Hong Kong will play host to over 200 horses, their riders, trainers, grooms and supporters. For the competitors, the games represent the pinnacle of their careers. For the Asian equestrian community, the games are an opportunity to share in the expertise and talent of some the world's greatest athletes . . . and horses.
In Hong Kong, mainly due to space constraints, the disciplines of showjumping and dressage are most popular, although eventing is growing in popularity following visits by international medal winners, such as Clayton Fredericks, who won the 2005 FEI Eventing World Cup on Ben Along Time, owned by the Hong Kong-based McAuley family.
Many riders begin competing on former racehorses and progress to mainly European warm-bloods, bred and trained for equestrian sports as their skills develop.
Hong Kong riders have become more active on the international scene and are regulars in the Southeast Asian League.
Hong Kong and China are building the talent pool and, given the right sponsorship and support, could well produce some Olympic equestrian contenders.