There will be some horsing around in Beijing

It's lucky seven for equestrian enthusiasts in China, with the announcement Beijing will host the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup Jumping-China League international professional equestrian series for the seventh straight time from April 29 to May 7 at Chaoyang Park.

The three-leg series kicks off its four-day opening on April 29 with local hopefuls challenging elite riders from European powers, including Britain, Germany and Ireland, on customized courses at the park that hosted the beach volleyball tournament at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Launched in 2011, the event is the only official route for Chinese riders to qualify for the World Cup year-end finals, and also offers a platform for local riders to compete with the world's best.