from horsetalk.co.nz (dated 15 October 2010)

The bronze medal wining performance by the New Zealand eventing team at the World Equestrian Games has earned the country entry to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Joining the Kiwis are Canada, the USA, Germany and Belgium. As host nation, Britain is automatically guaranteed a spot in all three disciplines.

In dressage, The Netherlands, Germany and the USA have qualified, while in showjumping, Germany, France, Belgium, Brazil and Canada qualify. They were the top five placed teams in Kentucky.

Australia also qualifies as the top ranked team from FEI Olympic Group C or G at the World Equestrian Games.

• A total of 11 team slots are available for the London 2012 Paralympic Dressage events, with three nations qualifying from the World Equestrian Games. The three teams that have now earned their tickets to London are Britain, Germany and Denmark.

If Britain had not qualified in Kentucky, as host nation for London 2012 they would have automatically taken one of the eight further places available, leaving just seven slots to be filled. However, with Britain successfully qualifying last weekend, there are still another eight vacancies to be filled.

The list of other qualifying events will be published before 1 January 2011.

The qualifying system has been approved by the International Paralympic Committee.