In the final days of 2011, Great Britain’s show jumping team lost three potential Olympic mounts as they were sold to Saudi Arabia and Australia. Dec. 31 was the deadline for a nation to acquire horses in time for them to be eligible to compete for the country at the upcoming Olympic Games in London. As that cut-off approached, this summer’s host country said good-bye to top jumpers Sultan V, Talan and Titus.

British newspaper the Telegraph reported that the Saudi Arabian equestrian team has bought Sultan V (Irco Mena—Lianta, Voltaire), a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood ridden by Bruce Menzies in Nations Cup competitions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also purchased Talan (Concorde—Nalinda, Burggraaf) as a mount for HH Prince Faisal. Robert Smith rode the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion to a second-placed finish in the Longines King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead (England) in July of 2011.

From other nations, Saudi Arabia has reportedly procured several other horses to strengthen its string, including Al Capone from Spain, Caramell KS from Sweden and Noblesse de Tess from Colombia.

Australia acquired Titus, a Dutch Warmblood (Lancelot—Kristin, Rex Magna), for Edwina Tops-Alexander. The gelding, 12, previously ridden by Guy Williams, was a member of the 2011 British team that won bronze at the European Championships (Spain).