Hong Kong - A first group of 14 horses that will take part in the Olympic equestrian events arrived in Kong Kong from Amsterdam on Saturday.

Another 32 horses were due to arrive from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada later in the day.

Some 229 horses are being brought into Hong Kong to take part in the equestrian competitions of the August 8-24 Olympics in Beijing.

The horses arrived in special flying horse boxes at Hong Kong International Airport where they underwent preliminary quarantine tests.

They were then transported in air-conditioned horse boxes to one of the event venues at Sha Tin where they will be kept isolated for observation before pre-Olympic training begins.

Equestrian Company chief executive Lam Woon-kwong said the 14 horses had travelled well.

Commenting on a series of events last year that were meant to test the Olympics facilities and the readiness of equestrian officials, Lam said: "Our experience from last year's trials has been useful as we are prepared for all conditions... periods of heat or wet weather conditions."

The welfare of the horses is being overseen by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The club's veterinary head Dr Christopher Riggs said: "The accompanying grooms have told us that they behaved well during the 11-hour flight from Amsterdam. I am sure that all horses will enjoy a good roll in the shavings, have a small feed or light exercise before settling in." (dpa)