THE format for the World Equestrian Games will no longer include the famous final four horse rotation, where finalists rode each other’s horses, according to an updated version of the rules on the FEI website last week.

This change comes amid controversy surrounding proposed changes to the Olympic format, however this process has been significantly more muted. The changes will completely alter the way the games are run, getting rid of the top four, as well as removing the first round of the competition.

The WEG will now begin with the team competition, instead of the usual Table A competition at most Championships.

The team championship will be run over two days, and the second round will consist of the top 10 teams and the 60 best riders after round one.

The top 25 after the team competition will then battle it out for individual glory in the first of a two-round competition, with the final 12 going through to the final round. The rider with the least amount of combined penalties over all the rounds will be crowned the World Champion.

The new format will be rolled out from January 1st, 2017 and will be in effect at the WEG in Tyron in 2018.