Olympic Dressage Horses arrive in Tokyo!

Can horses fly? Well yes, they can if they’re #Olympic athletes!
▶▶ Subscribe to our KZbin channel & hit the bell! 🔔
And in a piece of history-making, 36 of them flew into Japan last night - the first full cargo load of horses ever to land in Haneda, the waterfront airport that serves the greater Tokyo area and which is now welcoming a very different group of Olympic athletes. The four-legged time travellers are all Equestrian #Dressage horses and include some Olympic superstars, among them Bella Rose, the mare ridden by Germany’s Isabell Werth, the most decorated Olympic equestrian athlete of all time.
Find out more about the first Olympic flight out of Europe to the #Tokyo2020 Olympic Games
▶▶ Subscribe to our KZbin channel & hit the bell! 🔔
▶▶ go.fei.org/KZbin?d
▶▶ Exclusive videos on #FEItv: go.fei.org/fei-tv?d
Instagram: fei.org/instagram
Facebook: fei.org/facebook
Twitter: fei.org/twitter

[@feichannel]

▶▶ Subscribe to our KZbin channel & hit the bell! 🔔 ▶▶ go.fei.org/KZbin?c

[@ahoward3819]

I actually get chills watching these horses get loaded and unloaded. They are every inch the Olympic athlete that has trained years to reach the top of their ability and to compete in an international competition against the best of the best. Even blanketed you can see they are in prime condition and they seem to be very intent on going about their jobs. I hope they all get to compete with their riders and give their best performances. I wish them all to stay healthy and wish them safe travels home when all is done.

[@sandramorey2529]

A Howard: My sentiments exactly! I would love to see the Dressage events. I have unlimited respect for Isabel Werth for accompanying her horse on the flight.

[@ahoward3819]

It is so aggravating that so few Equestrian events are shown during prime time coverage. Swimming and gymnastics are good but we don’t have to see so much of them and so little of everything else.

[@anniesusany]

Truee...I'm crying I don't even know why

[@reidchambers2521]

Good for Isabell Werth! She cares about her horses.

[@feichannel]

We’re sure a lot of you can relate to her love and commitment 💙

[@tropicaoptica]

@@feichannel Rollkur is love?

[@tropicaoptica]

@@cordeliavalle5708 Of course she is smart and trains at home or in warm up rings with this method, away from cameras, but not that she hasn't let herself be filmed doing it, she definitely has! I don't know what you are talking about. In the show ring horses trained this way are allowed their neck. Still you say LDR and rollkur is abusive, so you are saying abuse is okay as long as it's just sometimes? Classical development does a much better job than any hyperflexion practice, bar none. Look at the Brits. They don't need to use hyperflexion. Why use abusive training practices EVER if there are better and more sustainable ways of going abou things?

[@cady4904]

@@tropicaoptica it seems to be your day job to talk people down. You must be so proud of yourself.

[@tropicaoptica]

Nailfinity talk people down? I’m just keeping it real FOR THE HORSES who have no voice.

[@frisullka]

Not a big fan of Isabell's style of riding, but huge huge respect for her actually flying with her horse!

[@theMcWOPPER]

What kind of style does she have and what don't you like about it?

[@frisullka]

@@theMcWOPPER She's not exactly a quiet or gentle rider and is usually overscored. I prefer Klimke's or Hester's/Dujardin's style and horsemanship.

[@c.h.1066]

@@frisullka Yeah, that's why she won so many gold medals in her olympic career - because of her bad riding. Keep quiet.

[@frisullka]

@@c.h.1066 Have I said her riding is bad? No, I Haven't. I just said her riding style is a bit harsh for my personal taste and there are other riders I like better, so you keep quiet, please. 😘

[@suehelms906]

God Bless Isabell for putting the horses first. Excellent story, never knew so much went into flying horses...

[@feichannel]

It takes a lot of work to get it right 👏

[@ardeladimwit]

@@feichannel there's a video of an Antonov An-124 transporting horses across Europe-- the care and logistics are amazing. Everybody is involved.

[@YVM3311]

Massive respect for a Isabel for flying with her horses and watching hers and other riders horses as well. I’m always fascinated by the logistics behind the scenes of any major competition. Makes us appreciate even more those priceless few minutes on stage or in the arena .

[@gallopig]

I would never put my horse through this but I have so much respect for everyone who works their hardest on keeping the horses calm and safe

[@Gracejulia_04]

Same to be honest

[@feichannel]

They do a terrific job to make something very difficult possible 👏

[@Christina1969]

Flying for Horses is less stress than transport your horse on the road. I flew 3 Horses from Germany to Canada. The flying part was very relaxed!

[@hanakinsidewalker]

My horse has flown before and she honestly is more relaxed on the plane then in a horse box driving

[@fionaobrien3954]

It’s safer flying than driving. I would for sure have my horse in a plane than a box on the road.

[@suecastillo4056]

ALWAYS wanted to see this! Horses are my favorite Olympic sport! They really don’t get enough press!!! In fact they RARELY get noticed… it’s the best sport and deserve better acknowledgement♥️Thank you for this great video!!!

[@animallover4101]

Yes ! they are the only other mammal in the olympics

[@janeminwell4395]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks FEI.

[@feichannel]

We’re so happy to bring this extra access… we want to keep you on the journey with us 💙💛🖤💚❤️

[@suecastillo4056]

@@feichannel Please do!!! Best news I’ve heard in a really long time!!! Sending love and health to all with gratitude!!!

[@mikepod637]

As some1 who literally knows nothin About equestrian- but I know this 1.) horses are awesome

[@lumc3881]

I love the fact that Isabell, the most decorated dressage rider in history, still travels with her horses everywhere they go. Hats off to her, her commitment to her animals is commendable. Good for you Isabell, truly an icon.

[@guacamole4258]

She stared rolkur with another rider... decorated doesn't necessarily = ethical

[@tropicaoptica]

rollkur/LDR is abuse do your research. Dressage and many of its horses have been ruined by woman (and men) like her. She sounds like a control freak. You cant be at that level and not have grooms you and your horses have deep trusting relationships with. The grooms are an extremely important and complimentary asset to high level competition and day to day care in between. If you cant even trust your own groom to fly with your horse without you, maybe you are the one who shouldn't be trusted.

[@Caz_Hamilton]

@@tropicaoptica so, loving and wanting to be with your horse means you're abusive? K, alright, good to know.

[@cady4904]

@@Caz_Hamilton Don't spend your time on this person. He/she is just talking Werth down in every possible way probably without ever setting a foot into her stables. Sad person.

[@Caz_Hamilton]

@@cady4904 I agree lol

[@Turboy65]

Just for the interest of it, I looked up the salary of professional horse grooms. Top level grooms make generally less than 35,000 dollars a year. Less than 15 dollars an hour. Seems like they should be paid more when looking after horses valued in six or seven figures.

[@chellya2004]

Maybe it's not a full time job all year long?

[@eztivade7126]

It probably isn't their only job

[@ilovehorses1234567]

Top level grooms typically also get free or very low cost housing, so that’s a huge benefit for a good majority of them despite the lower salary. Even my personal grooms for my very small private barn have on site housing provided, and we definitely aren’t anywhere near Olympic level

[@lalanaturale]

For grooming a horse I think that pretty decent

[@luminanza3093]

@@lalanaturale its damned hard work. Its why I quit, wasnt worth the salary and the housing offered was just shameful tbh. This business can be quite exploitative.

[@jessie333]

Major hats off to all the staff who work so hard to keep all the horses happy and calm!

[@catvibe]

I’m so amazed to see those horses, such elegant creatures.. clearly they’ve been taken care of in the best possible way.. the built of their bodies, their muscles, they looked so elegant.. we can understand the pressures the pilots and crews felt when transporting those world-class horse athletes

[@thehorsesofindia]

Great video, very interesting! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@maggieclarke-fields2279]

Hello India

[@thehorsesofindia]

@@maggieclarke-fields2279 yes

[@feichannel]

You are SO welcome 👏

[@thehorsesofindia]

@@feichannel thanks

[@beatriceembergale4881]

FEI: Can horses fly? Me: *Imagines a horse literally being yeeted from their stable to Tokyo* Also me: "Yea, I'm pretty sure they can fly"

[@Brett33]

I saw a horse fly yesterday. It was chasing my Arabian all around the pasture .

[@tonyapendleton7467]

How to be the most decorated equestrian of all time - never let your horse out of your sight. Kudos to her. I never thought I'd find this to be so fascinating!

[@misssophie6515]

Relieved to know that Alan is there for the British team's horses, he is so committed and experienced

[@tropicaoptica]

We love Mr Davies!

[@misssophie6515]

@@tropicaoptica the grooms sacrifice so much, he will do anything to be near the horses and make sure they are fine, at the WEG in Tryon he (and some other grooms) slept in field beds, I think in tents, near the stables, because it was organized badly and a proper accomodation would have been far away from he horses) and I imagine going on an 18hour horse cargo flight is much more stressful than travelling there with a normal passenger flight and he will have to work a lot at the destination as well. Amazing dedication.

[@guacamole4258]

He's excellent

[@lauraduffy9055]

Total respect to Isabell Werth for traveling with her horse. I wish all riders would do the same.

[@DharmaDogs40]

Isabelle sounds like she is hard on her grooms but she is very hard working putting her horses first flying with them. She is so devoted.

[@finnyslife9871]

Fantastic to see one of the best riders in the world, Isabell Werth, ALWAYS travels with her horse. Respect!

[@emmawalter3675]

I've always wondered about this! They are so sweet

[@feichannel]

We hope it’s answered a few questions for you 🙂

[@lori5455]

Flying in style!! the logistics and organization to do this is staggering. Great to watch!

[@LadySugaZilla]

Amazing. And I would fly with my horses too, well done Isabell

[@eunicepbrown7783]

Iabell is amazing how she took the Olympics horses was transport to Tokyo 2020 as the horses looks stunning as they get loaded and unloaded on the Empire aircraft 😍❤🥰🙌🙌🙌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@elizabethcoen]

From what I understood from the video, when you're transporting horses by plane, the loading process goes: Stallions first and in the front, geldings second and in the middle, and mares last and in the back.

[@carissasantos9657]

Very informative! Love how much care goes into taking care of the horses and making sure they get there safe and sound ❤️

[@gailritter1]

Great video of behind the scenes logistics. Total respect for Isabell Werth!

[@patchdavis35]

These animals are top notch athletes in their own rights. There is no other Olympic event which involves animals and human athletes. Beautiful, very well-conditioned, well trained animals. Best of the best!

[@jillianw2404]

Amazing. There is no way I would let my horses travel without me. Isabel knows what's up.

[@janeilsley1131]

I would love to see video footage of the take off and landing how the horses cope with that, I no what it's like for them just being floated or trucked.

[@azwildcat4345]

This is amazing! Much respect to everyone who worked together to make sure these horses were treated with the best care and respect. ❤🐎

[@es0516]

I've always wondered about the logistics of transporting sport horses, especially Olympic ones at that, talk about precious cargo! And I really respect Isabell for going with her horse on the same flight. If it were me I'd do the same!

[@scout1233]

this is so cute. I love horses, and it's heartwarming seeing how safely they are transported.

[@nlbhaduri]

Thank you for this BTS video answering questions I have always had about athlete horses in flight. What an incredibly dedicated group of people/pilots who transport these magnificent precious animals, all so we can enjoy their competitions abroad. Best wishes to all the FEI horses, riders, vets.ground support, grooms and transportation folks. I can’t wait for the Japan Olympics!

[@janetg.]

Oh my gosh, these horses are amazing to watch. Just how they walk with confidences and swagger. They are so beautiful and regal! Thank goodness there are people who take this job seriously and treat the horses with so much care!

[@trowbridgeist]

Thankyou for looking After All The Horses with good handling and care see you there

[@trowbridgeist]

Wonderful memories

[@sophiemunro1587]

And to think I thought it was stressful taking my horse to a show in just my horse box 😅

[@FeeCatJohnson]

This was amazing to watch. I'd love to see more about how they are transported and taken care of.

[@kk-fc4yn]

Done two flights with horses myself. Really exiting process.

[@melliejones810]

Very informative video. Great to see behind the scenes of what and the whole process of flight for these majestic and stunning horses. Good to hear that the horses cared for throughout their journey, they deserve the best ❤

[@deborahhann7601]

Very professional operation from the pilot to the grooms and everyone in between. How the horses walked off is a credit to all of them

[@Nibbles2point0]

Its wonderful that Isabell travels with her horses! She certainly does care for them, but all riders and owners love and care for their horses. These Olympic athlete equines have a whole team each that do their best for them.

[@mariliagiannini4554]

Congratulations to all for spending these efforts to show us the best of horse sport! Thank you!

[@feichannel]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@susansempf5709]

Makes a big difference from how WW1 horses and mules travelled ! Interesting to see how this is done . Thankyou !

[@rachelmclaughlin1491]

Good luck to them all in the upcoming games!! 😊

[@Chgtuber]

First time seeing or even thinking about this. Excellent video showing the extremely thoughtful and careful planning and follow-through.

[@kellybanks3832]

I need longer videos of this the way F1 does logistics videos! I would imagine the logistics are crazy!

[@ajharwoods1974]

I absolutely love horses.. They are my favorites....my wishes to the players and horses to compete well. They have all trained for years and years of practice...

[@Lakmin56838]

Been flying with horses for over a decade. There’s nothing like it! Love it!

[@phillipayoung10]

Now that's how you take care of precious cargo!! A job well done!! 👍👍

[@katiebland7985]

I’ve had this mental image in my head for years of horses being loaded on a plane by walking up a specially modified ramp! Now I’ve seen this I realise how crazy that was! Der!!

[@hmtigiriss]

Well, not so crazy! It was done via ramps years ago. The cargo industry has grown like all things.

[@sannadahlstrom1]

This is so cool!! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@voraciousreader3341]

God, those horses are _GORGEOUS,_ so powerful and so intelligent! You can see it in their eyes, the way they’re scanning the new environment. I could watch them get on and out of crates all day, lol!

[@safaa9654]

Such a fascinating and complex operation!

[@maryallen2603]

Very interesting to see how the horses make the journey to Tokyo!! Thank you for the information. Look forward to more videos of the journey!!

[@epona9166]

These performance horses are no doubt high spirited and I'm so impressed with how they handle the traveling. All the weird places, all the commotion. I can't imagine my horses tolerating that!

[@Spookybich_]

Cant wait to see them on the arena ! Good luck everyone! ❤️❤️❤️

[@veronikamrazova2494]

Very good job, all these logistics steps are very great organisated, big respect!

[@carolcornell6332]

What beautiful horses ! ....they are so regal and we'll -kept. . .gorgeous

[@sherryillk]

I’ve always had a thing about logistics so it’s so nice seeing how things work behind the scenes. I’ve always wondered how you move large animals like horses around so this was very interesting to me.

[@tulipbaba]

I wish more humans got such affection through their lives...

[@shelleyzoe8254]

what a thrill , to see this!! ty!! ❤️

[@jessapi6328]

shout out to the athlete who always flies with her horse!!! If I depended on my horse that much I would never leave it alone

[@EventDogs]

Lovely to see the thought and dedication going into this and great to see Alan there as well - so experienced and dedicated for the British Team horses. As someone who competes with dogs we'd love to see something (affordable!) where we can fly with our dogs. The HTM British Teams over many years won't fly our dogs in cargo so we either drive them ourselves for however many days that takes and make it a road trip, or we don't compete (at the Europeans or World Championships.) Our dogs always come first. x

[@hmmok2594]

This is the first ad i’ve clicked on and i dont regret it! Thanks for teaching me some new things about flying horses 😄

[@embermoose7259]

This was so interesting! I’ve always wanted to see what it is like for horses to be transported via plane. Cannot wait to watch the Olympics with these horses!

[@Dreamer-by4nk]

Amazing! Such beautiful horses!

[@violetlagoon6529]

Literally breathtaking. ♥️🐴

[@CaydeeRey]

Love the video thank you for sharing!

[@sallydaniel1023]

Gorgeous animals!!! I love horses 🐎 ❤

[@verygoodtrivedi8851]

Words are very small , Such big operation done step by step remarkably.On Landing horses were calm and normal . Great Job by Logistics team 👌🙏 . Great insight on Airing Horses.

[@mariasabagh5172]

Isabell Werth and Bella Rose

[@violetdream5335]

Isabell knows her horse well. Also this answer some old questions about how horses are transferred and take care before there day in the Olympics

[@faith5401]

God Bless all the innocent beautiful horses n all others big n small animals too 😚🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾➕❤❤❤

[@nouneyhill9795]

Can't wait to see all the horse in show...

[@evelynfidler6285]

Appreciate all the work

[@nonagem6854]

Something that extreme and yet to see horses as calm as a sleepy kitten in a foreign unknown environment truly shines through quality effort on the team and staff making it possible.

[@horseswithbrooke4120]

I am so hyped for the Olympics!!

[@terryflowers7837]

Awwwweeee what a bunch of beauties

[@GalopaWXY]

Holy crap what an ordeal :O I'm so glad they're all so well cared for!

[@raquelortega2383]

These animals are majestic!!

[@myronschabe]

Gotta really respect Isabell 'in the trenches' that way, Sure everyone is glad when that is over, looks stressful.

[@s.sofiah7]

Some of the horses cost more then the aeroplane. Well done 🙌🏻

[@rc2k524]

I dont know too much about horses but i doubt they cost more than a 777

[@s.sofiah7]

@Anna The best of all horses in the world

[@s.sofiah7]

@@rc2k524 Champion horses 👏

[@N2Dressage001]

Cool video, very informative! The horses all looked pretty calm.

[@jamesanthony5257]

At this level, it’s not their first flight.

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

Fascinating to see how this is set up and done.

[@patriciascowen1713]

Very interesting these horses are wonderful creatures and great to watch. Great work everybody

[@_Acez_13]

I would die to own my own horse go isabell you definitely deserve your horses😉

[@_Acez_13]

@STYX_ what a drug or what

[@laratomoon1837]

good luck to all horses and riders!

[@annav3722]

Super interesting video, thx for that background information!

[@debalinamukherjee7197]

this horses r soo cute and innocent.... 😊😘

[@RainbowSprnklz]

i know nothing about horses and equestrian competition, but this was a well made and very interesting video!

[@neamhu-m479]

gotta love our man Alan

[@entoney20]

'The athletes fly Southwest' Snoop Dogg 😂😂😂Great video though!

[@Rae-ef8st]

I wouldn't make it two seconds if I wasn't on the same flight as my horse. It would be scary. So much respect for Isabell!

[@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153]

… 🐴 ✈️ Thank you so much. Love the video. 💕

[@michellebartel]

Fascinating...beautiful athletes

[@tokyo03346]

Welcome to Tokyo 😀ありがと♪

[@ellyneedham6812]

I just wanna say that everyone cares for their horses normally but I think that owners and riders trust the people that are caring for them and also trust the horses

[@Lilly-ln4pz]

I'm soooo excited for the horsesssss.

[@MissValdostaFeedAndGrain]

This was fascinating🙀🙌🏻👍👍

[@themintleaf1778]

impressed with super arrangement

[@navytackedbay]

That’s really cool stuff!