If Michael Whitaker, the non-travelling reserve for the British showjumping team, gets the call-up to compete, he will ride Viking – not Amai, it has been announced.
The decision was made on the basis of veterinary advice due to the “demanding” nature of the three-rounds in the Games.
Michael and Amai recently won the Rolex Grand Prix at Aachen, where Amai’s owner Beatrice Mertens called for the pair to make the Olympic team.
However the horse had previously suffered injuries and Viking, a 10-year-old 16.3h chestnut gelding, was has been selected “with the best interests and welfare” of Amai (pictured) in mind.
Viking is owned by Michael and the pair were members of the Nations Cup team in St Gallen, where Britain finished second.
