Olympic Equestrian Dressage competitions got underway today with comprehensive heat and humidity protocols put in place by the FEI in response to rising temperatures, in Versailles. "While we strive for all equestrian events to take place in optimal climatic conditions, it is often logistically challenging to achieve such conditions," explained FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström.
The FEI uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index as a standard tool for assessing and managing thermal stress. “The WBGT Index measures solar radiation, ground heat reflection, humidity and windspeed, and is used by several sports as it is the most comprehensive index to monitor the climate’s effect on humans, and in our case, also horses.
“This precise method allows us to accurately gauge the potential for heat stress at events and implement the necessary measures to safeguard our horses' and humans’ welfare. These measures get put in place once the WBGT index is higher than 28 degrees Celsius, and in today’s case the Index reached the high peak of 33.8 degrees Celsius.”