Page 60 - Eclipse - Autumn/Winter 2022

RVC Equine vets attend Tokyo Olympics

n the summer of 2021, two of RVC
Equine’s veterinary surgeons, who
are also RVC alumni, headed to
ITokyo for the delayed 2020 Olympic
and Paralympic Games. Nicola Lynch,
Lecturer in Equine Surgery, attended
the Olympic Games as the Eventing
Team Vet for the host nation, whilst
Nick Hart from the equine ambulatory
practice was the Dressage Team Vet for
Ireland during the Paralympic Games.
In addition to the regular challenges
of ensuring the horses were in optimal
condition for an international sporting
event, further difficulties were created by
the global coronavirus pandemic, as well
as the extreme weather conditions.
Tokyo 2020 was the hottest games
on record, with temperatures reaching
34.7°C and humidity levels around
70%. Preparations for all athletes
began at home, using strategies such
as exercising horses in rugs during the
hottest part of the day – although the
wet and temperate climate of the English
and Irish summer meant the efforts were
somewhat in vain.
The horses arrived at the Baji Koen
Equestrian Centre in Tokyo 11 days
prior to the start of their respective
events. The equestrian complex had
a fully operational veterinary clinic, environment. This also meant the vets Japan’s newest eventing idol Kazuma
large, air-conditioned stables, a farrier’s were put to work early and the road to Tomoto and his impressive horse Vinci
forge, multiple indoor and outdoor competition was far from smooth. Fussy de la Vigne came tantalisingly close,
arenas, extensive cooling facilities, and drinkers, episodes of colic, and a case of finishing individual fourth.
even a mini cross-country course to exertional rhabdomyolysis meant a few Japan proved an excellent host nation,
allow the eventing horses some last- days of sweat and stress for all. welcoming all visitors despite the
minute practice. Thankfully all horses passed the first ongoing concerns of the coronavirus
horse inspection; fit and ready for the pandemic. Both vets had a great time
The early arrival allowed the horses competition ahead. Despite some despite numerous challenges and are
time to recover from the lengthy plane excellent performances, neither team already looking forward to Paris 2024!
journey, and to settle into their new
finished inside the medals, although

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