Source: The Standard Author: Grace Tsoi 07/24/2008
Subject Concerned: Government Airport
Excitement over the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympics is building with the anticipated arrival of the first batch of overseas horses on July 26.
"We are excited and ready to welcome the first batch of horses for the equestrian events," Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen said on July 24.
The first batch of 32 horses will be from the Netherlands, Belgium and South Korea.
The others will arrive at regular intervals.
To facilitate the transportation of 277 horses for the event, the livestock handling area at the airport is undergoing a transformation, and specialized equipment has been installed.
It will have a temporary stable for 14 horses, weighing facilities and fine water sprays to help the horses adapt to the hot and humid weather.
Before being moved to their quarters at the Olympic venue in Sha Tin, the horses will be checked by veterinarians from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
All of them will also be examined by veterinarians before they begin the journey to Hong Kong.
They should be able to start training within 10 days of their arrival.
A total of 277 horses from 42 countries will be taking part in the events.
It will be the first time for riders from Hong Kong and the mainland to participate in equestrian events at an Olympic Games.
On security for the Games, Tang said the current risk level remains at medium.
"We will do our best to ensure the equestrian events are safe and smooth and something everyone can enjoy," he said.