AUSTRALIAN equestrian riders have had their Olympic preparations disrupted after the cancellation of the Badminton horse trials in England.
Badminton was to act as a key selection competition as Australia try to choose the nation's five riders for the eventing team in London.
The trials in Gloucestershire were due to be held from Thursday to Monday.
The famous competition was called off because of the heavy rain in England over the past few weeks.
"The recent exceptional rainfall has left the ground at Badminton totally waterlogged and partially flooded," it said on the competition's website.
"Further rain is due this week leaving no chance of the ground drying out."
Australia had 10 combinations entered in the competition, including three-time Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy.
With so many Australian riders missing out on the chance to impress selectors, Equestrian Australia officials will meet tomorrow to work out the next step.
The Melbourne International will run from June 7-11 with the nation's Olympic eventing team to be announced mid-June.
