How Did All the Horses Get to Rio for the 2016 Olympics?

Like any athlete traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games, about 200 horses that competed in equestrian events had to go through customs, have a passport, submit to equipment inspection, and walk through a bomb detection unit before boarding specially equipped airplanes. Their accommodations could be considered similar to business class, with one to three horses per plane -- and they flew with a team of groomers and veterinarians at their sides.

Tim Dutta, a spokesman for the company that transported the U.S. Olympic equestrian team, estimated the round-trip cost from Miami was about $20,000 USD per horse.

Hay and apple juice, please:

• In-flight dining options for equine Olympians included hay and water with apple juice. It's important that the horses don't get dehydrated.
• To make the trip more enjoyable for the prized horses, pilots make a more gradual take off and a slower landing than on a typical flight.
• Equestrian dressage, eventing and show jumping events were held at the Deodoro Equestrian Centre, roughly 12.4 miles (20 km) from the Olympic Village.