The 2024 Paris Olympics have kicked off with a whirlwind of excitement as athletes from around the globe descend on France. But while the sight of these world-class competitors is thrilling, an even more fascinating spectacle unfolds behind the scenes: the transport of the equines. Horses, unlike their riders, can’t just hop on a commercial flight. So how are they transported to Paris?

Tex Sutton is responsible for this. A savior in the skies for American horses, they operate their specialized Boeing 727, charmingly dubbed Air Horse One, which transports the horses.

Air Horse One is no ordinary aircraft. It’s a flying stable, meticulously designed to ensure that these four-legged athletes travel in comfort and style. Tex Sutton is the only company with a dedicated aircraft solely for horse travel, granting them exclusive rights to the call-sign Air Horse One. This unique advantage allows them to schedule flights at the team’s convenience, avoiding any hassle.

Tex Sutton’s website mentions, “For five decades, the name Tex Sutton has been synonymous with first-class equine air transportation. One of the first horse transportation companies to provide this service; we are especially proud of our reputation as North America’s leader in the field of safe, efficient and timely travel of both race and show horses to all major venues.”

The company was established in 1957 by the late Halford Ewel Sutton, who himself had a longstanding racetrack career that included stints as a hot walker, groom, exercise rider, and jockey’s valet. But the story of Air Horse One doesn’t end there, as transporting horses by air is no easy feat.

As these magnificent creatures soar across the Atlantic, they face challenges beyond mere logistics. Yet, the dedication of their human team, from riders to support staff, ensures they arrive in peak condition, ready to compete. Additionally, a few groomers and assistants can travel with the horses, and the flight crew is trained to meet their needs. To ensure the safety of the horses, they avoid steep ascents and drastic weather conditions.

Every horse undergoes a check-up before boarding the flight to prevent the spread of diseases. The more trained stallions typically travel alone, usually in first class. In contrast, business class accommodates two horses together, which helps calm them by providing companionship. As they board the flight via a cargo truck, they are provided with snacks, hay, and padding. These horses are treated almost like their human counterparts, complete with their own passports, size details, and health records, which helps create a comfortable environment for them.

What are the challenges faced during horse transportation?

In a documentary released on Documentary Central’s YouTube channel in April, Matt Brooks, the head groom, detailed how 61 horses were due to arrive in Paris. He said, “It’s pretty chaotic because there’ll be lots of grooms, lots of people walking in and out with horses… Transporting horses is particularly hard because stressed horses can turn into a proper nightmare.”

Meanwhile, the job undertaken by Air Horse One is immensely challenging as it involves managing animals that cannot think for themselves but must remain healthy to compete in the Olympics. According to a study, many horses struggle to control their emotions during takeoff and landing. They also show signs of tiredness and are less responsive after the airborne journey.

This is why it is advisable for the athletes to bring their horses in early, giving them a chance to recuperate before the big competition. Many arrived in Versailles five days before the events began to adapt to the local climate.

The company has immense experience in its unique field. For example: Remember the 2019 Kentucky Derby? Well, it was Air Horse One that transported the horses.

It seems they have changed the way horses are transported. This also brings up one question: How were the horses transported decades ago? Well, before the 1960s, horses competing in events had to go through stress-inducing train and trailer travel. Not only was it stressful, but it also limited horses to regional racing. But equine air travel seems to have changed things for good. What do you think?