Intl equine summit sits China in the saddle

With China's economic rise there is burgeoning interest in equestrian sport, with riding clubs now available in most major cities. The development of the industry is creating markets for a wide range of products, from live horses for riding and breeding, to feed products and support services.

Beatrice Fletcher, special correspondent of French equine magazine L'EPERON, delivers a keynote speech during the 2017 International Horse Industry Summit. [Photo/ sina.com.cn]

According to statistics from Horsemanship magazine, China had 1,425 horse clubs as of mid-2017, up from just 102 in 2008. Imports of live horses by the country's equestrian clubs for entertainment and competition are also on the rise.

"China's equine industry is developing fast thanks to the country's dedicatory and sapient practitioners. I hope this summit will help to invigorate new vitality to the development of China's equine industry as well as boost its profile in the global market," said Peter Winton, an international equestrian and sports consultant from Australia.

Timothy Court, designer of Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Olympic equestrian venues, delivers a keynote speech during the 2017 International Horse Industry Summit. [Photo/ sina.com.cn] 

The 2017 International Horse Industry Summit is held from Oct 24 to 26 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/ sina.com.cn]