Latest from Horse & Hound in China

Top event rider ‘in total disbelief’ after contamination results in loss of Paris 2024 team ticket

Lucy Elder — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:48:58 +0000

China has lost its Paris 2024 eventing team ticket after their top-placed horse tested positive for controlled medication at Millstreet’s Olympic qualifier (31 May to 4 June).

Alex Hua Tian’s ride Chicko, a 13-year-old gelding with whom he finished fourth individually and helped the Chinese team to both second place and an Olympic spot, tested positive for controlled medication altrenogest.

The drug is commonly known under the trade name Regumate, which is a hormonal treatment for mares. It is listed as a controlled medication for males and geldings on the FEI clean sport database. This means altrenogest is recognised as a substance that is deemed to have therapeutic value and/or be commonly used in equine medicine, but cannot be present in male horses during competition.

The positive test means Alex and Chicko have been disqualified from the competition. As a result, Japan has now moved ahead of China in the team standings. The new results mean China’s Paris 2024 Olympic team ticket has been reallocated to Japan.

Alex said he is in “total disbelief”, and that his investigation, carried out by a team of experts, “found conclusively that the trace amount of altrenogest detected” was owing to Chicko eating contaminated hay from the next-door stable at the event.

“As a passionate supporter of clean sport, with a pristine record at international level for 18 years and knowing how careful we are as a team with any risk of contamination, I was in total shock,” said Alex, adding that he was notified of the positive test on 10 July.

“With the support of Richard Davison, Schelstraete Equine Law, JunZeJun Law and Penny Ecroyd we put together a team of specialist vets, equine scientists and toxicologists to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this adverse analytical finding.”

He said that on the evening of 1 June, Chicko was attended by the Chinese team vet and the treatment vet at Millstreet, as he was behaving unusually with some behavioural signs of mild colic. The vets directed them to remove Chicko’s feed and hay until the following morning.

“The following morning, Chicko was back to his normal self and was passed by all the vets fit and healthy to continue with the competition. We were directed to give Chicko his hay but in regular handfuls throughout the day,” said Alex.

“Due to the nature of temporary stabling, the gap between panel and floor, and in the absence of his own hay, Chicko gained access to hay from the mare in the stable next door.

“This was noted when Chicko was checked on that evening and despite trying to block the hole, was also suspected during the following day when he had run out of his own hay.

“The mare next door was being medicated with Regumate (altrenogest is permitted in mares) during this competition and routinely urinated on her remaining hay.

“It was unknown to me, my team and everyone I have been able to discuss this matter with, including vets and equine scientists, that altrenogest is not only excreted in the urine in its whole compound (not metabolites as almost all other medication), but excreted in reasonably high concentrations.”

The blood and urine sample was taken from Chicko at 3.15pm on 2 June. The horse tested positive, confirmed by the B-sample. The FEI gave Alex the option to go down its “administrative procedure” route, which is offered as a benefit for first-time minor offences. This means that he has been fined 1,500 CHF (£1,351) and ordered to pay costs of 2,000 CHF(£1,801) for the B-sample, but has not been given a suspension.

“However, the core principles of the FEI, clean sport and the level playing field – which I not only accept but support wholeheartedly – are that a horse that is found to have a controlled medication in its system during competition is a rule violation and as a result is automatically disqualified from that competition, regardless of how that substance entered the horse,” said Alex.

“I am in total disbelief. Despite the findings of the investigation, as a rider, I take full responsibility for the consequences. This matter has far-reaching impact on my teammates, supporters of the sport and the national Chinese equestrian eventing team.

“I sincerely apologise to the country, the Chinese Equestrian Association, my teammates Bao Yingfeng, Sun Huadong, Liang Ruiji, our horse owners, partners, our equestrian community and supporters.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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China becomes new market for British horses

Ellie Hughes — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 07:55:05 +0000

A new Chinese export deal will be a boost for British breeding.

British horses can now be exported to China, following an agreement between the two countries that has led to the introduction of a new export health certificate (12 September).

It is expected that the first British horses will be exported later this year.

The trade deal, which is estimated to be initially worth £10 million a year to the UK economy, is expected to involve mostly British thoroughbred and jumping horses (news, 17 April).

Horses were previously unable to enter China due to strict regulations — showjumping competitions in the country took place on borrowed horses, and at the Beijing Olympics equestrian events took place in Hong Kong.

But China is a growing force in horse sport and in the leisure market, with 100,000 now riding weekly (news, 13 January 2013).

British environment secretary Elizabeth Truss described it as a “crucial agreement” that would help to grow Britain’s £7 billion equine industry.

“We’ve long been a world leader in racing, eventing and breeding — it’s only right that our historic yet innovative equine industry is able to export its top-quality horses and expertise across the globe,” she said.

Prof Tim Morris of the Animal Health and Welfare Board added: “The equine industry, particularly the breeding sector, welcomes this access to the developing Chinese market.”

The export deal will add to existing UK arrangements, which saw 4,907 equines exported to 36 countries outside the European Union in 2013 — worth an estimated £108 million to the economy.

This news story was first published in H&H magazine (2 October 2014)

Elite horses fly into China making history

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:30:15 +0000

A plane-load of elite showjumping horses arrived at Shanghai airport earlier today (Tuesday 3 June) in a historic moment for equestrian sport. This is the first time that foreign horses have been allowed to compete in mainland China after strict quarantine restrictions were lifted.

The horses landed ahead of the inaugural Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) in China this weekend (6-8 June) and more than 100 local journalists waited through the night to greet the equine arrivals.

China has a growing international showjumping circuit but, until now, foreign riders have had to compete on borrowed horses. Last year, the European Commission and Chinese authorities signed off legislation that allowed for the temporary importation of horses to Shanghai.

Riders taking part in this leg of the GCT include Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker, Ireland’s Billy Twomey, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and France’s Kevin Staut. They will compete for a record $2million in prize-money, with a substantial $363,000 going to the winner of the grand prix.

Read all about how the landmark event unfolded in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine (out 12 June).

£45m deal between China and the UK

Amy Mathieson — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 12:00:07 +0000

A lucrative new export deal has been agreed between China and the UK.

A £45million export agreement for thoroughbreds and sport horses was formalised earlier this month (1 April) at a meeting between Environment Secretary Owen Paterson and Chinese Minister for Import Controls Zhi Shuping in Newmarket.

The Horse Protocol will allow for the export of equines — mostly thoroughbreds and sport horses — to China shortly.

The equestrian industry is growing in China, in racing and sports sectors as well as in leisure (news, 31 January 2013).

Minister Zhi said: “Riding, breeding and training horses is increasingly popular in China, so this deal will ensure that we can make the most of the UK’s world-famous thoroughbreds in boosting our burgeoning equine industry.”

Mr Paterson, who said the deal would boost the British economy by up to £10m, added: “This once again demonstrates the value of our global reputation for high-quality exports.”

The British Horseracing Authority’s Paul Bittar said the agreement was a “positive step” for the British racing and breeding industries, as well as the wider equine sector.

He added: “Britain has a great deal to offer in terms of the quality of both our horses and expertise, and we look forward to developing this partnership.”

Claire Williams of the British Equestrian Trade Association said this was a “crucial step forward”.

“The Chinese market has seen rapid growth with the number of horses imported rising from 8,000 in 2012 to 17,000 in 2013,” she said.

“Not only does it open the way for horse exports, but it is also a significant help opening the market for equestrian equipment, facilities and expertise that goes alongside them.”

Following the signing of the protocol an Export Health Certificate will need to be agreed before exports can commence, which may take several months.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (17 April 2014)

China relaxes quarantine allowing new venue for Global Champions Tour

Flora Watkins — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 08:00:06 +0000

Showjumpers have welcomed the news that Chinese quarantine restrictions have been eased, allowing the Global Champions Tour (GCT) to take place in Shanghai from 4-6 October.

Earlier this month (10 June), the European Commission and Chinese authorities signed off legislation that allows for the temporary importation of elite European sport horses to Shanghai.

Ireland’s Cian O’Connor told H&H it was “fantastic for the sport”.

The Olympic bronze medallist was the first non-Chinese rider to win the FEI World Cup qualifier in Beijing last October, but the restrictions meant he had to compete on a borrowed horse.

“To break into Shanghai and overcome all the restrictions is a masterful piece of work. It is obviously a big market for the future,” he added.

Although European horses have been allowed into China, EU quarantine requirements mean they have not been permitted to return home — the reason why equestrian events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics had to be held in Hong Kong.

FEI veterinary director Graeme Cook said the development was a landmark.

“This provides for the creation of a disease-free zone that the EU is happy with,” said Mr Cook.

“The horses are channelled into this bubble, to the event, then back to the airport.”

GCT founder Jan Tops has been trying to bring the series to China for some time. He could not be reached for comment, but the GCT website promised “one of the most stunning events of the circuit”.

It will be held next to the China Pavilion, which was built for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010.

But the disease-free zone does not allow China-based horses to compete as they cannot come into contact with European horses.

Sarah Noble, adviser to the Chinese Equestrian Association, told H&H that the simplified import rules were “only a start”. More needed to be done to help Chinese riders compete freely internationally in the future, she added.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (27 June 2013)

Equestrian interests soar in China

Horse & Hound — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:55:37 +0000

A riding population of 150,000 may not sound impressive, but starting from zero less than a decade ago, Chinese equestrianism is clearly going places.

The world’s fastest growing economy has a new cash-rich middle class who, buoyed by interest from the 2008 Olympic Games, has quickly embraced “status” pursuits such as horse sport and golf.

Until recently, only a few hundred horses, mostly racers, were imported.

But in 2012, 2,000 thoroughbreds and sport horses — mostly from France, Germany, Ireland and Holland — entered China.

About 600 riding clubs cater for 50,000 serious riders and a further 100,000 ride weekly.

Li Yanyang, publisher of China’s main equestrian magazine, Horsemanship, believes growth is 15-20% a year and that £60million was spent on new facilities between 2010 and 2012.

Western breeds popular

Warmbloods, Arabs and quarter horses are favoured — barrel racing is especially popular.

“But local breeds and local crosses are cherished,” added Li Yanyang. “These horses are good doers and sturdy, their main appeal.”

China’s proud history was based on the back of warrior horses. Millions of indigenous ponies still work in rural areas, notably inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.

But because China has no culture of leisure riding and suffers from harsh winters, westernised activity is based round club-style resorts with multiple indoor schools.

They are mostly around Beijing and the affluent Yangtse and Pearl River deltas, the so-called “factory of the world”.

British-based Sarah Noble speaks Mandarin and was an active intermediary and translator for Chinese interests long before her son, Alex Hua Tian, became a successful eventer.

British Horse Society (BHS) fellow Jeremy Michaels was among those she introduced to China nine years ago to devise bespoke training systems. He recently helped the Equuleus club in Beijing’s Chayang district become China’s first BHS-approved centre.

“In some parts, horse welfare is still an issue, due to ignorance about watering and feeding, but they do now understand the importance of fibre in the diet,” said Mr Michaels.

Horses eat Mongolian hay and straight grain and are bedded on rice husks.

British companies move in

Surface supplier Martin Collins and sister company Equibuild were among the first British companies to set up offices in China, having constructed a polo complex at Tianjin.

Chairman of Martin Collins, Major Malcolm Wallace said: “China is learning how to go outside for specialist help. Our company feels we have an advantage in what the Chinese call the ‘dragon solution’ — everything catered for from head to tail.”

Quarantine still a problem

Showjumping could flourish if Jan Tops succeeds in launching the Global Champions Tour in Shanghai next October.

But China still fails to meet EU quarantine requirements — which is why equestrianism at the 2008 Beijing Olympics had to take place in Hong Kong.

FEI veterinary director Graeme Cooke told H&H: “We would like to promote a disease-free zone, creating a bubble that allows horses to be transported from the airport, kept in quarantine at the event — and then back to the airport.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (31 January 2013)

BETA to attend China Horse Fair next month

Horse & Hound — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:45:27 +0000

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) will be attending the China Horse Fair in Beijing next month with a group of British exhibitors.

Companies heading to the fair – which runs from 16-18 October – include the riding simulators business Racewood, equine publisher Lewis Harding and retailer RB Equestrian.

“The vast experience and knowledge of our industry experts, and the reputation of British-made equestrian goods – highly prized for their innovation, style, design, safety and value for money – is known throughout the world,” said BETA’s Claire Williams.

BETA will help to promote British companies and their products, skills and expertise during the show, as well as providing information and contacts for others that areunable to attend.

For more information visit www.beta-uk.org

China’s Global Champions Tour plans put on hold

Horse & Hound — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:09:59 +0000

Plans for the Global Champions Tour (GCT) in Shanghai this year have been put on hold after attempts to ease China’s stringent quarantine laws stalled.

The GCT was scheduled for October 2012. But senior sources in the Chinese equestrian governing bodies advise that the plan has been pushed back to 2013.

GCT founder Jan Tops told H&H at the GCT in Cannes he is positive it will happen.

“Financially, the show is secured, but the quarantine issues, unfortunately, are out of our hands,” he said. “The government has to make a new law – as you saw at the 2008 Olympics – horses had to go to Hong Kong instead of China.

They are aware that this could open up a huge market for them and they need to do it because they want to compete over here, too.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (21 June 2012)

Chinese riders aim for 2016 Olympics in Rio

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:28:28 +0000

The Chinese Equestrian Association has announced it is targeting its fledgling national team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

A spokesman for the association confirmed to H&H that the team is now a “more formal one compared to past years”.

Sarah Noble, senior adviser to the Chinese Equestrian Association and mother of China’s international eventer Alex Hua Tian, added: “China has a lot of talented and enthusiastic riders and the more they have the opportunity to compete on an international stage, the more they begin to be noticed.

“Following the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there has been more and more interest in equestrian sport.”

In 2008 at the Beijing Olympics – when the equestrian sections were held in Hong Kong – a Chinese showjumping team competed for the first time. Alex Hua Tian became the first Chinese event rider to compete at a Games.

Jane Carter of the China Horse Fair, held in October in Bejing, added: “This [development of a team] is good news and not unexpected, as the Chinese equestrian horse market is growing rapidly.

“China’s professional horse sports industry has huge potential. The number of equestrian sports enthusiasts is increasing, with 1,000 new riding club members registering weekly.”

Last month, it was announced that the Royal Agricultural College (RAC) and China Agricultural University are to establish a new international centre in equine studies in Beijing.

“We see it as an excellent opportunity for both countries,” said the RAC’s Paul Davies.

“There are reportedly more than seven million horses in China.

“With increasing interest in recreational activities involving horses – riding clubs, polo clubs and a growing horseracing business – there is a need for skilled young people to take this sector forward.”

China is hosting more equestrian competitions and attracting international riders. In October China is to host its first Global Champions Tour competition, in Shanghai.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (14 June 2012)

Success for Chinese equine surgery with debut stifle operation

Horse & Hound — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:11:07 +0000

History was made in Chinese veterinary surgery last month when the first stifle arthroscopy (keyhole procedure) was carried out.

A team led by specialist equine surgeon Cedric Chan, who runs his own practice NW Equine Referrals Ltd, travelled to Shanghai on 27 October to perform surgery on one of China’s top showjumpers, Heraldo.

London based Mr Chan was assisted by anaethetist Claire Booth and Michelle Barber as head nurse, both from the Towcester Veterniary Centre Equine Clinic, Northamptonshire.

“[The surgery] was a complete success for the Chinese and Western veterinary teams,” Mr Chan told H&H.

The procedure took place in a modified stable with the addition of hay bales, a gymnastics mat, ropes from the ceiling and local manpower to move, position and recover the anaesthetised horse safely.

Nonetheless, the actual surgical equipment used was state of the art.

Ms Booth said: “It was very exciting to be involved in the first steps of development of equine surgery in China.”

There are now plans for a hospital similar to the Towcester Equine Clinic to be built at the Shanghai Equestrian Centre, where some of China’s best competition horses are in training.

Equestrianism in China is rapidly expanding alongside the overall wealth of the country.

However Mr Chan added: “The level of equine veterinary care overall in China is similar to Western standards around 20 years ago.”

Top showjumpers will head to China for Global Champions Tour

Horse & Hound — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:18:24 +0000

CHINA has been announced as one of four new destinations for showjumping’s Global Champions Tour (GCT) in 2012.

With enthusiasm for the sport growing in the Far East, Shanghai has been chosen to host the GCT grand prix in October.

Wiesbaden (Germany), Lausanne (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria) are other new venues for the 13-leg series.

GCT president and Olympic gold medallist Jan Tops said: “We are very pleased with this progress for the GCT to spread further in a global context and confidently look ahead to 2012.”

Next year’s GCT kicks off in Doha, Qatar, on 5-7 April and culminates with the final in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in November.

The GCT is an annual competition, founded in 2006 by Mr Tops, who continues to run the series. It brings together the top 40 riders in the Rolex rankings, who compete in a series of shows that aim to provide “the best in showjumping”.

Since 2007 all GCT events have been held as CSI 5*. This means that under FEI rules they are championship level events. The GCT classes are run under FEI rules but they have no part in the organisation of the series, aside from ratifing the schedule.

Darley stallions to start their stud careers in China

Horse & Hound — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:05:36 +0000

Two horses owned by Sheikh Mohammed are to start their stud careers in China next year.

Jalil – a seven-year-old son of Storm Cat – will stand at the Lisui Farm in Beijing. Jalil cost $9.7m ( £6.1m) as a yearling and went on to win the Group Two Maktoum Challenge in Dubai.

And six-year-old Sousa – who is by Galileo and won the Australian Group One Spring Champion Stakes – will stand at Ordos Farm in Inner Mongolia.

Each stallion is expected to cover around 75 mares. Their stud fees will be free to approved mares.

John Ferguson, the sheikh’s bloodstock advisor, said: “Sheikh Mohammed is eager to support the emergence of the Chinese thoroughbred industry.

“He has selected these two, as they are both exceptional physical specimens, boast stellar Classic bloodlines and both performed with great credit at the highest level.”

In the1930s Shanghai had one of the largest racetracks in the world, but racing was banned in China for almost 60 years after the communist takeover in 1949.

It was legalised in 2008, but gambling is still banned.

Last year plans were announced to build a £2.6bn international racing complex near Tianjin to support the growing interest in the sport.

H&H bloodstock writer Sue Montgomery said: “It’s a nice gesture to support a burgeoning industry.

“They are nicely bred, which may be a significant move for the future of racing in the country.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (27 October, 2011)

Chinese modern pentathlon team to be based at Bishop Burton

Horse & Hound — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:18:57 +0000

China’s modern pentathlon team will be based at Bishop Burton College in the run up to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The team — which includes current world champion, Qian Chen — will use the training grounds at the college, near Hull, next year.

Since H&H reported that none of the official Pre Games Training Camps had been booked (news, 11 August), eventer Alex Hua Tian — China’s first Olympic rider — announced plans to to relocate to Shardeloes, Bucks.

Venues have had more luck with para dressage, with Canada booking Hartpury College, Glos, and Israel going to the Quainton Stud, Bucks.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (15 September, 2011)

Now that’s what we call a commute! Ride to work day proves popular

Horse & Hound — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:59:50 +0000

Have you ever thought how much better your day would be if you could start it by riding your horse to work?

Well, horse lovers in China will be doing exactly that this week, in a bid to promote a more environmentally friendly means of transport.

Around 1,500 people in more than a dozen cities across the country will take part, riding along planned routes to show that horsepower is an attractive and green form of travel.

“We are promoting an environmentally friendly concept that doesn’t consume gasoline or create exhaust, as cars do,” said Wu Gangfang, founder of www.horse.org.cn, who first came up with the idea.

H&H wonders what the horses will do while their owners are at work all day. Let’s hope these equine commuters are patient…

China to host top showjumping shows

Charlotte White — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:50:39 +0000

Showjumping is taking off in China, with a new Chinese stage of the FEI World Cup this year and a new “Masters” competition in Hong Kong in 2012.

The 2011 China League of the FEI World Cup jumping competition is the first FEI jumping competition in China.

This year it will feature three CSI* events, held in August, September and October, at venues as yet undecided.

“The China League represents a big step for us,” said Michael John Sullivan of organisers China National Sports International.

“With the exception of [British-based Chinese eventer] Alex Hua Tian, Chinese equestrianism is comparatively unknown.”

Showjumping is becoming popular in China, said Alex’s mother Sarah Noble, an advisor to the Chinese Equestrian Federation.

“They jump 1m40 or 50 in national competitions and a large number of European horses have been bought to compete,” she said.

The FEI now has 14 World Cup leagues with riders qualifying for a final held in Europe each year.

The top-ranked Chinese rider from the China League will qualify for the 2012 final in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands (18-22 April 2012), but must compete on a horse based outside China to comply with Chinese quarantine laws.

International riders are also invited to take part in the China League, on Chinese horses.

Then, in March 2012, a new showjumping event, the CSI***** Hong Kong Masters, run by the European Equestrian Masters (EEM), will take place.

Christophe Ameeuw, of EEM, said 30 of the world’s best riders would compete for a $1m prize pot at the biennial competition.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (12 May, 2011)

Watch event rider Alex Hua Tian on Channel 4 TV tonight

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:53:03 +0000

British-based Chinese event rider Alex Hua Tian will be on Channel 4 tonight (Tuesday 1 February) celebrating Chinese New Year.

21-year-old Alex will be on at 7.55pm, straight after the news.

During the 5min piece Alex will be talking about Chinese New Year, his passion for the sport, his pride in competing for China, his goals for the Year of the Rabbit — including his hopes for qualifying for the Olympics.

“When Channel 4 invited me to talk about my experiences of Chinese New Year I jumped at the opportunity to bring the sport to a wider audience,” Alex told H&H.

Alex was H&H’s online blogger during 2009 and 2010. To read his blog visit: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/alexhuatian

Alex Hua Tian’s Badminton blog: terror at the trot-up

Horse & Hound — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:40:28 +0000

I can’t explain the feeling of leading your horses into the stunning stables at Badminton Horse Trials. The yard isn’t just exactly how you would imagine it; the echoing of the horses shoes on cobbles as you walk through the arches sends shivers down your spine. The reality has only just sunk in; I’m at Badminton and I’m actually competing!

I have to say, although the organisers stick far more rigidly to the rules than I’m used to (minor panic with the medical armband) we have been very well looked after. The new lorry, Betsy, has held up the Team China flag with dignity (although maybe with a little less flair than her predecessor) and looks very much the part parked next to Piggy and Dan Sibley.

Jeans and Maggie are both well and happily settled into their luxurious quarters. Jane Gregory very kindly fitted a couple of emergency last minute lessons on Tuesday afternoon and we covered a lot of ground with both in a short amount of time. I now feel much more confident with the direction and feel I need to be going for.

Trot-up was this afternoon and what a palaver it proved to be. Who could have imagined so many people would be present to watch the first vet inspection — that’s proper dedication! Jeans was drawn first so it was with him I walked through the arch. Unfortunately, he was sent to the holding box by the ground jury — not the most relaxing moment of my life! I quickly trotted Maggie, who passed without hesitation, then went to the holding box to have a chat to the vet and see what his deliberation was.

The vet thought that he looked minorly stiff behind. However, as he felt both legs, he was clear in his mind that it was just the way that Jeans moved and it wasn’t an injury of any kind. We decided to represent him and thankfully he was passed! It’s really a horrible feeling to have all of your dreams balancing on a knife’s edge.

Badminton final scores

Anyway, with that episode behind us, preparation for Jean’s test tomorrow morning is going well. I’m hoping Jane will be able to make it to warm us up and get my mind into gear. Maggie is on at 2:30 on Saturday.

I had a little wander around the course this afternoon after the rider’s briefing and there are definitely a couple of intimidating fences. The Hexagon Hedge is really quite scary and frankly the Outlander Bank looks unjumpable standing at the bottom, however, both Maggie and Jeans have proven themselves totally at three-star level and are more than ready for the step up!

Wish me luck!

Alex

Beijing to London horse ride — Megan to start third stage

Horse & Hound — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:01:08 +0000

Endurance riding is being taken to an entirely new level by national endurance rider Megan Lewis, who is currently preparing for the third stage of The Long Horse Ride, a Sino-British international friendship ride.

The ride, a five-part journey on horseback from Beijing to London, began after the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and will be completed in time for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

The next stage, due to start in April, will follow the northern Silk route across the Gobi desert and onwards through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Samarkand.

“It is very difficult to know how long the route will take exactly,” Megan told H&H. “I think it will take a good three months to reach the end of China, and so I expect this stage will take about five months in total.”

Two other riders and a backup vehicle carrying supplies will accompany Megan during the ride.

“Some areas of China are very sparse and there are such limited supplies that we need a backup vehicle to carry food for the horses,” explained Megan.

“When we reach areas like Kyrgyzstan where there is more grazing, I hope to be able to just use a pack horse.”

Megan, who rides local breeds of horse suited to the terrain — Chinese Shandan geldings for the next stage — aims to cover around 20-25 miles over 6-7 hours per day.

“Although I would like to try and prepare physically, I never seem to have time,” said Megan. “I spend an awful lot of time mapping my routes and looking at Google Earth.”

Although only nine days into the trip (in October 2008) Megan suffered a nasty fall, breaking her collarbone, six ribs and puncturing a lung, she has already covered 1,800 of an approximate 8,000 miles.

“In the process I’ve become the first person on record to ride the entire distance from one end of the Ming Great Wall to the other on horseback,” said Megan. “It’s not a bad achievement considering I got my free bus pass a year ago!”

Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship is published in China

Horse & Hound — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:18:02 +0000

The Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship has become the first foreign equestrian manual to be published in China.

Published by China Agricultural University, the cover photograph features H&H blogger Alex Hua Tian competing at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials earlier this year, where he was placed 7th and 12th, and awarded the “Best U21” prize.

“I was thrilled to be invited to appear on the cover,” said Alex, who trains in the UK. “The Manual of Horsemanship really is the bible of horsemanship — my mother still has hers which was published in the 1960s!”

This year, Alex became the first Chinese rider to qualify for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. His success has created huge excitement in his home country, and is fostering a growing Chinese fan base for equestrianism.

“There is a huge thirst for information among riders,” said Sarah Noble, advisor to the Chinese Equestrian Association. “Although many of the top instructors in China have trained abroad, there has never been enough suitable teaching materials available in Chinese.

“The publication of the Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship really is a first in Chinese equestrian sport.”

Alex Hua Tian update: family matters take precedence this week

Horse & Hound — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:24:29 +0000

Alex is currently en route to China for the funeral of his grandfather (pictured with Alex) and sadly won’t be writing a blog this week.

He has had to withdraw his horses from the Festival of British Eventing, but will be flying back on Sunday morning and will be available at Gatcombe around midday to talk about his Olympic experiences and his horses. He would love to get some feedback on his Horse & Hound blog. Look out for him at his sponsor’s stand, Equine Products UK.

Alex will be restarting his diary next week.

Chinese donkey wears a bra instead of blinkers

Horse & Hound — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:47:58 +0000

A Chinese farmer who nicked one of his wife’s bras to put on his donkey said it was for a good cause.

Farmer Wing Lung was perturbed at the distress blinkers were causing to his donkey, as the animal suffered chaffing caused by the eye shields.

So he hunted around for an alternative and settled on the most obvious item available — one of his wife’s bras.

Sneaking the bra off the washing line at their home in eastern China, farmer Lung, then swapped the blinkers for the bra and made his donkey a happy beast, reports the Daily Star.

He said: “It was the perfect fit although the hard part was persuading my wife to part with the bra.” Unfortunately, H&H was unable to ascertain what cup size is best for donkey blinkers.

China launches first jockey training course

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:30:56 +0000

China’s first jockey training class was launched last week at a university in Hubai province.

Wuhan Commercial Service College will welcome its first students to the new horse racing training, which will be part of their degree, in the autumn.

The training will be run by the university alongside Wuhan Sports Association and Wuhan Jockey Club.

To be in the class potential jockeys must not weigh more than 50kg and be under 165cm tall.

The students will be taught horse care, jockey training and event planning.

Although China has an estimated 200 riding clubs, there is no formal jockey training in the country.

Organisers hope the new course will help ease the shortage of professionals in the horse race industry.

In November 2008 mainland China held its first commercial horse race in nearly 60 years.

Although legal in Hong Kong, horse racing and gambling was banned in mainland China since the communists came into power in 1949.

The races took place on 29 Novemeber at a newly built 30,000 seat track in Wuhan.

First horseracing meeting since 1949 for mainland China

Horse & Hound — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:39:09 +0000

The first commercial horse race in nearly 60 years is set to take place in mainland China this weekend (29-30 November).

Although horseracing and betting on races is legal and popular in Hong Kong, racing has been banned in mainland China since 1949 when the Communists won the Chinese Civil War.

Racing was stopped partly due to its colonial reputation as the sport was introduced to China by the British.

Horses will race for a total of $17,570 (£11,520) in four races — which will be a test run event in a newly built 30,000 seat track in Wuhan.

But betting will be limited with only non-cash prizes on offer.

Earlier this year it was reported by state news agency Xinhua that the Chinese government was thinking about legalising betting as it could potentially be an industry that creates 3 million jobs and generates 20 billion yuan in tax revenues a year