Sports
By Jin Yingying
The 2nd Hangzhou (Tonglu) International Equestrian Open was held from June 14 to 16 at the Tonglu Equestrian Center. The three-day event featured eight competition levels and saw participants from over ten countries and regions, including China, the Netherlands, the United States, Russia, and Germany. This is also the first major equestrian competition at the equestrian center since the 19th Asian Games and the largest event hosted at the venue to date.
Among all participants, the oldest is 56, while the youngest is only 9, and there are high-level riders who have participated in the Olympic Games and Asian Games.
The competition included various show jumping events, with competitors vying for a total prize pool of one million RMB.
The Hangzhou Equestrian Center boasts an 80x100 meter main arena, a 5,000 square meter indoor training arena, over 3,100 spectator seats, and nearly 4 kilometers of cross-country tracks. The center’s facilities include five stables, each with 48 stalls, accommodating up to 240 horses. Additional amenities such as a veterinary hospital and feed storage were well-received by participants, who praised the center for its excellent conditions.
The 2024 Open also featured the first-ever horse industry exhibition held at the venue, showcasing equestrian equipment, clothing, training services, and other related products. This exhibition attracted numerous horse owners, riders, and industry-related businesses.！
A significant highlight of the event was the appearance of ten Akhal-Teke horses from Jilin Province in China. These horses will now reside permanently at the center, where they will be available for viewing and riding by visitors. The horses will also participate in events at local scenic spots and agricultural tourism parks, with an upcoming event titled “Akhal-Teke Horses Racing into Hangzhou” scheduled for the end of the month.