Olympic horses to get extra cooling

15 July 2008

Carrier Rental Systems has supplied extra air conditioning units to help the horses competing in the Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong keep cool in the sub tropical heat and humidity.

Carrier Rental Systems International has won a second air conditioning rental contract for the Beijing Olympic Games. Leading event organising company G L Events, a French event services company with offices throughout Europe, USA, the Middle East and Malaysia, is responsible for aspects of the equestrian events centred on Hong Kong and has commissioned several customised packaged chillers from Carrier Rental Systems.

The cooling is required to ensure the comfort of the competing horses in conditions of high temperature and high humidity. The company was able to respond with suitable equipment within a strictly controlled timescale.

The horses of the competing countries have already arrived in Hong Kong and are in quaratine for 10 days while they adjust to the climate. They are flown in in specialist containers and delivered to the Hong Kong Jockey Club facilities at the Sha Tin Olympic site in air conditioned horse boxes.

The horses represent 18 nations including the UK, Belgium, Finland, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Sweden, France, South Korea, Russia, Canada, and Germany.

The sub-tropical heat and humidity of Hong Kong at this time of year has been a issue for the equestrian teams competing at the Games because of the stress the conditions might cause the horses. New air conditioning stabling has been provided for the horses in their stables. To learn more about the facilities provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the Olympic Games read Jumping High in PFM magazine April 2008.