Ever wondered how the magnificent horses you see at the Olympic Games make their way to the competition? It’s not as simple as loading them onto a truck! The journey of these equine athletes to the world’s biggest sporting event is a fascinating logistical operation, prioritizing their comfort and well-being every step of the way. Let’s dive into the details of how they transport horses to the Olympics, revealing the business class treatment these animals receive.
For starters, just like human athletes, Olympic horses require their own passports. These aren’t just for show; they are official documents detailing the horse’s identity, health history, markings, and size. Think of it as an equine identity card, meticulously maintained from birth. These passports are essential for international travel, ensuring disease control and smooth border crossings.
When it comes to the actual travel, forget bumpy trailers. Olympic horses predominantly fly to their destinations. In preparation for events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) and the upcoming Paris Olympics, specialized horse transport flights are arranged well in advance. Horses are loaded into custom-designed stalls at ground level before being carefully lifted onto the aircraft.
These aren’t your average cargo planes. The stalls are designed to typically accommodate three horses, but for Olympic travel, it’s strictly business class. To ensure maximum comfort and space during their long journey, only two horses occupy each stall. This allows them room to move and reduces stress. Accompanying these equine Olympians are dedicated teams of at least 11 grooms and vets on each flight. Consider them the equine cabin crew, ensuring the horses’ needs are met throughout the flight.
Just like human passengers, in-flight catering is also meticulously planned. Horses are fed haylage, a type of hay with higher moisture content, along with ample water. This is their version of an airline meal, designed to keep them nourished and hydrated. Dehydration is a primary concern during air travel for horses. However, these animals are surprisingly resilient and can rehydrate effectively within 24 hours of landing. Another potential issue is respiratory infections, as horses must keep their heads elevated for extended periods, but this is carefully monitored by the on-board vets.
Despite these concerns, air travel is designed to be as comfortable as possible for the horses. The aircraft environment is temperature-controlled, and horses have the natural ability to sleep standing up, making the journey less tiring. Chewing hay also helps them manage changes in air pressure, similar to how humans use chewing gum during flights.
“The pilots will control a more gradual take-off and a slower landing to a typical flight,” explains British Eventing Team vet Liz Brown. This specialized handling is crucial. Unlike passenger planes that often have firm landings with rapid deceleration, flights carrying horses prioritize smoother, extended landings to minimize any sudden jolts or discomfort for the animals. This thoughtful approach underscores the commitment to the welfare of these incredible equine athletes as they travel to compete on the world stage.
So, the next time you watch equestrian events at the Olympics, remember the incredible journey these horses undertook to get there. Flying in business class, with dedicated care and attention, these equine Olympians are transported with the utmost consideration for their health and comfort, ensuring they arrive ready to perform at their peak.
