The first 33 horses to arrive in Hong Kong for the Olympic Games travelled well and are in good order to begin acclimatisation, according to their handlers.

    They horses - from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Korea, the Netherlands, and Switzerland - and their 15 handlers left last Friday from Amsterdam in The Netherlands and Atlanta, Georgia, in the USA.

    The disembarkation process of the horses, their attendants and the vast amount of equipment that was flown in ran extremely smoothly. The horses underwent preliminary tests immediately upon arrival and were declared to be remarkably well. They were in the stables less than two hours after landing. So, 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 Hong Kong Jockey Club and FEI veterinary teams will continue to closely monitor the horses to ensure they remain healthy.

    The horses will now undergo a ten-day Post-Arrival Isolation during which training is possible.

    The Kiwi team horses will fly out from Stansted Airport on Wednesday, July 30, along with the British eventing and dressage teams; and horses from Australia, Jamaica, Japan, China, and the USA.

    On Tuesday, July 29, a flight from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport will carry 13 horses from five Ireland, Czech Republic, Chile, Canada, and Portugal to Hong Kong.

    Some 219 horses will be flown to Hong Kong for the Olympic equestrian events over 13 days. The last horses are due to arrive on 6 August.