Horse-riding tradition takes root in Changchun

Teenagers are ready for the race. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A horse-riding race for teenagers was held in Changchun, Jilin province, on June 29, which helped teenagers learn about this charming sport and offered a chance for horse-riding enthusiasts experience exciting challenges.

Horse-riding was a traditional and popular sport during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the Manchu people who established the dynasty were originally nomads and the sport was introduced to Changchun by Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China.

The horse-riding competition was held at the royal racecourse west of the Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo.

More than 20 young riders participated in the event, and the youngest one was less than three years old.

All of the participants had received professional horse-riding training before and had shown perfect skills.

The event was sponsored by the Jilin Equestrian Association and Pony Club -- a professional horse-riding and training institute -- and contributed to the cultivation of Chinese horse-riding talents.