Best equine care ready for the best horses

27 July 2007

The best equestrian horses for the 2008 Olympic Games Equestrian Events from around the world will enjoy the best accommodation and world-class welfare arrangements during their stay in Hong Kong, said John Ridley, Head of Racing Operations of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, shortly before arrival of the first participating overseas horses for the Good Luck Beijing-HKSAR 10^th Anniversary Cup.

"At the Sha Tin venue, a main stabling complex comprising four stable blocks and an equine clinic will provide a safe and most comfortable environment for the horses," said Ridley who is responsible for building the venues and facilities. "The use of environmentally-friendly materials and systems will also set new and best-ever standards for Olympic equestrian competitions."

Inside the air-conditioned stables, the exceptionally high roof allows better ventilation, and electric fans have also been installed to help circulate the air and create a gentle breeze effect.

In the process of building the new facilities, environmentally friendly materials have been used where feasible.  For instance, rubber 'crumbs' have been recycled from old tyres for the internal equine walkways, and some cross-country jumps have been made from recycled telegraph poles.  The lighting and air-conditioning systems installed inside in the stabling complex offer energy savings of up to 30% on conventional installations. The horse stalls themselves have been manufactured from recycled bamboo.

To provide the most convenient and timely diagnostic and primary treatment services to the horses, a new equine clinic has been built adjacent to the stabling complex that contains two examination rooms, a dedicated dispensary, 10 observation stables and the latest diagnostic equipment has also been provided.  During the Games period, the Club's equine ambulances will be ready if needed to transport horses from the Sha Tin venue to the Equine Hospital at Sha Tin Racecourse within five minutes.

"Upon arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, the overseas horses will be looked after by the professionals all the way," said Ridley.  It will take only about 30 minutes to transport the horses to the Olympic stables in the's Club air-conditioned floats.  The route is smooth and direct.

"We at the Club are pleased that our horse welfare arrangements have been very well received by the international equestrian community," Ridley added.