KEY POINTS:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club won't even consider racing in August - that's an accurate barometer of the challenges New Zealand's equestrian contingent face at the Olympics.
Historically there could not be a worse time to put horses through the stress and strain associated with the three-day event.
Heat, humidity and south China's typhoon season could create havoc when the competition starts on Saturday (local time) with the dressage - though Games organisers and the 40 competing nations have gone to extraordinary lengths to safeguard the horses.
"Obviously there are concerns but they have so many contingencies put in place," said New Zealand's returning legend Mark Todd.
"If it's too hot they can miss days, they can shorten the (cross country) course so I think at the end of the day it may not be a competition as we know it but it will be a competition."
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) held a seminar in Switzerland in February to ascertain how best to cope with an unfriendly climate.
"There's a huge amount of data and knowledge about conditions," said Equestrian Sports New Zealand chief executive Jim Ellis.
"The vast majority of events are held in the evening or the early morning.
"There's a lot of monitoring the horses, plans on how to hydrate horses and keep them cool before and afterwards.
"The (three-day event's) cross country is the real threat to them. That goes at 8.30am, it should be done by 10.30am."
New Zealand's equestrian team leader Wally Niederer said the team's vets had prepared the nine horses for months.
By heading into Asia from the northern summer, they will already be partially acclimatised and sporting a summer coat.
"They've got to be super fit and not carrying an extra body condition so any heat generated can be dissipated quickly (through the coat)," Niederer said.
"Monitoring blood and electrolyte levels makes sure they are fully hydrated.
"Each horse has a different programme, keeping them hydrated is the key," he said.
Mike Shepherd has coordinated the programmes for the eventers while Tim Pearce has kept an eye on the showjumpers, though they will not be as exposed to the heat.
The Jockey Club diverted more than $150 million into building new facilities and training venues, which include a 20,000-seat arena and 200-horse stables at Sha Tin.
Each stall has an automatic water dispenser, revolving feed bowl and 24-hour airconditioning maintained at 23degC -- the optimum temperature for horses. Showers are also available in what has been described as the equine equivalent of a six-star hotel.
- NZPA
