MK socks 2024 in Jinan, East China's Shandong Province. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-04-06/dd143335-a12b-4353-ac69-52b250be7ffd.jpeg" />

A Chinese rider competes in an international equestrian jumping event on October 19, 2024 in Jinan, East China's Shandong Province. Photo: VCG

A series of international equestrian competitions will be held in China this year, according to the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA), and the organizers pin hope on the events to boost the sport's popularity in the vast Chinese market.

In cooperation with the world governing body International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the FEI Jumping World Cup China League will start its 2025 season with an event in Beijing from April 24 to 2, to be followed by another event in Wuhan city, Central China's Hubei Province from May 30 to June 2. 

Additionally, an FEI Jumping World Challenge event, a contest that aims to cultivate domestic youth talent, will be held in Dongguan city, South China's Guangdong Province, from April 11 to 13, with the CEA noting that the event will "further improve the competitive level of reserve talent in equestrian sports and select outstanding riders for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics."

"Since 2018, multiple reforms have taken place in China's domestic equestrian development, which ultimately led to our athletes' quality performances in international competitions like the Olympics and Asian Games," CEA Secretary General Zhong Guowei told the Global Times in a recent interview. 

Though at the most recent major competition, the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Chinese athletes' performances were distant from satisfying, at the Hangzhou Asian Games held in China in 2023, the Chinese team, led by star rider Alex Hua Tian, clenched two gold medals in the event. 

Hua's eighth-place finish in the Rio 2016 Olympics remains the best result by a Chinese rider at the Olympics, a result that has boosted the sport's growth in China.

Zhong said the achievements of Chinese riders on international stages have fueled domestic enthusiasm for the sport.

"A large number of young reserve talent have emerged in the equestrian field, especially in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta region, and also in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," Zhong noted.

Fast growing 

Beijing city has become a regular host of FEI competitions in China, including the FEI Beijing Masters in the autumn season, which has cultivated a solid fan base. 

Shanghai is leading the sport's development in the Yangtze River Delta, with the FEI Global Champions Tour being held annually in the city, with a domestic-first specialized permanent equestrian venue being established in 2024. Tickets for this year's event, which is scheduled to be held from May 2 to 4, went on sale last week.

The Greater Bay Area in South China is set to host the National Games this year, which is expected to further boost the equestrian sport's popularity in the country. The equestrian events for the National Games will be held in Shenzhen from November 10 to 19, with qualifying events for jumping in full swing in Dongguan from Monday to Wednesday.

According to a domestic equestrian industry survey released by Horsemanship magazine, the number of equestrian clubs in China has significantly increased in recent years, rising from 907 in 2016 to 2,815 in 2024. 

"The number of equestrian clubs in China has been increasing steadily. Equestrian sports are gradually integrating into the daily life of the people. It has already become a popular and fashionable leisure sport, in addition to boosting consumption," Zhong said.

A national horse industry development plan published in 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the General Administration of Sport noted a focus on creating youth equestrian events. 

"By leveraging the advantages of regional talent, funds, and market, we will fully tap into the consumption potential of equestrian sports, enhance the comprehensive economic benefits of equestrian sports, and promote the development of youth equestrian sports," the paper noted.

Addressing issues

Despite rapid progress, some hurdles remain. The high cost of training remains a barrier for many. Additionally, the reliance on imported horses highlights a need for domestic breeding programs. 

Another challenge is cultural perception. Though China is no stranger to horse racing due to its rich history, rural areas still view horses primarily as laboring animals, though equestrianism is gaining traction in cities.

"By drawing on the equestrian experience and history that span over 100 years in Europe and the Americas, we can learn a lot through hosting international events. Perhaps during this process, we can develop the equestrian sport even better," Zhong told the Global Times. 

"It will also be a very good direction for the future development of Chinese equestrianism, as it will be an excellent opportunity for us to showcase China's equestrian culture, equestrian competition level, particularly among our young people on the international stage," Zhong said.

The Jumping World Cup China League will conclude its 2025 season in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, from December 11 to 14, but the series will continue to run in the country until 2028.

The elite riders in the China League will have a chance to qualify for the World Cup Finals, competing with other world leading riders from different countries and regions.

Luan Shu, vice president of Beijing Equestrian Association and an equestrian rider, told the Global Times that he always cherishes the opportunity to compete with top international riders.

"I hope to keep learning on the competition field and build up my own strength. I believe that the hosting international events will attract more people to understand and love equestrian sports, and push China's equestrian cause to a new and higher level," Luan told the Global Times. 

"I look forward to more young people attending equestrian sports and jointly promoting the popularization and development of this sport."