The prediction was made at the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Conference held at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield and attended by Princess Haya, the president of the international equestrian federation (FEI) and a member of the International Olympic Committee.

 

Anthony Murphy, of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) who competed for Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in fencing addressed delegates on the 2012 legacy action plan.

 

He said: "Eight cycling golds pushed up sales of bicycles, gold in the pool saw huge sales of swimsuits and goggles, and overall sales of sports nutritional products have surged.

 

"So I'd like to work with you [the equestrian trade] to put you in the centre of the stadium.

 

"There's every likelihood that businesses will become more competitive and innovative as a result of their exposure to the Games."

 

Princess Haya, who competed in the show jumping at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and is now one of the world's most successful horse race owners, including owning New Approach, the winner of this year's Derby, also told delegates that the 2012 Olympics presented a real opportunity for equestrian to progress as a sport.

 

She warned that the current economic climate could make things difficult during the next four years.

 

The Princess said: "The 2012 London Olympics are an opportunity for us all to work together to market the sport and enjoyment in horses.

 

"But between now and then the economic indicators would suggest that the horse world both as a sport and as an industry is in for a bumpy financial ride.

 

"The FEI needs to start work now with the equestrian industry in Britain and around the world to create the positive environment needed to develop our combined futures."