Horse riding was considered a sport in China from as early as the Zhou Dynasty (1046 .B.C - .A.D 256). Though commonly considered a sport for aristocrats, equestrianism is gradually adopted by more and more ordinary people in Guangzhou.
In Guangzhou, equestrianism came in vogue in recent years and has now over 100 amateurs according to Du from Guangzhou's Tianlu Equestrianism Club. These equestrians regard the sport as a long-term hobby and more than 20 of them have already adopted their own horse.
Horse riding is beneficial to the riders' health and physical condition. Most appealingly, if offers a great opportunity to get out of the city, alone or with friends, and reestablish an important bond with nature.
Du insists a good coach and suitable training is vital in improving amateur's horse-riding skills, otherwise it could be dangerous. As well as Du's club, there are now three equestrianism clubs in Guangzhou, all of which provide professional training courses.
Guangzhou Biaozhuo Equestrianism Club
Address: Xingye Lu, Nancun Town, Panyu District
Resources: 15 coaches and more than 30 horses
(Mostly hybrid horses and a few Chinese horses)
Fees: 150-300 Yuan (USD 25-50) per 45 minutes
(Equipment rent and coach fee included)
Guangzhou Tianlu Equestrianism Club
Address: Tianlu Nan Lu, Luogang District
Resources: 8 coaches and about 50 horses
Fees: 148 Yuan (USD 22) per 1/2 hour, 228 Yuan (USD 34) per hour
Guangzhou Yingzi Equestrianism Club
Address: Lizhi Wenhua (Litchi Culture) Village, Phoenix City, Country Garden
Resource: 6 coaches and over 30 horses
Fees: 135-180 Yuan (USD 20-30) per hour (coach included)
Equipment and Prices:
Equipment includes riding boots (or chaps), gloves, a helmet and horsewhip.
Glove: 50-500 Yuan (USD 8-75)
Riding breeches: 150-1100 Yuan (USD 25-160)
Helmet: 500-900 Yuan (USD 75-150)
Horsewhip: 200-500 Yuan (USD 30-75)
Boot: 1000-4000 Yuan (USD 150-600)
Chaps: 150-1100 Yuan (USD 25-160)
(Devin Liao and David Keyton)
