Equine esteem and horse lovers
 |
|
A trainer controls a horse at the China International Professional Horse Sports and Leisure Industries Exhibition in Beijing last year. [Wang Jing / China Daily] |
Zhi Gang of Beijing embarked on a horse-hunting expedition to France six years ago.
"Pedigree and horsemanship are generally superior overseas," Zhi says.
French horses' stamina normally exceeds that of other countries' horses, he says.
Zhi owns a dozen horses, and two of his imported breeds won first and third places at the International Equestrian Federation's one-star endurance event in Chengde city in Hebei in June.
The event is over 80 kilometers. The one-star FEI-approved international competition covers 80-119 km a day.
Ultimately, buying a winner largely comes down to an educated guess.
"There are no standards to rely on," Zhi says.
"I can only choose based on dealers' advice about the pedigree and previous competition experience."
Si Maming does not worry about endurance but, rather, about agility. Dressage is his focus.
The Beijing resident from Liaoning province's capital, Shenyang, owns eight horses. Three come from Portugal and the rest from China.
"Foreign horses more easily establish relationships with humans," he says.
One of his Portuguese equines appeared onstage during Liaoning TV's Spring Festival Gala last year.
Si divides dressage into modern and classical. He prefers the latter.
"It resembles Chinese tai chi and explores a shared realm between human and horse. Horses should be encouraged, rather than forced, to move so they can best show their extraordinary talents."
Si says interacting with horses has taught him patience.
Horse prices vary greatly.
Chinese breeds cost 10,000-100,000 yuan, while foreign breeds used for Olympic competitions can reach 16 million yuan, Wutzala says.
Another 100,000 yuan must be paid for international transport, tariffs and customs inspections.
The value of untrained horses is a tenth of that of trained ones of the same breed, he says.
Beijing clubs generally charge 3,000-5,000 yuan for maintenance but may charge as little as 2,000 yuan in the suburbs.
China's horseback-riding industry has rapidly developed in the past two years.
"Over a million people a year ride on Hebei's Bashang grassland now," Wutzala says.
"Demand has also given rise to the horse-owning class."
Luan Shu contributed to the story.
Related:
