Olympic equestrian rider is CLEARED to compete in Paris this summer after he was stood down for wearing a Borat-style MANKINI on the back of a horse at an event

  • Australian rider Shane Rose, 50, has been cleared by a review after the stunt 
  • Rose competed in a fancy dress competition and donned only a bright mankini 
  • Complaints were lodged to Equestrian Australia and Sports Integrity Australia 

An Australian Olympic equestrian rider has been cleared to compete at the Paris Games this summer after competing at a fancy dress event in a fluorescent mankini.

Equestrian Australia (EA) have confirmed that Shane Rose, 50, a three-time Olympic medallist in eventing, did not breach their code of conduct despite complaints.

Rose was stood down from competing after wearing the garish outfit at a show jumping event at Wallaby Hill near Sydney earlier this month.


Footage posted by Rose on Facebook showed him donning an orange mankini, helmet and boots as he rode across an arena, much to the amusement of spectators.

After some attendees took umbrage, however, EA and Sports Integrity Australia launched a probe into the bizarre incident, leaving Rose's hopes of competing at a fourth Olympics and winning an elusive gold medal in limbo.

Australian equestrian rider Shane Rose has been cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics after competing at an event in a bright mankini and being stood down following complaints

Australian equestrian rider Shane Rose has been cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics after competing at an event in a bright mankini and being stood down following complaints

Rose (seen with wife Nikki) apologised for his actions after his medal hopes were put in limbo

Rose (seen with wife Nikki) apologised for his actions after his medal hopes were put in limbo

'Shane reflected on the incident and has apologised,' EA CEO Darren Gocher said. 

'He understands the high standards expected of everyone involved in our high performance programme. With the matter now resolved, Shane and his team-mates are looking forward to continuing to focus their attention on qualifying for Paris.' 

Fancy dress had been encouraged at the competition and Rose also sported a gorilla costume and Duffman outfit, made famous by hit TV show The Simpsons. The fact the event had been 'community' based was taken into consideration in the review.

Rose had made a public apology on social media but later removed the post to avoid further escalating the issue. This statement was also considered by EA. 

'I'm pleased that the Equestrian Australia review has been completed and I have been reinstated and allowed to continue my campaign towards the Paris Olympics Games,' Rose said after taking to social media to share gratitude for his support.

Rose won team eventing Olympic silver in 2008 and 2020 and also took bronze in 2016

Rose won team eventing Olympic silver in 2008 and 2020 and also took bronze in 2016

'The support and interest in this story has been like nothing I have ever experienced before. Now it is time to focus on the job ahead and try to get Australian equestrian in the media for a more positive reason, an Olympic gold medal.' 

EA said they would 'work with clubs and stakeholders to assess minimum dress standards for future events', while 'education models' would be reviewed.

A sponsor of the event at Wallaby Hill pledged to give a mankini to all spectators next year and donate 100 Australian dollars for every spectator wearing one.

Rose won team eventing Olympic silver in 2008 and 2020 and took bronze in 2016.

He currently has three horses qualified for the upcoming Paris showpiece.