Rio 2016: Nothing but the best for Rio’s four-legged stars

No expense has been spared in providing luxury accommodation for some athletes competing in Rio — one hotel would illicit rave reviews if only its guests could write. The five-star residence in question is at the Olympic equestrian centre where horses have been arriving from around the world in customised pallets on charter flights.

From the airport the special cargo, whose value runs into millions of dollars, are transported to their boutique Rio resort.

Along with their luggage. No measly 23 kilo limit applicable here, forklift trucks are required to ferry the tack and equipment weighing up to 300kg from reception to room.

As befits any quality hotel, residents’ security is paramount. The horses have no need to fear, the stable is situated at the heart of the Deodoro military camp.

Sunglassed soldiers are everywhere in the fortressed town — lining the roads, taking shade under trees from the blazing winter rays, on rooftops, keeping a watchful eye from terraces, their beret-ed heads popping out of tanks.

As a quarantined area there are strict procedures to adhere to on entering the complex, with all visitors made to walk over a disinfectant mat. Hands must be washed going in and out.

Up to Thursday night, 174 of the 270-odd guests had arrived safe and sound, able to enjoy their custom-made boxes that would give many a student hostel a run for their money.

Teams can bring their own feed, but only under strict supervision, with months of controls required before the list of up to 2,500 products is approved by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture.

Horses require up to 15 kilos of grass or hay a day, totalling around 30 tonnes over the duration of the Games. All in all then Deodoro is not a bad place to rest one’s mane then.

And unlike from the two-legged athletes down the road in the Olympic village there have been no complaints — written or otherwise — from the equine guests — not even over the lack of hot water.