from Universal Sports (dated 13 October 2010)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- The International Equestrian Federation has confirmed the first teams to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

The governing body says nine countries, including the United States, earned places with their performances at the World Equestrian Games. The event ended Sunday in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Netherlands, Germany and the United States qualified in dressage. Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., Germany and Belgium will compete in eventing.

Germany is defending champion in both team events.

In jumping, Germany, France, Belgium, Brazil and Canada qualified as the top five teams in Kentucky, while Australia also booked a spot.

Britain automatically enters each medal category as the Olympics host.