Among the dozens of teams every day arriving in Rio ahead of the Olympic Games, one group of passengers have a very VIP treatment from departure to arrival: the horses competing in the equestrian competition at Rio 2016.

These very special Olympic teams enjoy a unique travel experience as they make their way to Rio International Airport. They fly in individual customised cabins with plenty of space, and are served vegetables, fresh fruit and apple juice. The special treatment of these four-legged Olympians is justified. With a pure bloodline and ancestors that have competed in great races, a horse competing at the highest level is worth millions. So much so that a Boeing 777-F SkyCargo has been specially designed for the transport of these animals.

Each horse – weighing on average 515kg – has an individual limit for the flight, which includes its own weight plus items such as water buckets, tack bags and rugs. In addition to the food, nearly 10 tonnes of equipment and several tonnes of haylage (normal hay with a higher moisture content) are loaded onto the plane.

After being unloaded, the steeds are transferred in trucks travelling in single file from Rio’s international airport cargo terminal to the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro. Upon arrival they find yet more luxury. The site has been completely renovated with customised stables so the horses can rest up after the tiring hours of travel.

The equestrian events will take place at the Olympic Equestrian Centre, Rio 2016’s 1million-square-metre facility that hosts the jumping and dressage arena, and cross-country course.