Cream of crop saddle up for Shanghai showcase

China's finest are raring to test themselves against the cream of the show jumping world in Shanghai this weekend.

As a CSI level-five meet sanctioned by international governing body the FEI, the May 3-5 Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour will feature around 60 of the world's leading show jumpers, including in-form riders Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia and Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands.

Zhang Bin, a 2008 Olympian, veteran Yuan Maodong and youngsters Zhang Xingjia and Zhang You will fly the flag for China in the sixth edition of the Shanghai showcase, which is the fourth stop on this season's 20-leg circuit.

Zhang Xingjia, who is now a member of the national team preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, made his debut in the Shanghai event last year.

The 20-year-old began to take the sport seriously aged 13 in his hometown of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, and trained in Shanghai on weekends.

With the help of his equestrian-mad father, Zhang Xingjia managed to balance school work with his equine pursuits.

His selection for the national team in April was a particularly proud moment for dad, who has vowed to continue to fully support his son as he bids to earn honor for the country.

The Shanghai meet provides young Chinese riders such as Zhang Xingjia a rare chance to compete against the world's best.

"Through competing at a top event, I can learn so much. I wish I could participate in more high-level competitions," he said.

Such an opportunity was simply unimaginable for first-generation Olympic rider Zhang Bin, who was one of six Chinese to compete at the 2008 Beijing Games.

The 46-year-old Shanghai native began his sports career in 1989 in modern pentathlon. He only entered the equestrian world in 1998 and went on to become one of the nation's most accomplished show jumpers.

Apart from competing, he is also a coach and official who has dedicated himself to promoting the sport.

"The mass foundation of China's equestrian scene is still not strong enough. I wish more people, media and investors could get involved in the sport," Zhang Bin said.

Equestrianism remains in its infancy in China, with the sport still struggling to shake its image as the gilded domain of the elite.

Organizers of the Shanghai meet have been endeavoring to attract a wider audience.

Since debuting in 2014, the event has grown into an equestrian extravaganza, combining the three-day competition with a celebration of the equestrian industry and culture.

This year's event will also feature a European-style exhibition area, autograph sessions with star riders and the Shanghai International Equestrian Fair, where all manner of stylish equipment and gear will be on display to visitors.