Reserve Whitaker changes Olympic horses

British showjumping team Olympic reserve Michael Whitaker has had a change of horse.

Whitaker, the non-travelling reserve, will now ride Viking rather than Amai if he gets called up to compete.

The change follows veterinary advice and “taking in to account that the Olympic team competition is a demanding series of three rounds”, Team GB said today, ” the decision has been taken, with the best interests of the welfare of the horse to make the change”.

Viking, owned by Whitaker, is a 10 year old 16.3hh chestnut gelding. The combination have been well placed at grand prix level and were members of the nations cup team in St Gallen, June 2012 where the British finished second.