The number of participants at two equestrian competitions held this September, clearly demonstrate that the Chinese market is rapidly returning to pre-pandemic levels of activity.  The Shanghai Youth Championship attracted a record level of competitors and the annual Equuleus Premium Open welcomed international and domestic riders when it took place in Beijing.

Commenting on this positive trend, Sonia Ou Yang, Marketing Director for China Horse Fair, the country’s longest running professional equine sports and leisure trade event, said “The bounce back in participation levels confirms that equestrian sports in China are here to stay and the sector is back on track to record excellent growth in the coming years.” She went on to say “It is particularly exciting to see the number of young Chinese riders taking up and excelling at this sport which will in turn inspire others to participate and so stimulate investment in equine facilities, training, blood stock, health care and accessories.”

Riders enjoy a return to competition at the Equuleus Premium Open in Beijing, September 2020

This growth is happening nationwide as highlighted by a recent announcement from the local government in Wuhan who are introducing riding lessons to the curriculum for pupils at 26 primary schools across the City. This grass roots support will only go to strengthen participation levels by making equine sports and leisure activities more accessible to a wider audience.  

The organiser of China Horse Fair (CHF) has announced that the live event will return to Beijing in September 2021 and dates are to be confirmed shortly. Andrew Furness, international sales and marketing consultant to CHF said, “Given the current travel restrictions it was not feasible to run CHF this year but the positive feedback from international suppliers keen to access the Chinese market in 2021, makes us very excited about the number and diversity of exhibitors we can expect at next year’s show.” Mr. Furness went on to say “In response to not being able to run the live show this year, we’ve launched CHF Online which offers companies immediate access to buyers across the country meaning they don’t have to wait until next September to increase their presence and generate new sales leads.” This Online facility will run until the end of September 2021.