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Horses Pampered During Heatwave at Elite Dutch Equestrian Event
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Disasters & Emergencies

Horses Pampered During Heatwave at Elite Dutch Equestrian Event

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Top equestrian athletes and their horses at the CHIO Rotterdam event are receiving extensive care during a heatwave.
  • Horses are provided with cooling elements, showers, massages, and fans to cope with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
  • The event prioritizes the well-being of the horses, with dedicated grooms and even equine physiotherapists.

At the prestigious five-star CHIO Rotterdam equestrian event, the welfare of the approximately 260 participating horses is paramount, especially during the current heatwave. Organizers are sparing no effort to ensure the animals remain comfortable despite temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius.

If you see this treatment, everyone would want to be a horse.

— Anita LussenburgThe press officer commented on the exceptional care provided to the horses during the heatwave.

"If you see this treatment, everyone would want to be a horse," quipped press officer Anita Lussenburg, highlighting the luxurious conditions. After their demanding performances in dressage or show jumping, the horses are led back to their stables through shaded paths. There, they are treated to cooling packs for their legs, refreshing showers, and even massages. Their feed is specially brought in, and water is often mixed with apple juice to encourage hydration. Every stable is equipped with multiple fans, and wet towels are placed around the horses' necks if they still seem warm.

These stuffed animals travel the world.

— Anita LussenburgShe referred to the comfort items provided to the horses in their stables.

To further ease their stress, each horse has a comfort item, often a plush toy that smells like home, placed at their stable door. "These stuffed animals travel the world," Lussenburg noted. This level of care is understandable given the immense value of the horses, with some estimated to be worth between 2 to 5 million euros or more, according to Dutch national coach and CHIO Sporting Director Patrick van der Meer.

2, 3, sometimes even 5 million euros or even more

— Patrick van der MeerThe Dutch national coach and Sporting Director of CHIO indicated the high value of the horses participating in the event.

While regulatory bodies like the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority are using drones to check on farm animals lacking adequate shelter during the heat, the CHIO event showcases an extreme focus on equine comfort. Each horse has a dedicated groom, such as Irish groom Sarah Brool, who considers her charge, Cassina Dior, her "child." Brool meticulously hoses down the mare, who appears to enjoy the cool spray, before showering her with affection. The event, the oldest top-level sports event in Rotterdam, attracts the elite of the equestrian world, where the horse's well-being consistently takes precedence, even over the rider's, with teams bringing equine physiotherapists.

This is my whole life.

— Sarah BroolAn Irish groom described her dedication to caring for her horse, Cassina Dior.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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