WILTSHIRE eventer Lissa Green has revealed her intention to compete under the Australian flag.

The British-born rider, who is based at Rockley near Marlborough, will compete for the country of her father David, who won a team Olympic eventing gold medal with Australia at the Barcelona Games of 1992.

Green's mother Lucinda won a record six victories at the Badminton Horse Trials as well as two successes at Burghley, as well as world individual and team gold and a host of European medals in a glittering career.

Revealing her decision to ride for Australia, Lissa said: "It is a country with a phenomenal sporting presence and also has an eventing system that I hugely respect.

"I feel sad to no longer be following in my mother's direct footsteps, but happy to be following my father's - I can only hope that one day I make them proud.''

She added: "With my father being an Aussie and my mother being British there has always been an option of which country's flag I would compete under.

"I have often found myself waving an Australian flag with one hand and a British one with the other.

"I was born in Britain so it felt natural to be part of the British system, something I have always admired and been extremely grateful for.

"However, when I went back to Australia as an adult, I fell in love with the country and it has captivated me ever since.

"I guess I'm just an Aussie at heart, so for me, it feels right to compete under the Australian flag, something of which I am immensely proud.

"And as an Australian event rider based in the UK, I am extremely grateful that I will continue to train and compete within the very best eventing scene in the world.''

Australia's high performance manager Chris Webb said: "We are delighted to welcome Lissa Green to the family of Australia riders.

"With a rich heritage in top-level eventing we  are very excited to have Lissa representing us and look forward to watching her compete and progress under the Australian flag.''