Clearing new hurdles (4)

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A horse at the club grazes. Photo: Li Hao/GT

High risks, high rewards

Equestrian can be a dangerous sport for even experienced riders, but many claim its rewards far outweigh its risks.

In 2011, Zou was thrown from his saddle while riding an unfamiliar horse.

"I was very nervous and made too many demands of the horse, which caused it to panic before reaching a hurdle. Suddenly, it turned its head and hit my face. I lost consciousness immediately and fell to the ground," he recalled.

Although his fall was cushioned by sand on the ground, his swollen face left him with a nasty reminder about the importance of not taking safety for granted.

"Even my mother didn't recognize me [after the accident]," Zou said. "But I continued practicing the next day. I never hesitated or considered quitting because I love the sport so much."

It took three months before Zou fully recovered from his fall, but he never let his accident taint his love for the sport.

"I have had a special feeling for horses since I was a child. Since I decided to learn equestrian four years ago, I have never felt such exhilaration," he said.

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