Asia Games - Host City Ready for First International Equestrian Event

Workers prepare for the equestrian events at the Conghua venue

The Provincial Capital of Guangdong is geared up for the first international equestrian event to be held on the mainland during the Guangzhou Asian Games, with some 61 horses arriving from overseas in the Conghua venue.

"The weather conditions and facilities here are absolutely perfect," said John P Ridley, Director of Operations of Asian Games Equestrian Venue.
The venue, located in a hot spring valley, is the largest of its kind in China, according to local authorities.

The "specific equine disease-free zone" in Conghua, about 70km from Guangzhou, has been approved by the European Union and the World Organisation for Animal Health, allowing horses from around the world to return to their countries with a set of quarantine protocols for transportation.

"It means the equestrian venue in Conghua has become the mainland's first course to hold international horse racing events," said Wen Jiefu, director of the Asian Games equestrian venue.

The equestrian competition at the Asian Games, which includes dressage, jumping and cross-country events, takes place from Nov 14 to 24. The event features 105 athletes from 16 countries and regions competing for six gold medals.

Sixty-one horses landed on Tuesday night to prepare for the first several days of competition, and another 34 horses will fly to Conghua on November 16.

"They have undergone strict medical and sanitary checks upon their arrival. The absolutely perfect weather here has helped them become accustomed to the local environment," Ridley said.

Horses began training at the competition venue on Wednesday.

After the games, the Conghua venue will be used as a training centre for equestrian events, according to a memorandum signed between the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Guangzhou government. The Hong Kong Jockey Club will play an important role in the equestrian event as it will provide technical assistance and help transport horses to the venue.