Mr. Cheng Qing, Secretary General, Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA)

CHF: What is the history of the Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA) and what are its major functions?

Cheng Qing：Founded in 1979, the CEA is a national non-government, non-profit organization based in Beijing and a member of the All-China Sports Federation. In 1982, the CEA was accepted as a formal member of International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Our major responsibilities are:

* to create the development plan, strategy and policy of equestrian sports in China;

* to organise all kinds of competitions;

* to formulate rules on the management of racehorses;

* to define the categories of racehorses and to set up standards for their evaluation;

* to organise training programs for athletes, coaches and judges;

* to select athletes to participate in international and national games;

* to organise international games in China;

* to supervise export of racehorses.

CEA’s unique role and position means its recommendations have a great impact on developments in China’s equestrian and professional horse sports industry. CEA regularly invites foreign experts to visit China to communicate with local professionals and to provide education and training. On the other hand, CEA also sends Chinese athletes or experts to study abroad so as to keep improving the level of China’s equestrian sports.

CHF：What is the present level of China’s professional equestrian and horse sports industries and what are the major challenges it faces in the future? What is the present demand for horses and equestrian products in China and what is the prediction for the future?

Cheng Qing：Chinese equestrian sports are still in their primary phase of development. How to raise the level of horse and rider training? How to improve horse feeding and healthcare? Successful horse breeding in China to achieve international standards, these  are the major challenges facing the development of China’s professional equestrian and horse sports and leisure industries. With the popularization of equestrian sports in China, the demand for high-end products and good horses is rising rapidly. The consumption of GPA caps is a very good example. GPA is an international brand which after promoting through a Beijing based company, we now see a lot of people in China wearing GPA caps when training and participating in competitions. In China, more and more individuals are realising that equestrian sports are both very stimulating and healthy, so the number of individual horse owners keeps on increasing. More and more wealthy people are entering this industry in China, especially in economically developed regions. In a word, China’s professional equestrian and horse sports and leisure industries have huge development potential and a bright future.

CHF：What is the present level of development for China’s equestrian clubs and how will the change in the future?

Cheng Qing：The level of development and geographic distribution of equestrian clubs in China is uneven. Equestrian clubs are concentrated in the three big cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and especially in Beijing. About 60 equestrian clubs have already achieved an advanced standard in Beijing and this number will continue to grow which means equestrian clubs have a very bright future. Through their activities such as horse and rider training, horse trading and recruitment of new members, they are a vital part of the industry supply chain. Equestrian clubs in the second and third tier cities are now also developing very quickly. the number of new clubs is growing at about 10-15 per cent p.a.

CHF：How many equestrian sports enthusiasts are there current in China and what is growth trend?

Cheng Qing：National statistics put the number of equestrian sports enthusiasts at about 300,000 but some estimates put this figure much higher. Compared to the overall population of China, the figure is very small, which reflects the  huge development potential. The number of equestrian sports enthusiasts is increasing rapidly with some estimates putting it at 1,000 new club members registering weekly.

CHF：What is the purchasing power of buyers in China’s? What would you say to international suppliers who maybe doubtful that the Chinese market can afford the cost of purchasing their high-end products?

Cheng Qing：The purchasing power of buyers in China’s equestrian industry is very good now. Although some Chinese equestrian clubs are still purchasing cheap products to serve public members, the demand for high-end products is very strong amongst many individual enthusiasts. Therefore, it is very important for high-end product suppliers to promote their brand effectively in the Chinese market to let people know the value and advantages of their products so as to encourage consumption in the future.

CHF：Why does CEA support the China Horse Fair (CHF) every year?

Cheng Qing：CEA believes that it is essential to organise the CHF annually because it  effectively builds a platform for both local and international companies to develop new business contacts, exchange information and experiences in this high growth market. CHF helps to bring into China related international standard and advanced management skills, good horses for riding and breeding, high-end products and valuable experience of the international horse culture. At the same time it helps to promote Chinese culture and good value locally produced products to the international market. Through the CHF, more products and services have been introduced to the Chinese equestrian market and these have a positive impact on promoting development in the Chinese equestrian sports and notably in developing a higher quality horse stock.

CHF：CHF 2010 will take place 26-28 October in Beijing, how will CEA support the show? What suppliers would CEA like to see involved and what topics should be discussed at the Forum?

Cheng Qing：CEA will support the CHF 2010 in a lot of ways. Significantly we are planning to organise the National Equestrian Clubs and Race Tracks Conference alongside the CHF 2010. This gathering will plan to review the current state of development, assess industry trends and plan for the future. The CEA will invite and encourage equestrian clubs to participate not only in the conference and seminar programmes, but also visit the exhibits and exhibitors on display at CHF 2010. We hope more international high-end products including quality horses will be exhibited at CHF 2010. Topics to be discussed during the seminar should include; Equestrian Clubs Management & Marketing Strategies; Selecting the right tack; Selecting the right horse.

CHF：As the location for CHF 2010, how do you assess Beijing’s role and position in the China’s national equestrian and professional horse industry?

Cheng Qing：The equestrian sports are most active in Beijing. The highest concentration of equestrian clubs are located here and most related competitions are organised in Bejing. Beijing has the highest volume of trade for horses importing 300-400 horses annually and is home to many of the country’s most professional equestrian sports and riding clubs. As a result Beijing also see a very high demand for horse riding equipment.  As the political and cultural centre of China, the development of equestrian sports and horse trading in Beijing is leading the rest of the country and therefore Beijing is the best location to stage the CHF 2010.