China horse fair spurs human stampede

China's equestrian-related industries are set to boom if the feedback from this year's China International Equestrian & Horse Industry Exhibition 2008 is any barometer.

Exhibitors at the annual horse fair, which was held over the weekend at the Beijing Olympic Velodrome, reported significantly more business contracts on the first day than they achieved during the entire length of last year's event.

"This positive feedback to the event confirms the increasing interest in China in equestrian sports and leisure activities and reflects the excellent support and advice we have received from China's leading horse industry organizations," said Andrew Furness, director of organizer Tarsus Hope Exhibitions.

As the only dedicated industry fair of its kind in China, it displays and promotes horse breeding and trade, costumes, outdoor sporting leisure facilities, nutrition, stables, polo clubs, related publications and more.

Since it was first staged in Shanghai in 2007, the CHF 08 has continued to build on its success and confirms both the need and increasing demand for a professional high quality horse industry event in China.

The show has attracted leading domestic and overseas suppliers with products and services on display from over 70 organizations. These include the Hong Kong Horse Racing Association, Germany P.S.I., the Association of Spanish Purebred Horse Breeders of Extremadura and China Equestrian Association.

"Many international suppliers and buyers are interested in exploring the emerging business opportunities in China, and the CHF 08 is without doubt the best opportunity for them to do so," Furness added.

"Those suppliers and visitors attending this year's event have already commented positively on the rapid growth and development in the Chinese market. We can expect the CHF to go from strength to strength."

This year also saw three rounds of seminars built into the line-up. Seven domestic and foreign experts and entrepreneurs offered their experiences and suggestions on the future development of China's professional horse sports and leisure industry.

The fair also celebrated the success of the Beijing Olympic equestrian competition, which was held in Hong Kong. With static displays capturing the action and excitement of the Olympic competitions to live riding demonstrations, the Beijing show displayed China's remarkable achievements and worked to promote greater participation in horse sports in the future, organizers said.

China Daily

(China Daily 11/05/2008 page23)