The British equestrian team will have to be polishing their riding boots and horse equipment in earnest as the Britain's equestrian team has been set a target medal tally of between one and three at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this year.

The medal target was announced by UK Sport and is set to ensure that progress is being made in the build-up to London 2012.

UK Sport chief executive John Steele said, "If these targets are achieved, they will signify a stepping up in performances."

Speaking of the targets, Will Connell of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) said, "There's less pressure on our teams this year, compared with 2006, as we've already qualified for the Olympics."

At the 2006 WEG in Aachen, it was the British eventers who won the medals, with Zara Phillips winning individual gold and the team took silver.

This year the British team has set its sights on winning a dressage medal too, with dressage team captain Richard Davison commenting, "I certainly hope for at least one."

The para-equestrian team also looks set to bring home some medals with a target of between four and eight.

Preparations for the September event will be beginning as the riders polish their riding boots for the start of the new competition season.