T26902 NORRKOPING 2016-05-23 For the first time, trotting horses come in with direct flights to Sweden directly from the USA to compete in Elitloppet on May 27-29 at Solvalla. The aircraft model Boeing 747-400 F is one of the world's largest aircraft, the plane is 70 meters long and has a span of about 65 meters between the wing tips. Photo Jeppe Gustafsson
With the Tokyo Olympics just around the corner (24 July – 7 August for the equestrian events), you may be wondering when the British horses will fly to Tokyo? What is involved in preparing for this long journey? And what are the British Olympic team’s quarantine and travel plans? H&H finds out…
Where are the British horses in quarantine?
All British Olympic team horses are quarantining at the British Showjumping National Training Centre in Leicestershire, where there are extensive facilities available. All horses will complete seven full days in quarantine here, before being transported by horsebox to Liege in Belgium, from where they will fly to Tokyo.
The start of the very long journey to Tokyo for Vogue and Pumpkin ; it was quite emotional watching them leave but with Alan at the helm and Lucy to follow, they are in the best hands ??Posted by Carl Hester on Sunday, July 4, 2021
The only exception to this is Everdale, the dressage ride of Lottie Fry, as they are based in The Netherlands. Everdale and his groom will complete their seven days of quarantine at Aachen with all the other Tokyo-bound European horses, before flying to Japan.
Are the British riders in quarantine?
The British Olympic team riders don’t have to stay with their horses in quarantine, but they can go into the facility to train. The riders’ quarantine requirements are less strict – they just have to be careful and minimise contact with people as much as possible in the 14 days before their departure to Tokyo from Heathrow.
Horses are all settled here in quarantine. Our wonderful team physio, Ash Wallace, is in picture with myself on…Posted by Charlotte Dujardin on Tuesday, July 6, 2021
All riders must complete three Covid PCR tests before their arrival at Heathrow, as well as daily lateral flow testing and temperature taking.
When do the British horses go into quarantine?
Dressage horses: entered quarantine on Sunday 4 July
Eventing horses: will enter on Saturday 10 July
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Showjumping horses: will enter on Friday 16 July
When do the British horses fly to Tokyo? How long is the flight?
The flight time from Liege to Tokyo is around 16 hours.
The British Olympic dressage horses travel to Liege on Tuesday 13 July, fly on Wednesday 13 July and land on Thursday 15 July.
The British Olympic eventing horses travel to Liege on Monday 19 July, fly on Tuesday 20 July and land on Wednesday 21 July.
The British Olympic showjumping horses travel to Liege on Sunday 25 July, fly on Monday 26 July and land on Tuesday 27 July.
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
