Australian showjumper Shane Rose has been stood down by Equestrian Australia after wearing a mankini while riding in competition.
The three-time Olympic medalist, who aims to represent Australia at the Paris Olympic Games this year, was seen wearing the mankini during a showjumping event at Wallaby Hill.
Photos of Rose riding his horse in the fluro orange outfit, often linked to the film Borat, were shared on social media.
"I took part in this fancy dress competition with the aim of providing lighthearted entertainment for those in attendance," Rose wrote in a Facebook post, which has since been deleted.
"If my costume/s offended anyone I am truly sorry as this was never my intention. I would like to apologise to anyone that I offended."
He shared that he'd hoped the incident would not affect his Olympic preparation, however he expressed his desire for the situation to be resolved quickly.
"With a bit of luck this will all be a bit of a laugh in a few days and we can all move on," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I think I am a good person and I do a lot for the sport, and for people in different situations. I don't feel like I have done anything particularly bad.
"In hindsight, I should have rethought what I did but, at the time, I thought it was just a bit of fun."
Equestrian Australia is reviewing the matter but insisted Rose not been suspended.
