“I would like to apologise to anyone that I offended. I will no longer take part in these types of events to ensure I do not cause similar issues in the future. I have been advised by Equestrian Australia that I have been suspended from all EA competitions and all EA-related events while they conduct a review of the incident.

“Again, I am truly sorry if I have offended anyone. I hope that the result of the EA review allows me to return to competition and not affect my campaign towards the Paris Olympic Games.”

Gocher said the complaints were made about “how he was attired, and the fact there minors at the event and so on”.

“There were concerns raised about it. Whether it is one (complaint) or 1000, we have an obligation to review it,” Gocher told this masthead.

“We received a letter with concerns and it was also sent to Sports Integrity Australia and the ASC (Australian Sports Commission) and we have an obligation under our code of conduct to review, if that happens.

“Nothing has happened yet. We have told Shane it will be reviewed.

“He hasn’t been sanctioned, he hasn’t been suspended. He has been stood down from competition while we review and we have committed to getting the review done this week.”

EA officials will meet on Monday to begin the review and Rose has been given the opportunity to submit a written statement.

If deemed warranted, a suspension has the potential to damage Rose’s chances of selection for the Paris team, which is announced in June. But there is no danger of Rose missing a single qualifying competition. Instead, riders accumulate a certain amount of “MERs” (Minimum eligibility requirements) in the year before selections are finalised.

The equestrian community were not impressed with Rose being stood down. Many changed their Facebook profile pictures to Borat in a show of solidarity to Rose, and three-time Olympian Wayne Roycroft slammed EA in a response to his Facebook post.

“Shane I apologise for the action taken by EA you have contributed to the Equestrian community more than any one I know, not to have full support of EA is shameful, from my point of view my actions whilst on that board was first and foremost was to support the atheltes (sic) there is no way you should be under suspension,” Roycroft said.

The website for the “Equestrian Extravaganza at Wallaby Hill” in Robertson, in the Southern Highlands, promotes the event as “a great day of sporting competition to be enjoyed both as a competitor and or spectator”.

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“Competitors come from all of the three Olympic disciplines to take part in the day’s competitions, dressing up in extraordinary costumes competing against the clock,” the website said.

“Sydney Gold medallist and Rio Bronze medallist Stuart Tinney is a firm fixture at this event, often competing against his daughter Gemma. Beijing Silver medallist and Rio Bronze medallist Shane Rose is also a long-time participant.”

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