INDIANAPOLIS — More than 10,000 athletes from all over the world will compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer.
Those athletes include horses in the equestrian events.
For Team USA, the logistics of transporting multiple 1,200-pound animals overseas is incredible.
Majestic. Powerful. Beautiful. Those are some of the words used to describe one of the world's most wonderful creatures. It takes a team of people to make sure everything runs smoothly when it comes to getting each horse to Paris.
"We give horses wings," said Tim Dutta, president and CEO of the Dutta Corporation.
Dutta's company helps transport all of the horses you'll see compete in this year's Olympics. There are lots of details, and it takes months of planning.
All of the Olympic horses travel in style. Think of it like humans flying business class, complete with meals, snacks and grooming.
"Horses are very similar to you and I," Dutta said. "Some people go to sleep before the pushback. Some people bring their rosaries out. Some people need three gin and tonics. All of these horses are seasoned travelers and we have flown them before, so we understand what they need."
Each horse has a passport, just like when we travel, and these horses don't travel alone. Groomers and veterinarians are with their horse so they feel comfortable.
"They are such special animals," said team manager Mary Elizabeth Kent. "They are like our children. They have their own personalities. Each horse, whether be the food that they eat, the shoes that they wear, the exercise they get, each is different."
That includes food, water and equipment, between two and three tons' worth.
"There is individual equipment per horse and per athlete and per groom," said Hallye Griffin, director FEI sport at U.S. Equestrian. "But then in addition to that, all of the additional equipment that we need for the team. We need to be prepared to handle all the circumstances and what the weather might be throwing at us and what the games logistics, timing could be throwing at us."
Watching the riders and horses together in Paris, two beating hearts competing as one as they try for gold for Team USA.
Paris will host three equestrian disciplines, including dressage, jumping and eventing. You can expect to see around 200 horse-and-rider combination during the Paris games.