The world's top equestrians will perform alongside China's Olympic medal winners this weekend as the nation's first international equestrian competition arrives in Beijing.

The 2011 Beijing International Equestrian Grand Prix will see 10 of the best equestrians - led by renowned German rider Ludger Beerbaum - compete 30 of China's top trotters at the Bird's Nest.

Taking place over Friday and Saturday, it is the first time that any international equestrian competition has been held in China.

"This is not only significant for Beijing and China, but it is also a huge deal for the entire Asian community," said Li Jing, president of Dashing International Equestrian, one of the event's main sponsors.

The international riders arrived late on Wednesday afternoon and only an hour after landing were galloping on the transformed grounds of the Bird's Nest in preparation for the competition.

"I am amazed at the stadium. This has been really exciting for all of us," said Kevin Staut, rider ambassador for Just World International, a charity that raises money through equestrian activities.

Staut, who has recently was appointed the first athlete member of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), said the chance to come to China and ride was an important opportunity for him to see one of the world's fastest developing equestrian scenes. "It's a great chance for me to see the country, the culture and China's riding mentality," he said.

But it is not just the riders who leapt at the opportunity to travel to China. Judging the competition is former vice-president of FEI, Sven Homburg.

"It's a very prestigious event," said Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, three-time World Equestrian Cup winner and Beerbaum's wife.

While for the international riders this is a chance to see China, for potential Chinese Olympic rider Zhu Meimei, it is a chance for the Chinese to see her for the first time since her return from studying in the United States.

So far, the grand prix has drawn the attention of equestrian fans from in and around Beijing and beyond. "I came all the way from Shanghai," said 19-year-old Colombian Maria Echaurria. "It should be really exciting."

Jing added: "There are now more than 100 clubs in Beijing alone. We hope more people become interested through events like these."

China Daily

(China Daily 05/19/2011)