Short Olympic news from Hong Kong

The FEI reports today July 29th that thus far, a total of 68 horses out of the 219 expected have flown to Hong Kong from Atlanta (5) and Amsterdam (63). There have been no incidents to report. In fact, everything has run extremely smoothly and all travelling equines have arrived in great form. The French horses for example, landed spot on time Monday morning at 3:10 am in Hong Kong, and were quickly escorted to their stables at Sha Tin to enjoy the confines of their new temporary home. 

 Hands on, Martin Atock, Managing Director for Peden Bloodstock, ensures a speedy transfer from the airport in Hong Kong to the Olympic facilities Picture FEI

Pollution Rate of 200

In response to media enquiries regarding the very high pollution levels in Sha Tin at Monday July 28, a spokesman for the organising Equestrian Company said the condition of all the horses were being very carefully monitored and there was no cause for alarm concerning the horses’ welfare. He added that also no complaints were received about the affects of the pollutants from athletes and teams staying in the Olympic Village.
Anky van Grunsven commented: “Yes, we heard that the Pollution Rate had been 200, which was doubled. Compared to normal pollution days the Rate is 100. It was not of my concern until I read it in the newspaper. Of course, when stepping the staircase I noticed a feeling of tiredness. I think the horses will have the same. However, we are all very prepared for the heath and very fit and until now it’s not worrying us very much.”

Isabell Werth accompanied Satchmo in aircraft

Isabell Werth was one of four to accompany her horse Satchmo and the other German horses together with Marie Johnson, the groom of Ludger Beerbaum and team vet Björn Nolting and Carsten Rohde on their 12 hours lasting trip to Hong Kong. “Although my horses have flown more often, it was a good feeling for me to be with Satchie in the aircraft. When we arrived in Hong Kong all other grooms were there to take the horses over to bring them to the Olympic stables.

Multi stables

The green stables in Hong Kong have every equipment you could wish, is reported by several riders. Hans Peter Minderhoud says: “The climate in the stables is perfect. There is equipment to cool the horses, there are several boxes for the horses to have a roll, there is a special lunging circle, it couldn’t have been better. A washing machine, dryer, icemachine, everything is taken care of.  Of course this is no holiday but the Olympics. However it almost looks like relaxing! Things will change when the opening comes near, I suppose…”

Falada M not in Hong Kong

For French Horse Falada M of Karin Tebar the Olympic Games have ended in Aachen in quarantine. Her horse got injured while in quarantaine. Together with the French equipe chef and the French vet Karin Tebar had to decide to withdraw.

New Olympic website FEI

The FEI has launched a fantastic new Olympic website. Find much more here

Also wonderful historical insight is given. Here the individual medallists from Athens Ulla Salzgeber (silver), Anky van Grunsven (gold) and Beatriz Ferrer-Salat (bronze)