The withdrawal of Switzerland's dressage team will not affect the Olympic equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong. The Equestrian Company said today the team will be replaced by others on the ranking list.

The team withdrew due to fears for the their horses' well-being in Hong Kong's summer heat and humidity. The company said the decision is regrettable, adding there has been no complaint from athletes and national federations on the city's weather.

Federation Equestre Internationale will organise a workshop in Lausanne next month to brief representatives from all federations on the weather and veterinary matters relating to August's event.

The company reiterated Hong Kong has developed strategies and protocols to minimise the effect of the weather on horses by installing air-conditioned stables, large misting fans and iceboxes at venues. Competitions will also be held at cooler times, either early in the morning or evening.

The protocols were tested in the simulated event last summer. All horses and riders coped with the conditions effectively.

Two-hundred horses will compete in the equestrian events from August 9 to 21.