SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Categories: Horse News

Equestrian Venue Passes AWAG Gold Standard

The Animal Welfare Advisory Group (AWAG) has given its approval to the facilities that will house horses competing in the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong.



The AWAG was established in 1997 and operates under the auspices of the Hong Kong government’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department. AWAG members who visited the two Olympic equestrian venues in Hong Kong–Sha Tin and Beas River–say they are confident that equine welfare will be a top priority during the Games.



“I think the welfare of the horses is being very well taken care of,” says Chan Pui-tin, after he and five AWAG colleagues inspected the venues on June 24.

“We have asked a lot of questions on a range of topics, big and small, such as whether the horses will suffer from heat stroke, mosquito bites, motion sickness, jet lag, and how they are taken care of if they are sick. We feel all these questions have been answered satisfactorily, and I must say this has been an eye-opening visit … the range of facilities is impressive.”

Pui-tin says he and his colleagues were impressed by various facilities and installations such as the veterinary clinic, stabling areas and the advanced static and mobile cooling systems.

“Before I came here I had a lot of reservations and doubts, but after seeing the facilities my confidence has risen dramatically,” Pui-tin says.

View Comments

Recent Posts

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: My Man Ira

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

18 hours ago

Riding Lipizzaners in Hungary

Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…

2 days ago

How Horses Helped Two Boys with ADHD

During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…

3 days ago

Adopting a Companion Horse

When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…

4 days ago

Emergency and Natural Disaster Preparedness with Horses

Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…

7 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Xanthus

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 week ago