The recent announcement that China’s GDP increased by 2.5% in 2020 and it is expected to be the only major economy to record positive growth for last year, it highlights not only its economic resilience but also its appeal to international exporters looking for new business opportunities even during these turbulent times.
Despite concerns that the slowdown in global trade would have a negative impact on consumption in China, the country’s equestrian sector is reporting healthy increases in participation levels which in turn is driving demand for products and services. Most notably the high number of young people taking up the sport is a genuine cause for optimism as these will be the club members, horse owners, competition and leisure riders of the future. With industry estimates suggesting that young riders (below the age of 18) make up 80% of China’s equestrian club membership, it is of little surprise that equine sports and leisure professionals are upbeat about future prospects for their business.
The experiences of Sam Wang, co-owner of Cavalier International Pony Club which was founded in December 2018 and opened its first riding club in Wuhan in May 2019, exemplifies the attractive market opportunities for businesses that cater to this growing demand. Commenting on their business strategy Wang said, “We want to bring equestrian training to kids in city centres by providing a convenient venue for them to learn about and enjoy what the sport can offer. Our first club was located in a shopping mall and we were delighted with the response and membership has now grown to over 300 young riders ranging in ages from 3-12 years old.” Despite the unique challenges presented by such a business model, Wang and his team are building on this success and in December 2020 Cavalier International Pony Club opened their second young rider training facility which attracted 50 new members in its first month of operation. They plan to open two further clubs in 2021.
Feedback from Equuleus International Riding Club, an international standard equestrian facility located in the outskirts of Beijing and venue for China Horse Fair 2021, this growth in young rider participation is a trend being replicated nationwide. Equuleus reports that 2020 saw strong growth in their young rider membership despite the disruptions caused by the impact of Covid-19.
Suppliers of equestrian products and services are also benefitting from this increase in grassroots participation with Mr. Hu from Baslong Harness Co. Ltd., an established manufacturer and distributor of Saddles, horse and rider equipment, stable equipment and horse nutrition products, saying, “We saw strong overall sales growth during 2020 but sales of our products for young riders doubled and we feel this trend will continue into 2021.”
Sonia Ou Yang Fangye, Marketing Director of China Horse Fair 2021, is confident this positive outlook will translate into many sales opportunities for exhibitors at this year’s show as riding facilities look to procure those products designed with the younger rider in mind. Ou Yang said, “We are working closely with the management team of the Youth Committee of China Horse Industry Association (CHIA) to ensure our event continues to be at the forefront of meeting the needs of the equestrian sector by enabling buyers and sellers to identify and understand how this trend can benefit their business.” She went onto say, “We are excited that China Horse Fair 2021 will once again host buyers from clubs such as Cavalier and Equuleus who will use the show to source for the latest international and local equestrian products.”
China Horse Fair 2021 will take place from 17-19 September 2021 at the Equuleus International Riding Club, Beijing. This will be the 14th edition making China Horse Fair the longest running annual trade event for China’s professional horse sports and leisure market. Additional information about the event can be found at www.chinahorsefair.com.cn.
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Andrew Furness: Email. andrewfurness17@gmail.com
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