Following Canada's Equestrian Team

Today was an exciting day as the first Canadian Team horses arrived – the event horses. Madison Park (Kyle Carter), Kingpin (Mike Winter), Buenos Aires (Sandra Donnelly), Columbo (Selena O’Hanlon) and Livewire (Samantha Taylor) all stepped off the rockstar horse van looking great. The Hong Kong Jockey Club officials demonstrated their superior skills in getting the horses off the plane, into the horse van and to the stables in less than 2 hours since the plane touched down. A little different than Rio that’s for sure!

The horses seem to enjoy their new luxurious accommodation and settled in quickly. The Canadian Eventing Team have been preparing at a training camp in Florida so both the horses and riders are already well acclimatized to the hot & humid weather. Other horses arriving today include those from the Netherlands and Germany, including Anky herself who strolled by on Salinero. Although the barns have been pretty quiet these past couple of days things will be getting busy fast as more horses continue to arrive. Next Canadian horses due are the Dressage Team who are set to arrive July 30th. Very exciting!

Also woth mentioning are the grooms quarters. I had the chance to take a small tour and they are really quite nice. Each room sleeps 3 and includes its own bathroom & shower. There are also common areas with couches, tvs, a selection of newspapers and computers with internet access. And a pool! The grooms seem quite happy with the setup.

Misting station for the horses

warm-up rings

another warmup ring

one of the common rooms in the grooms quarters

check out the incredibly spacious aisles, complete with rubber matting

very fluffy stall

muck baskets and broom...Hong Kong style

Madison Park and Paige

Livewire and Debbie

Columbo and Pam

Buenos Aires & Marlene

walking towards the stables

.....enjoying a quick catnap

Hi Mom!