How does the transportation of horse for the equestrian event done for this 2008 summer olympic?

Question

It's quite impossible to transport a horse in aeroplane right? You know...no safety belt for the horsie. So, did they done that through cruise ship? But that would take too long right? so how they did that?

Answer 1

Not only Olympic horses or race horses are transported via plane, but big time show horses, polo ponies and others are flown throughout the US and the world. Just like with humans, air transport for our equine friends saves the wear and tear that ground transport would have on them.

However, many horses are sedated, as they can feel the sensation of flying, especially take off and landing, just like we can. One does not want their 1,000+ pound equine champion thrashing around in his/her box stall on a plane, resulting in serious injury, so they are sedated. They do have safety harnesses for take offs and landings, just like humans have seat belts.

When the horses land, trailers are waiting to take them to the show grounds, tracks, polo fields or other location where they will compete. Hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

In the olden days horses travelled by ship but now they travel in large cargo planes.  This happens pretty much everyday of the year as champion horses travel around the world for horse races, not just for the summer olympics!

Answer 3

Amazingly they do use an airplane. CTV did a feature on the news here in Canada the other night. They have airplanes with big cargo areas with a stable and everything. The horse doesn't really even realize it is in the air. Quite amazing really.