Pan American Games: Behind the Scenes

Barn Management Tactics

At the venue, teams and veterinarians manage the horses' care. Teams are assigned to barns, with each barn housing at least two nations' dressage horses and jumpers.

Horses are under quarantine upon arrival onsite. "There is a 24-hour veterinary restriction on horses when they arrive," explained Holt. At the venue, they have no contact with any local equines.

The U.S. horses drink only bottled water. Seminole Feed was brought to the site, and horses can also eat local hay. "The horses are very happy in the stabling," said dressage rider Pam Goodrich. "Even though nothing's finished and it's a work in progress, the staff are very helpful about getting things done."

"In general, the horses have been doing pretty well," said Snyder. "Those coming from colder climates have had to adjust, just like us."

Grooms live in men's and women's dormitories built adjacent to the barns. With a larger number of male grooms, the organizers had to bring in trailers for extra housing.

Veterinary personnel keep watch on all horses throughout the night, observing each animal's condition. "Regular and apprentice veterinarians perform security in the barns at night," said Holt. "It's a constant vet watch."