Shanghai saddling up for another showcase

In order to produce more world-class equestrian athletes like Alex Hua Tian, who placed eighth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, China has stepped up efforts to host more high-level international meets.

According to media reports, the nation hosted 46 national and international equestrian competitions in 2013, but over the past two years the number has been steadily increasing, with the Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour leading the way.

As a CSI level 5 show jumping event sanctioned by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the Shanghai stop is one of the highest-level competitions in China, and has opened a golden window of opportunity for homegrown riders.

This year's Shanghai meet, marking the third stop on the 17-leg Longines Global Champions Tour, runs April 20-22 at a venue adjacent to the iconic China Arts Museum in Shanghai.

Nearly 60 world-class riders, including world No 9 Simon Delestre and world No 15 Christian Ahlmann, will showcase their skills in the competition.

The Sino-Europe Equine Industry Exchange Seminar will be held in conjunction with the event, attracting industry experts, manufacturers and suppliers from around the world to discuss how to create a booming Chinese equine industry.

Another aim of the seminar is to build a bridge between China's equine industry and its counterpart in Europe, which will help China benefit from the experience of a more developed market.

Youth training will also be a major topic at the seminar, with many established foreign riders and industry experts sharing their experience and expertise.

Since its inception in 2014, the Shanghai tour has focused on attracting more fans, especially the younger generation. To achieve that goal, it has improved the quality of spectator services, including this year's addition of new canopies in the grandstands and more interactive displays.

Fans will also have the opportunity to meet celebrities who serve as ambassadors for the Shanghai tour.

Last year, when Hong Kong's Raena Leung became the first Chinese rider to place in the 160cm competition, actor Aaron Kwok was on hand to celebrate the accomplishment.

In a bid to popularize the sport and grow future stars, the event is offering lower ticket prices for families, along with a series of activities catered to kids.

In recent years, China's Olympic involvement has seen increased investment in the equine industry, and more parents are encouraging their children to join riding clubs.

The number of clubs increased to 1,452 by the end of 2017, according to data from the annual China Horse Fair, and club memberships now total around 972,000 - an increase of 68 percent over 2016.

"The industry is galloping to new heights in facilities, making the sport more accessible than ever before," said Liu Lina, China's only dressage entrant at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a current national team coach.