BREEDING trends can change more frequently than in an equine generation timeframe. Or in just one meeting, as seen by the fallout from the FEI General Assembly in Tokyo last year, which may prove to be a Games-changer for future sport horse breeding trends.

Those international riders that have spoken out against the rule cite the impact the FEI’s decision to focus on future teams of three will have, not just on them, but on breeders too. A narrowed-down Games field will also impact on those at the top of the sport horse world pyramid - the owners, who want to see their horse compete for Olympic glory and whose buying power trickles down to breeders.