Olympics-Horses enjoy "six-star" treatment in Hong Kong

By James Pomfret

HONG KONG, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Horses arriving in Hong Kong for Olympic equestrian events have been enjoying "six-star" pampering in air-conditioned stables designed to stave off the city's sub-tropical heat and humidity.

Olympic equestrian events were switched from host city Beijing to Hong Kong given difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone on mainland China -- a controversial late decision made only in 2005.

Since then, however, the Hong Kong Jockey Club which runs the city's popular horse racing franchise has invested $150 million to build top-class equestrian facilities aimed at minimising the risk posed by the city's sweltering summer heat on horses used to cooler climes.

The leading Dutch and German equestrian federations were among those who flew in a first batch of horses to Hong Kong last weekend, ahead of the start of equestrian competition (eventing) on Aug. 9.

"The horses are doing very well. And I think maybe the horses adapt quicker to the weather than maybe we as persons," Dutch chef d'equipe Mariette Sanders told Reuters.

'SIX-STAR STABLES'

The horses were whisked in air-conditioned lorries from the airport runway to cooled stables dubbed "six-star" by the Club, at the core venue in Shatin within two hours.

"While human passengers were still queuing to have their passports checked and collect their luggage, the horses were enjoying a good roll in the shavings," the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) said in a statement.

At the air-conditioned stables, the horses are fed imported nutrient-rich hay and after the rigours of Olympic competition, they will be cooled down in misting tents and mobile cooling units at both the core venue and the cross-country course.

The troughs will be filled with chilled water and the horses will enjoy ice-boxes and chilled water sprays.

The 220 or so competing horses can also prepare in the first air-conditioned equine indoor training arena at an Olympics.

"The stables are excellent ... when you look at hotels, five (stars) is top, but I think this is more than top," Sanders said.

So far, only the Swiss dressage team have pulled out of the Hong Kong event following concerns over the subtropical heat.

Earlier this week, however, Hong Kong was hit by record levels of air pollution, sparking concerns from the leading German equestrian team over the less-than-ideal conditions.

Horses from other leading equestrian nations including Britain, Australia and New Zealand have been arriving in Hong Kong over the past week.

During the long-haul flights, Olympics horses are accompanied by "flying grooms" whose job is to ensure they do not suffer from claustrophobia or colic.

The VIP treatment in Hong Kong is a far-cry from the old days when horses were treated in a far more rudimentary manner.

In the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the last time the equestrian events were held away from the main Games site, official accounts said horses competing in Stockholm were walked straight down the ramp of their aircraft on to the tarmac, where they were saddled up on the spot, then ridden straight to the Olympics venue miles away.