focused on a medal performance at London. We have a great squad of riders and horses with a good mixture of experienced combinations and up-and-coming stars hungry for their first Olympic Team.

“I am confident that our team will mount a strong challenge for the podium.”

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