Shanghai's back in the saddle

Paving the way

Tops has noticed that the audience is already very knowledgeable about equestrian sports, and many young people from across the country came to Shanghai to attend the event.

"Our Shanghai event has always attracted a passionate crowd that enjoys the high level of competition and the associated lifestyle experience. The whole development of the last 10 years is very much continuing, and we are happy to be part of this evolution," he said.

The event organizers have always prioritized growth. They've crafted a complete and immersive viewing experience, including equestrian cultural displays, brand exchanges for horse equipment, artistic installations, and interactive parent-child activities, focused on promoting the bond between people and horses.

During the pre-tournament Sino-European horse industry exchange seminar, Lu Wei, secretary-general of the Shanghai Equestrian Association, remarked that the ten years since the inception of the competition in China have been the most rapid for the country's equestrian development.

"Initially, many didn't grasp the distinctions between speed racing and equestrian sports. But now, equestrianism fulfills various emotional and recreational needs, beyond just competition, thanks to the efforts and impact of these events," Lu explained.

Cheng Keqiang, director of the Shanghai Equestrian Sports Management Center, sees equestrianism as a sport that instills compassion and carries substantial economic potential.

"We hope this new equestrian venue will pave the way for Shanghai's equestrian development. By hosting this event, we aim to boost the sport's growth and event system formation, making Shanghai an even more prominent global sports city," Cheng stated.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn