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Asia Horse Week provides new regional forum for development of equestrian sports

02/08/2018

Hong Kong’s inaugural Asia Horse Week conference opened at AsiaWorld-Expothis morning (8 February). Over 60 representatives from leading equestrian federations, regional horse clubs and the equine industry gathered to exchange views with counterparts from around the world and discuss strategies for further developing the sport in Asia.

With The Hong Kong Jockey Club as Founding Partner, Asia Horse Week adds a new dimension to the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, which is now in its sixth year and has become one of the most highly-regarded 5-star equestrian competitions in the world.

Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony, Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip said there was strong and growing enthusiasm for equine sports not only on the Chinese Mainland, but also right across Asia.

“This is why this conference, the first of its kind in Asia, is so important,” he commented. “It brings together some of the world’s most established equestrian organisations with some of its newest and most up-and-coming, and provides an essential forum for benchmarking standards and sharing learning and best practice.  There will also be opportunities to learn from leading European federations, to discuss equine care and rider well-being, and to learn about the exciting developments across Asia.  In short, I firmly believe that this conference can be the start of a regular and ongoing dialogue that will benefit equestrian sport both regionally and worldwide.”

Besides presentations on horsemanship, horse welfare, bio-security and breeding, an important topic of discussion will be how Asia can best build on the legacy of the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics – staged in Hong Kong with the Jockey Club’s support – and work towards showcasing the region’s exciting growth and development since then at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

From tomorrow until Sunday, the action will switch to the jumping arena at AsiaWorld-Expo, where the 2018 Longines Masters of Hong Kong will include the Longines Grand Prix, the HKJC Trophy, the novel HKJC Race of the Riders featuring four Hong Kong jockeys partnering four local and international equestrian stars, HKJC Junior Challenge and HKJC Junior Trophy for up-and-coming local riders.  The competition also serves as the second leg of the 2017/18 Grand Slam Indoor of Show Jumping.

As another means of promoting equestrian sports in the local community, the Club is once again sponsoring some 1,600 local students and less privileged residents to attend the competition.

From its roots as a horse racing and riding club established in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has played a major role in the city’s equestrian sports development over the years. Its public riding schools, which opened in the 1970s, now attract some 60,000 local visitors of all ages each year to learn riding skills and horse care. Equestrian sports gained in popularity following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, held in Hong Kong with the Club’s support. The HKJC Equestrian Team and HKJC Junior Equestrian Training Squad were established by the Club in the same year with the aim of developing the potential of Hong Kong’s most talented riders. Several of its members have since won medals in international competitions. The Club also launched the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan in 2016. This merit-based programme is designed to nurture Hong Kong’s high-performing riders as they strive for equestrian excellence on the world stage. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.

Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip believes that this conference can be the start of a regular and ongoing dialogue that will benefit equestrian sports both regionally and worldwide.
Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip believes that this conference can be the start of a regular and ongoing dialogue that will benefit equestrian sports both regionally and worldwide.

Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip (3rd right) joins President of FEI Group VIII Jack Huang (2nd left), President of EEF Dr Hanfried Haring (1st right), Hong Kong Equestrian Federation President Michael Lee (1st left), Chief Executive Officer of EEM Chistophe Ameeuw (2nd right) and Chairman of Asia Horse Week Raphael Le Masne de Chermont (3rd left) at the Asia Horse Week ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Club Chairman Dr Simon Ip (3rd right) joins President of FEI Group VIII Jack Huang (2nd left), President of EEF Dr Hanfried Haring (1st right), Hong Kong Equestrian Federation President Michael Lee (1st left), Chief Executive Officer of EEM Chistophe Ameeuw (2nd right) and Chairman of Asia Horse Week Raphael Le Masne de Chermont (3rd left) at the Asia Horse Week ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Photo 3 and 4:<br> Asia Horse Week provides an opportunity for representatives from leading equestrian federations, regional horse clubs and the equine industry to discuss strategies for further developing the sport in Asia.
Photo 3 and 4:
Asia Horse Week provides an opportunity for representatives from leading equestrian federations, regional horse clubs and the equine industry to discuss strategies for further developing the sport in Asia.


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