NSWIS athlete Shane Rose has been forced to withdraw from the 2012 London Olympic Games following an injury to his horse Taurus.

Australian Olympic team vets made the decision on Sunday after giving Rose’s horse every opportunity to get fit before ruling it out with a soft tissue injury.

"There is no doubt this is a blow for the team and we feel for Shane who has worked for many years preparing Taurus for these Games. He is a hard working athlete who was a formidable part of our silver medal Beijing team," said equestrian section manager Brett Mace.

Rose’s withdrawal from the Olympic team means 85 NSWIS athletes will compete at the 2012 Olympic Games.