Kids sold on saddling up

China's ambition to join equestrianism's upper echelon won't be realized overnight, but burgeoning interest in the traditionally Western-dominated sport among the younger generation is certainly cause for optimism.

The seventh Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters, which took place over the weekend at the Bird's Nest, is one of the biggest events on China's horse-riding calendar and one that has witnessed a booming popularity with kids.

In response to that demand, a multi-platform project called Equine Park, located adjacent to the showjumping course inside the stadium, was launched this year, allowing thousands of parents and their children to saddle up and get on horseback, making a sport that is sometimes accused of being elitist instantly accessible to local families.