1 Answer

Distraught Australian equestrian rider Megan Jones says the welfare of a horse she considers her "best friend" led to a heart-breaking decision to withdraw from the London Olympics.

In a cruel blow to Australia's bid to continue a stellar Olympic tradition, Jones on Thursday pulled out of the eventing competition at the London Games.

Jones and her horse Allofasudden were summoned into Australia's eventing team on Monday when first choice rider Shane Rose withdrew with an injured horse.

But a foot injury to Allofasudden forced Jones to follow suit - giving the eventing team's second reserve, Sam Griffiths, an Olympic debut.

Jones looked into her horse's eyes and realised her London ambitions were dashed.

"I looked in his eyes ... he was depressed, he was not happy," Jones told reporters on Thursday.

"They are your best friends.

"It's a welfare thing ... we have to look after the horse first then the team second."