"Exciting Hangzhou" The first China Hangzhou (Tonglu) International Equestrian Open will be held at the Tonglu Equestrian Center from May 13th to 14th, 2023. The competition aims to conduct a comprehensive test of all aspects of equestrian event organization and management in preparation for the upcoming Asian Games equestrian competition.

Horse transportation is a critical prerequisite for equestrian competition, involving customs clearance, airport security, port quarantine, biological safety, and transportation security. The test is planned and managed by the Equestrian Project Management Command Center, with the collaboration of Hangzhou Customs, Agricultural and Rural departments, Traffic Police, Public Security, Airport Group, and Tonglu County Government, to ensure the safe and healthy arrival of horses.

Nearly 50 European horses will participate in this competition, and the Equestrian Project Management Command Center has carefully planned and prepared for transportation safety, transportation security, and horse welfare, eliminating all types of risks and ensuring the safety of horses and riders. The coordination among the Equestrian Command Center, the airport, customs, border inspection, agriculture and rural areas, traffic police, and other parties is also the focus of this transportation test, representing a real combat simulation before the horses arrive for the Asian Games.

At 9:00 a.m. on April 9th, the team which is responsible for horse loading and unloading had assembled, and the eight-horse transport vehicles were neatly parked on the apron. The professional disinfection company staff is disinfecting the loading and unloading tools, the loading and unloading site, and the transport vehicles. Meanwhile, reporters saw that fences were set up around the horse loading and unloading area at the airport to ensure that horses complete their transportation in a safe environment. Nearly 50 participating horses were entrusted to Etihad Airways by China COSCO Shipping Group and departed from Amsterdam, Netherlands, arrived at Xiaoshan International Airport after nearly 13 hours, completed the port clearance procedures, and the eight transport vehicles carrying the horses drove out of Xiaoshan Airport. That evening, the horses arrived safely at the Tonglu Xinhejin Customs Animal Quarantine Station. These horses will undergo a 30-day isolation quarantine at the quarantine station. During the isolation period, customs will strictly implement the quarantine and inspection requirements for the horses, conduct regular clinical examinations, and collect samples for laboratory testing of equine animal diseases. After passing the quarantine inspection, all horses will appear in the China Hangzhou (Tonglu) International Equestrian Open.

Next, the Asian Games equestrian project guarantee team will further optimize the entry and transportation process, strengthen management and services based on the arrangements of participating teams' personnel and horses, effectively ensuring the health of the horses and the successful implementation of the Asian Games equestrian competition.

Translator: Lou Shihang (intern), Xiao Da

Editor: Xiao Da