QUEENSLANDER Chris Burton (pictured) has been selected as part of the eventing team for the 2012 Australian Olympic Team.
Burton, 30, grew up at Box Ridge, Brymaroo, a Darling Downs grain and cattle property operated by his parents, Ken and Ruth Burton.
Ruth said the selection was particularly exciting because Chris had been knocking on the door of Olympic selection for many years.
"It really is a case of third time lucky," Mrs Burton said.
"He has been elite-listed and last time he was shadow-listed, so this time it is just so excited he has been selected for the Australian Olympic team."
Eventing is made up of three disciplines - cross-country, dressage and showjumping. Mrs Burton said Chris was possibly strongest in cross-country with his ability to "bring a horse home".
The former Brymaroo Pony Club member and Downslands College student will ride the chestnut mare Holstein Park Leilani.
He was selected following his stand out performance at the world class Samumur three-day event in France, where he placed first and second.
Burton previously represented Australia at the World Equestrian Games in 2010.
The four other riders and their horses who have been selected are:
- Andrew Hoy, Rutherglen. Andrew is a six-time Olympian (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004), triple Olympic Games gold medallist (Team Eventing - Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000) and Olympic Games silver medallist (Individual Eventing - Sydney 2000).
- Clayton Fredericks, Bendigo silver medal Beijing 2008.
- Lucinda Fredericks Flying Finish (silver medal Beijing 2008).
- Shane Rose, Tauru silver medal Beijing 2008.