Showjumper Patrick Nisbett remains philosophical despite having his Olympic dream dashed after his horse Antille 8 fell ill en route to their final pre-Games competition in Europe.

Nisbett's vehicle and horsebox broke down on the way to La Coruna, Spain, earlier this week, leaving them marooned on the side of the road and Antille 8 in no fit state to compete at next month's showpiece.

England-based Nisbett was only days away from heading to Hong Kong where he would have become the first ever showjumper to represent Bermuda at an Olympic Games.

Jill Terceira, who had been controversially overlooked by Bermuda Equestrian Federation (BEF), will now replace Nisbett who has spared Antille 8 from more upheaval by pulling out of the Games.

Both riders had qualified for the Beijing Olympics at last year's Pan-Am Games in Brazil – but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said only one rider could go to Hong Kong where the equestrian events will be held.

Nisbett told The Royal Gazette that ensuring the well-being of Antille 8 was of "paramount importance", but admitted his decision to withdraw had been a terribly tough one to make.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed and it's a cruel piece of luck," he said. "It was a tough decision to make on many different fronts. We had a horrendous journey to La Coruna and all sorts of things went wrong and I had to forfeit the competition. Antille 8 was exposed to high temperatures and left with travel sickness.

"But in the end her welfare is of paramount importance. Life goes on and I've got to keep my chin up."

Nisbett has not given up on reaching the sport's pinnacle stage and has set his sights on competing at the 2012 Olympics in London – along with his prized mare Antille 8.

"Antille 8 has been a fantastic horse for me and has many good years ahead of her," he said. "If I'd have taken her to Hong Kong I fear that wouldn't have been the case. She's getting better but she's still not 100 percent.

"I'm still hopeful I'll compete at an Olympics. I've got my eye on London 2012 and I've an excellent young horse coming through, although Antille 8 will only be 16 then."

Nisbett is now wishing his riding rival Terceira plenty of success in Hong Kong.

"Of course I wish Jill all the best for the Games and I hope she does Bermuda proud," he said.

Terceira and her horse Chaka III have been left with only days to prepare before leaving for Hong Kong. The original horse she qualified with, Nevantus, has since gone lame with Terceira only reaching the Olympic standard with Chaka III on the final day of qualifying on June 30.

Mike Cherry, president of the BEF, said he felt desperately sorry for Nisbett but was confident Terceira would step up to the plate.

"Jill's in a real rush now getting her horse ready. We've had to change the accreditation and swap the support team," said Cherry.

"She was very disappointed when she missed out on going to the Games originally and while this is a massive blow for Patrick, it's given her a chance.

"We're just relieved Jill managed to get Chaka III qualified in time for the Olympics. Potentially we could have had no showjumper in Hong Kong."