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.