Equestrian sport at the Olympics kicks off with the eventing this week and the horses have been settling into the grounds of Versailles, as well as getting used to their new stables and exercise areas.

The British riders have reported a positive start to their Paris experience and British Equestrian said all four combinations looked on “fantastic form” ahead of competition getting underway on Saturday (27 July).

“So great to have arrived at the Olympic Venue in Versailles,” said eventing team member Tom McEwen. “What an incredible place it is. “‘Dubs’ [JL Dublin] is very happy, settled and feeling great.”

Team GB alternate Yasmin Ingham said Banzai du Loir was also on top form during a training session yesterday.

“It feels so incredibly special to be here and experiencing my first Olympic Games and even better to be doing so with my best buddy,” she said.

Top class facilities

The Versailles grounds include three sand rings for lunging, six exercise areas – including one covered arena – plus a gallop track and dedicated grazing zones.

The stables have been fitted with cooling systems and shade tents, misting fans, and mobile cooling units are positioned throughout the venue, alongside water points and wash-down areas. The horses will also be monitored using thermal imaging technology to detect and prevent overheating.

Credit: FEI/Benjamin Clark

The world-class veterinary team for the Games includes specialised vets, imaging experts, and physical therapists. Equine athletes will be under strict biosecurity protocols throughout their stay and will undergo daily health checks and temperature monitoring.

“The monitoring of Olympic horses begins 15 days prior to their arrival at the venue,” said FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström. “Each team is required to take and record their horse’s temperature daily using the FEI Horse App.

Credit: FEI/Benjamin Clark

“Upon arrival, the horses are unloaded and examined by the Paris 2024 Veterinary Team to ensure they are in good health. Horses that pass this examination are installed in the stables by discipline, while those that do not are placed in isolation stables. Follow-up monitoring continues for 15 days after they leave the venue to ensure traceability for biosecurity reasons.”

The first horse inspection for the eventing takes place tomorrow (Friday 26 July) and equestrian events at the Games run from 27 July to 6 August.

Lead image: L-R Sarah Charnley and Lordships Graffalo, Alison Bell and Banzai du Loir, Adam Short and JL Dublin, and Tilly Hughes and London 52 arriving at Versailles. Credit: FEI/Benjamin Clark

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