Special report:   2008 Olympic Games     

    HONG KONG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Organizers of the Olympics 2008 equestrian events responded here Thursday to the withdrawal of Switzerland's dressage team from the Olympics 2008, saying the Swiss decision was "regrettable" but it won't affect the Olympic equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong.

    The Equestrian Company, organizer of the Olympics 2008 equestrian events, also decided to replace the Swiss team with others on the ranking list, which is yet to be announced.

    The Swiss dressage team announced Thursday to pull out from the Olympics, citing reasons of "fears for the horses' well-being in Hong Kong's summer heat and humidity."

    The Equestrian Company stressed that there has been no complaint from athletes and national federations on the city's weather.

    Federation Equestre Internationale will organize a workshop in Lausanne, Switzerland, next month to brief representatives from all federations on the weather and veterinary matters relating to August's event.

    The company reiterated Hong Kong has developed strategies and protocols to minimize the effect of the weather on horses by installing air-conditioned stables, large misting fans and iceboxes at venues. Competitions will also be held at cooler times, either early in the morning or evening.

    The protocols were tested in the simulated event last summer. All horses and riders coped with the conditions effectively.

    Two-hundred horses will compete in the equestrian events from Aug. 9 to 21, according to the Equestrian Company.