Local equestrian enthusiasts and competitors will find it a challenge to improve their skills and gain experience in China where the equestrian industry is largely underdeveloped and rated as average.
This is certainly the case for Cheng Zhaoyi, who has just come from a trip to France last month, spending 100,000 yuan ($15,700) in order to compete in a 120-kilometer endurance competition organized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Aside from accommodations, the expense covered the renting of horses and one week of training prior to the race.
Cheng, who bagged the 13th place in the competition, comes from Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and is one of the few horse riders in China who are willing to venture overseas to develop experience and gain match points for eligibility in competitions. He admits that there is a scarcity in FEI competitions in China.
"I'm using this opportunity to earn match points so I can work my way up to world-class competitions such as the FEI championships and the FEI world equestrian games," said Cheng.
According to Wutzala, editor-in-chief of the Chinese equestrian website Horse.org.cn, some Chinese horse riders did a similar strategy 10 years ago, entering competitions in which they could gain qualifying points for the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.
"The whole process enables them to learn more about match strategies and become better acquainted with competition rules and skills," said Wutzala.
In addition, the experience gained by riders who venture overseas gives them proper insight on horse nutrition, horsemanship and even small details such as the use of sports shoes in endurance matches for better performance.
Competing against international riders requires the highest character and discipline, according to Jeremy Michaels, training and equine director of the Warwickshire-based British Horse Society.
"A rider needs talent, a fantastic horse, dedication, a good support team, focus, professionalism and luck," said Michaels.