The new kids at the stable block
Earlier this year, five talented young riders were recruited to the Hong Kong Junior Equestrian Team by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Clarissa Lyra, Corliss Chi, Harry Sanger, Jemma Zoe Rogers and Patricia Chan joined the team on February 19 after getting through a tough assessment by a panel made up of the club's equestrian affairs manager and senior riding instructors at local riding schools.
The five riders will be given professional training, including training in Europe this summer, and take part in overseas competitions, all sponsored by the club.
Currently studying at Island School, Hong Kong-born Clarissa started riding aged nine. The 14-year-old has won medals locally and abroad, striking gold and silver at international events in France and Germany respectively.
Clarissa hopes to qualify for the 2014 Asian Games and 2016 Olympic Games.
Born in Singapore, Corliss began riding when she was 10. Her successful 2008/09 season saw her become champion of the 0.8-0.9m jumping category and receive silver at the Hong Kong Horse of the Year Show in the team competition.
Now 14, Corliss aims to represent Hong Kong at the highest levels in the future.
English-born Harry Sanger started horse riding at the age of seven in England. Harry, 15, has participated in numerous events, winning the junior 1.05m section of the New South Wales state championships, where he also beat Vicki Roycroft, three-time Australian champion.
The Australian International School student aspires to achieve international success at competitions such as the Olympics.
With her mother as her first coach, Jemma Zoe Rogers began riding at three years of age. At 18, she is the oldest of the five, but this doesn't affect her passion or perseverance for equestrianism. Earning a bronze medal with horse Diana in a 2005 Children's FEI Show Jumping Event was a moment she would always remember.
In her final year at West Island School, Jemma's ambition is to represent Hong Kong in international events and graduate to three-star eventing competitions, the second most advanced level in the sport.
California-born Patricia Chan moved to Hong Kong in 1997 when she was one. Devoted to her sport, the 14-year-old has been hooked since she was six. After participating in several competitions, she has shown promising results, winning a silver medal in a 2007 Children's FEI Category C event in 2007.
