Hong Kong equestrian riders aim to jump to new heights at World Championships in Germany

Far from struggling with physical limitations, para-dressage riders Timothy Tsang Tin-chi and Louie Lam Lok-yee discovered that getting into the saddle offers them a liberating sense of balance and freedom. The pair took up horse riding at a young age to help with mobility, coordination and confidence, and next month they head to the FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, and if all goes well the Asian Games in Japan in September. Competing in his third World Championships, veteran rider Tsang smiles as he interacts with and leads his horses, a sight that makes it hard to believe he could barely stand when he was a child. Born in 1995 with a severe leg condition that left his limbs weak and unable to support his weight, Tsang was introduced to equine rehabilitation by his family at age nine in hopes of improving his mobility. “Because our legs aren’t good, riding actually helps us train our balance,” the 31-year-old Grade III rider said. “It doesn’t add difficulty, it helps us.” He first encountered horses at an early education centre, where a teacher mentioned that riding could build balance and endurance, prompting him to try it. “I have a lot of love for horses,” Tsang said. “Every time I see them, I’m happy to communicate with them. On horseback, I feel their gait and rhythm, so I enjoy interacting with them.” Years of training helped improve his leg to the point where he could walk unaided, while also teaching him the “hand-brain-as-one” control concept over his mounts. Beyond physical gains, Tsang said the sport’s biggest impact was connecting him with a wide circle of friends. “Plus, as my coordination and communication with the horses improved, it deepened our bond,” he added. Tsang brings extensive international experience to the arena. He won individual silver and team bronze at the 2018 CPEDI3* in Deauville, France, competed in the 2018 World Equestrian Games and qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. At the Asian Championships in Pattaya, he finished fourth in the Grade III individual event before pairing up with Lam and Fleur Mei Kuen Maria Schrader to claim team silver. In para-dressage, riders are classified into five grades based on the nature and severity of their physical impairment to ensure fair competition. For the coming tournament, Tsang believes that enjoying the process is more important than final results. “This is a rare opportunity for me,” he said. “I truly enjoy the entire training process.” And Aachen is excellent preparation for the Asian Games next month. “I feel extremely fortunate to be competing for a third time [at the World Championships],” Tsang said. “For me, this is a warm-up event to solidify our basic skills and techniques on the horse.” Joining Tsang in Aachen is 17-year-old Lam, who was born with congenital lower-limb paralysis and has used a wheelchair since childhood. The Grade II rider joined the Hong Kong team two years ago and will make his debut at the World Championships. While nervous, Lam said he was looking forward to learning from different riders from around the world. “There will be top competitors from around the world with far more experience,” Lam said. “I want to use this opportunity to learn from riders from different regions, observe how they adapt to unexpected environmental factors on the field and apply those lessons to perform better at the World Championships.” Competing alongside veterans such as Tsang has also provided encouragement to the youngster, and helped ease his pre-competition nerves. “We always encourage each other during competitions, pointing out mistakes or giving advice on how to perform better, which helps ease the psychological pressure,” Lam added. Looking ahead, he is also focused on the Asian Games. “As a Hong Kong team member, I believe many athletes aspire to compete and shine on larger, diverse stages,” Lam said. “I hope to continue representing Hong Kong globally and bring home more awards and honour.” Lam was introduced to riding through a family friend, joining courses with the Riding for the Disabled Association to improve his balance, coordination, and confidence. “At first, I was a bit scared of horses because their presence intimidated me, but I soon realised how pure they are,” Lam said. “They easily sense your emotions – whether you’re excited, nervous, or afraid.” Lam’s rise in equestrian has been swift. In 2024, he won Grade A II and B II individual and freestyle titles at two-star international events in Addington, UK, and Deurne, Netherlands. At the Asian Championships in Pattaya, he finished fifth in the individual event, helping Hong Kong secure team silver. For the teenager, life is evenly split between equestrian training and academics. Currently preparing for the 2027 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, Lam trains twice a week alongside gym sessions, and heads to the UK for intensive training during school holidays. Beyond enriching his life outside studies, he said horse riding has given him a deeper connection to nature. “For me, horses offer a chance to connect with the vitality of nature and experience different beautiful things in the world, rather than confining myself to finding beauty only through books.” The duo, alongside fellow Jockey Club para equestrian squad member Schrader, are part of a four-rider Hong Kong contingent heading to Aachen for individual and team para-dressage events, with Patrick Lam Lap-shun in the show jumping.

Hong Kong equestrian riders aim to jump to new heights at World Championships in Germany

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Para-dressage competitors Timothy Tsang and Louie Lam took up horse riding at a young age to help with mobility, coordination and confidence

Para-dressage competitors Timothy Tsang and Louie Lam took up horse riding at a young age to help with mobility, coordination and confidence