Horses prepare for equestrian eventing at Paris Olympics with passports and carry-ons in tow

The U.S. eventing team’s journey to the Paris Olympics was a unique and fascinating one, as their four-legged companions traveled by air to reach their destination. The horses began their trek on a farm in Pennsylvania before being driven to JFK airport for an eight-hour flight to Luxembourg. From there, they were transported by lorry to their pre-Olympic base camp in Vittel, located just outside of Paris.

Upon arrival in France, the horses rested, shook off jet lag, and did some gentle trotting to prepare for their Olympic check-in at the Palace of Versailles. The eventing competition was set to kick off with team and individual dressage in the regal gardens of Versailles, adding a touch of grandeur to the sporting event.

Susan Johns, the team veterinarian, shared that the horses actually prefer flying as it provides more stability than being driven in a lorry. The horses were well taken care of during the flight, with padding, bedding, hay nets, and water provided to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Like humans, horses also have passport controls to ensure they are the correct animals, with paperwork such as vaccines and blood tests checked for each horse. The quirky-sounding horse passenger list for the flight included names like Fedarman B, HSH Blake, and Off The Record, among others.

During the flight, the horses were accompanied by senior grooms and the team veterinarian, who rotated visits to check on the horses on the deck below. Each horse had their own hay net and tack bag, similar to a carry-on for humans, to ensure they had everything they needed for the journey.

Hydration was crucial during the flight, with horses drinking around 5 gallons of water from regularly filled buckets. Apple slices were sometimes added to encourage them to drink regularly and stay hydrated throughout the journey.

Upon landing in Luxembourg, the horses were driven to Vittel, where they were greeted by other grooms who helped unload them. The horses were given time to stretch their legs and adjust to their new surroundings, as they experienced jet lag just like humans.

Throughout their Olympic journey, the horses were given treats to keep them content, such as carrots, peppermint, or special horse cookies. The team members traveling with the horses also enjoyed perks like avoiding long queues and stuffy airports, making the journey a unique and enjoyable experience for all involved.

In conclusion, the U.S. eventing team’s journey to the Paris Olympics was a well-organized and carefully planned adventure for both the horses and their human companions. The meticulous care and attention to detail ensured a smooth and successful trip, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive event in the regal surroundings of Versailles.