Did They Fly Horses To Tokyo?

A whopping 19 airplanes and 185 truck journeys were commissioned to transport the top-flight equines to their own Olympic village in Japan. To ensure their comfort, the horses were afforded luxuries such as business class accommodations, in-flight meals, snacks, and grooming. They even have their own passports.

How did the horses get to Tokyo?

Much like the athletes, the horses travel to the Olympics by plane. They are loaded into stalls which are then levered up to the plane, and loaded on. Two horses have to share a stall – though normally it would be three. They get special allowances for being Oympians.

How did horses travel to Tokyo Olympics?

More than 300 horses have traveled to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. Airplanes, 19 of them, and 185 truck journeys were needed to transport the equine passengers, The Chronicle of the Horse reported.

Do they fly horses to Japan for Olympics?

Flying horses to Olympics
The horses travel two per pallet (or flying stable if you prefer), which measure just over three meters long, by almost two and a half meters wide and over two meters high. The horses’ comfort and safety is ensured by flying grooms and an on-board vet.

Did the Olympians take their own horses to Tokyo?

By that, we mean there were two horses to a stall instead of the usual three, because these horses are champions and they deserve luxury. RELATED: Olympic equestrian riders take their own horses to Tokyo. Here’s how it works. These flying stables are kept at a balmy 60 degrees.

How much does it cost to fly a horse to the Olympics?

Overseas travel for a horse averages from $8,000 to $30,000 depending on several factors. These factors are the travel class, the departure/ final destination of the horses, and what airline operates from your closest airport. Shipping a horse overseas is expensive and tedious.

How much does it cost to fly an Olympic horse to Tokyo?

A check of several websites finds the cost can reach up to $30,000 per horse for an overseas flight. There are various makes and models of cargo planes that can do the job. Flemington.com reported in 2019 that a Boeing 747-400 cargo plane can transport up to 87 horses per flight.

How do Olympic horses get to Japan?

Turns out, the horses travel by plane, but not just any plane — Air Horse One. AIR. HORSE.

Who pays for horses to go to Olympics?

The Olympic organizers pay for flying in the hundreds of horses competing in the Games. But in the Games’ most expensive sport, it’s up to the athletes to cough up the money for grooms, animal feed, airport accommodation and vets for the horses.

How are Olympic horses transported overseas?

Equestrian horses travel on freight flights in business class, where they’re placed two to a stall.

Do Olympic horse riders bring their own horses?

Riders typically do not own their horses which sell for 5 to 7 figure prices depending on their level of training. Many riders teach horse riding and train other people’s animals and rely on prize money to help with the thousands of dollars for horse and equipment transport and accommodation.

Do Olympic horses fly on planes?

And, unlike two-legged passengers, the horses not only get their in-flight meals (including special meal requests of course), but are able to snack throughout the trip, on hay or haylage, except when they are taking a nap.

Do horses get jet lag?

Jet lag for horses is generally not an issue; however, the FEI (International Federation of Equestrian Sport) Code of Conduct for equine welfare requires appropriate rest period between travel and competition, depending on length of the trip.

How much does it cost to transport a horse by plane?

between $2,000 and $10,000
On average, however, hiring a professional equine transport company will cost between $0.75/mile and $3/mile. International transport by air for your horse will cost somewhere between $2,000 and $10,000 for a one-way flight.

Do Olympic horses need passports?

Like their athletes, horses travel to the Olympics by plane. They actually receive passports at their birth, which details information like their health history, markings and size. Horses are loaded into stalls at ground level, and are then transported onto a plane.

Do athletes take their own horses to Olympics?

What is involved with getting the horses to Tokyo? First of all, this is nothing unusual. Equestrian riders often travel overseas with their horses for events every year. It should come as no shock that horses have to travel by plane, just like people.

How did horses get to Japan?

Horses probably first came to Japan in the Kamakura Period (1184-1333), when warriors from Korea and China brought cavalry, but they might have arrived even earlier, from Mongolia.

What airlines fly horses?

Fed Ex, UPS and large commercial airlines ship horses and other animals as cargo, but Tex Sutton — as the company is commonly known — began ferrying Kentucky Derby winners and other prized horses by air in 1969 and remains the only U.S.-based horse transportation company that uses a dedicated aircraft to do so.

What do they feed Olympic horses?

haylage
Horses are fed haylage (hay with a higher moisture content than normal), plus water for drinking, is the equestrian equivalent of an airline meal tray.

Is equestrian a rich sport?

Regarded as the sport for the wealthy, many of the world’s richest men and women show their love of equestrian show jumping. This is not just a sport for recreation or leisure, it attracts millions of dollars in cash prizes and global recognition.

Is horseback riding an expensive sport?

My short answer is yes; from paying for riding lessons and competition fees to spitting out money for the upkeep of a horse, the average amount people spend on horseback riding is $4,000/yr. Having an idea of some of the expenses that come with horseback riding can help prepare you for what to expect.