Do Horses Need Passports To Travel To The Olympics?

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.

How do horses travel to the Olympics?

These days, horses travel by aeroplane. After being coaxed into air-conditioned stables, called pallets, they are loaded onto specially configured planes. In flight, grooms provide them with special water-enhanced hay to keep them hydrated. (They also pack tonnes of baggage including saddles, shoes and pitchforks.)

Do you bring your horse to the Olympics?

But what that also means is that in show jumping—unlike in the other Olympic equestrian sports—riders don’t get to bring their own horses. They are randomly assigned a horse from the horse pool. And if the horse doesn’t feel like jumping? Then that horse isn’t going to freakin’ jump.

Do they fly horses to Japan for Olympics?

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

How did they transport 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 do Olympic equestrian horses travel overseas?

Cargo Planes
The horses go from stable to the airport, where they receive veterinary checks to make sure they’re ready and clear to fly. They usually go on long walks before the flight to ensure they aren’t stiff or stressed. Once they are in the loading area, the horses undergo an additional check.

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.

Do Olympic equestrian 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 competitors bring their own horses to Olympics?

Most Olympic sports won’t require athletes to bring much baggage save for running shoes, a bow, or a swimming costume. But equestrian competitors, who have practised for the last few years on their own horses, will need them in Japan.

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.

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 are horses transported to Japan for the Olympics?

The animals are loaded into stalls at ground level, then levered up into the plane. Stalls are built to accommodate three horses, but as these are Olympians, they’ll fly the equivalent of business class – just two animals per stall. At least 11 grooms and vets are on each flight. Think of them as equine cabin crew.

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.

How do Olympic equestrians get their horses 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.

Why are horses shipped to Japan?

Tens of thousands of horses are being subjected to long-haul flights, confined in crates with no food or water, to meet demand for horsemeat in Japan. Since 2013, about 40,000 live horses have been flown to Japan from airports in western Canada.

Do they take horses on planes?

Horses cannot travel in the usual planes that you and I would travel in – they have to travel in cargo planes, and not all cargo planes can carry horses – so moving from A to B is not as simple as it is for humans.

How do horses get transported abroad?

With equine air travel increasing, racehorses will usually be flown in custom-built aircraft adapted specifically for transporting horses. “Pilots will not allow people to stay in the hold with the horses during take off.

Can you travel cross country on a horse?

Very few, however, have tried cross country horse riding. As the name suggests, cross country horse riding involves riding across this great country on horseback. If you’ve ever ridden a horse or even dreaming of going horseback riding, cross country horse riding might be the ideal way for you to see America.

How much does an Olympic show jumping horse cost?

If you’re talking about a horse that’s ready to compete at the Olympics, you’re looking at a minimum of $100,000, possibly as high as $150,000. Most Olympic-level horses are purchased when they’re young and cost somewhere around $10,000 to $15,000.

What is the most expensive racing horse?

Fusaichi Pegasus
Fusaichi Pegasus:
Fusaichi Pegasus is a Thoroughbred racehorse that has earned the first spot on the list of the most expensive horses in the world. The stallion is noteworthy for acquiring total career earnings of more than 2 million dollars and winning around 75 stakes globally.

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.