Individual leader Michael Jung helped Germany to stay top of the FEI World Eventing Championships standings ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited Pratoni del Vivaro for the penultimate day of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Eventing Championships, with his native Germany taking control of the team standings.

Bach was accompanied by FEI President Ingmar De Vos, a Belgian member of the IOC, secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez of Switzerland and Eventing Committee chair David O'Connor of the United States, as well as Italian Equestrian Federation President Marco Di Paola at the Rocca di Papa Equestrian Sports Centre.

The venue held cross country competition at the Rome 1960 Olympics, and the IOC President commended steps taken by the FEI on horse welfare.

"These are amazing facilities to see and it is a pleasure to experience a real Olympic legacy and sustainability success story," Bach said.

"I'm very impressed by the many measures the FEI has taken to safeguard the well-being and the health of the horses, and I am pleased with everything the International Federation is doing to ensure the future of the sport."

Animal rights groups launched a fresh call for equestrian sports to be removed from the Olympics after the scandal in the women's modern pentathlon competition which led to German coach Kim Raisner being sent home in disgrace for punching the horse Saint-Boy.

The FEI has established a Social License to Operate Commission to develop a framework addressing concerns related to the use of horses, and De Vos told insidethegames in June that he believes equestrian's place on the Olympic programme is secure.

On the penultimate day of the World Evening Championships, Germany's Michael Jung added nothing to his 18.8 in penalties from the dressage in the cross country phase to stay top of the individual standings and help his country move top of the team rankings.

Britain's Yasmin Ingham added 1.2, but climbed a place to second on 23.2 after Laura Collett endured a difficult day with a score of 38.8 and slipped to 48th on 58.1.

A faultless performance from the US' Tamra Smith means she is third on 24.0, closely followed by Britain's Oliver Townend on 24.3

Germany lead the team standings with 76.1, followed by the US on 77.4.

Britain set a dressage record score of 69.2 at the World Championships, but dropped to third on 80.9

The FEI World Eventing Championships are due to conclude tomorrow with the show jumping element of the competition.