Clearing new hurdles (2)

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By Zhang Wen (Global Times) 08:21, October 31, 2013

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Members of the Equuleus International Riding Club prepare for training on October 27. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Hurdles in development

Yang Fujun, executive chief trainer at the Equuleus International Riding Club and former coach of China's national equestrian team, is the only instructor in the country approved by the British Horse Society. Yang still rides competitively, and placed 14th overall at the 2013 Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters.

He has embraced the lofty task of taking Chinese equestrian riders to the next level to help close the big gap between China and equestrian powerhouses like Germany, the UK and US.

"When I took part in competitions in the US and Europe, I felt like a primary school student competing against university students," Yang said, "There are fewer than 100 riders in China who can clear 1.4-meter-high hurdles [in show jumping], but there are thousands of riders who can clear 1.6-meter-high hurdles in Germany, the UK and US."

Alex Hua Tian competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics' express eventing held in Hong Kong. Although missing out on a medal, Hua was the only Chinese equestrian competitor at the Beijing Olympics ranked as a four-star eventing horse rider.

Chen agreed that compared with top equestrian countries, China is still a fledgling nation in the sport. The country's growth began as late as the early 1980s when the Chinese Equestrian Association entered global governing body the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Cost no barrier for horse hobbyists

Zou decided that he was better off buying his own horse after spending hundreds of thousands of yuan to ride other people's horses for two years.

Horses at the Equuleus International Riding Club are often rented by novice riders at a price of between 350 yuan and 650 yuan ($57-$107) per 50-minute lesson, which itself costs between 50 yuan and 200 yuan depending on an instructor's experience.

Yang said that although riding equipment is supplied by the club, members must pay for their own helmet, clothing and boots, which can cost a further 2,000 yuan.

"Many people who come to learn are children who want to enjoy an extra-curriculum activity and women who want to lose weight or be more elegant. Others are successful, wealthy people who usually buy their own horse," Yang said.

Yang was introduced to equestrian when he was 13, and started coaching at the club in 2000. He said over the past five years the popularity of equestrian in Beijing has "skyrocketed."

"Many commercial competitions have been held and training of young riders has grown rapidly. More well-off families are becoming interested in taking part in this sport," Yang said. "China has a long tradition of horsemanship that dates back to ancient times, so I'm happy to see a revival of horse-riding culture."