Prince Charming needs partner to fulfil Olympic dream.

Not a beauty queen in a flowing white gown, but a horse. That's what stands between 17-year-old Hua Tian and his plan to compete in the Olympics next year.

Hua Tian.

"He is now the only Chinese event rider in a position to take part in the Olympic qualifiers this year," said Clayton Fredericks, 2005 World Cup champion and president of the Event Riders Association.

Hua Tian is the first Chinese rider registered by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). He is also the first Chinese rider to compete in an international equestrian competition at the three-day event.

"I will be very, very proud if I can represent China," he said.

Clayton, world siver medal holder and his wife Lucinda, who holds the Land Rover Burghley title, have been training Hua Tian for the last seven years in Britain. They have no doubt he will set a new precedent by qualifying if he finds the right horse.

"We all have to gain two qualifying results at the three-star level, myself and my wife included," said Clayton.

"As long as Mr Hua Tian has the right horse, he is closer to qualifying for the Olympics than anyone else. As the only competitor for the host nation, he only has to achieve the qualification level. Every other rider has not only to achieve this, but also has to compete for limited team places."

At 15, Hua Tian's horse is too old for the Olympics.

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To satisfy Olympic rules, the owner must have the same nationality as the rider.

An Olympic eventing horse costs anywhere between 1.5 million yuan ($200,000) and 4.5 million yuan ($600,000), and an event rider needs four to six horses to prepare for the Games.

In developing China, where the average income is $1,740 per annum, that's a princely sum.

Fortunately, Hua Tian has strong support from his family.

His mother was born to traditional British family and is herself a gifted equestrienne. His Chinese father Hua Shan works in the aviation industry, and his grandfather Hua Longyi was one of China's first airforce heroes.

They are now working on a media campaign to find sponsors for their son, taking interviews and running a website dedicated to this end.

"We have many volunteers to help us," Hua Shan said.

"Hua Tian is very popular and respected in equestrian circles now with his outstanding performances and pleasant personality."

Many in China have shown their willingness to offer financially support the boy. A letter published on a Chinese equestrian website www.noblehorse.com.cn has called for public donations. Organizers said they would give the money to Hua Tian through the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA), adding that after the Games a foundation would be set up to promote the sport in China.

The family has already received over 2 million yuan ($250,000), including an anonymous donation of 1.5 million yuan ($200,000) from a businessman in Guangdong Province.

Many people outside China are also paying close attention to Hua Tian.

Edwin McAuley, vice-president of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, said: "The 2008 Olympics is a big challenge for any rider, never mind one so young, but I think he has got the skill and nerve to get there. What he needs urgently is a suitable horse so that he can compete in Europe this year and obtain his CoC (Certificate of Capability).

"To respect Olympic FEI rules, the horse must be Chinese-owned, so I hope some sponsor or group of sponsors can provide the funding not only for the purchase of a horse but also to help him compete more.

"This is really a `once in a lifetime' opportunity for China and it should not be missed."