Every four years, horses from around the globe are transported to the Olympic host city in large freight airplanes. This is no small feat, as these horses weigh over 1,200 pounds and can often be erratic in their behavior. Hallye Griffin, director of FEI sport at U.S. Equestrian, emphasized the challenge, “We need to be prepared to handle all the circumstances,” she said, “including what the weather might be throwing at us and what the games logistics and timing could be throwing at us.” This year, Paris will host three equestrian disciplines: dressage, jumping, and eventing. 

Approximately 200 horse-and-rider combinations will compete over several days. However, the challenge begins at home, where these four-legged athletes must first be flown across the world. Meticulous preparations ensure that the horses are in top condition for the competition. This involves dedicated groomers, veterinarians, and specialized care routines, all aiming to maintain the USA’s legacy of excellence in equestrian sports.

The logistics of flying competitive horses across an ocean

In a 14th April, 2024, a documentary released on Documentary Central’s YouTube channel, the crew captured how horses are transported for events like the Paris Olympics. They focused primarily on Belgium’s Liege Airport. Matt Brooks, the head groom, detailed how “61 horses due to arrive, and it’s pretty chaotic because there’ll be lots of grooms, lots of people walking in and out with horses.” He added, “transporting horses is particularly hard because, “stressed horses can turn into a proper nightmare.” The horses go through pre-flight health check ups and travel in three classes. In the first class, which is usually reserved for stallions, they travel on their own.

Whereas, in the business class, two horses travel together. Brooks described it as “the best way. Got a companion, um, keeps them more calm.” And lastly the economy, which is three in a stall.” The type of horse can also pose its own challenges. For example, show jumpers are more enthusiastic and dressage horses are more disciplined, so they require different approaches when being loaded on a tight schedule. 

Even US Equestrian has shared insights into the journey of their precious horses being transported to Paris. It all begins when they arrive at the ARK (a luxury animal terminal) in JFK. Then they are loaded into cargo stalls with high-water-content hay, snacks and padding. They’re subsequently transported via cargo trucks to the airline for transport.

He added, “Horses are very similar to you and I,. “All of these horses are seasoned travelers and we have flown them before, so we understand what they need.” Each horse travels with groomers and vets. Team Manager Mary Elizabeth Kent also emphasized how valuable the horses are, saying, “They are like our children.” The precise care ensures that horses are in top condition to win medals at the Olympics like they have done prior. As the U.S. equestrian team prepares for the Paris Olympics, they aim to uphold their proud tradition and continue their legacy of excellence.

USA’s history with Olympic equestrian events

In 2012, the US equestrian team faced significant challenges, especially in the evening and jumping categories. They failed to secure a single medal in the team eventing round which came as a surprise to many. They were defeated by countries like Great Britain, Switzerland and Germany. However, the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games saw a marked improvement. The team secured multiple medals across all events and secured a bronze medal. Additionally, in jumping, USA claimed silver as compared to the lack of podium finishes the last time. 

Key Athletes like McLain Ward and Kent Farrington are to thank for this success. The strategic training on the USA’s part really paid off. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics too, two silver equestrian were secured. The dressage team especially won a gleaming silver, after performing exceptionally well. The jumping team also won silver and the eventing team finished 6th. All three of their combinations were placed in the top 25 individually. This year, the team is truly fantastic.

In eventing, William Coleman with his horse Off the Record, Boyd Martin with Fedarman B and Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake will represent the country. Whereas, in Jumping, Kent Farrington will be accompanied by Greya, Landon, Myla and Toulayna. Laura Kraut will be paired with Baloutine and McLain Ward will be seen riding Ilex and Quimi del Maset. The events will kick off on 27th July and proceed through the 29th. As the upward trajectory for Team USA continues, we hope that this year they bring back some gold medals.