The 2012 China Equestrian Festival will be held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, from Oct 13-20.

The venue for the eight-day event, the Chengdu Jinma International Racecourse in Jinma Township in the Wenjiang district of Chengdu, is the only international racecourse in western China, according to Tian Rong, the deputy mayor of Chengdu.

With first-class race tracks and other facilities, it can accommodate about 5,000 spectators, she said.

A series of contests, including a barrel race, the FEI show jumping World Cup (China Zone), the CEF Show jumping Grand Prix, the China Herdsman Barrel Racing Tour finals and the China Clubs League Racing and Vaulting Performance will take place, said Li Nianxi, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA).

There will also be horse-themed calligraphy, paintings, photos and horse-gear exhibitions and interactive cultural activities, Li said.

Wenjiang hosted the 2011 China Equestrian Festival in September. The CEA decided to host the China Equestrian Festival permanently in the district, said Tian, who is also the district's Party chief.

The most influential equestrian event in western China, the festival is aimed at enhancing Chengdu's equestrian sector.

huangzhiling@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/10/2012 page23)