On October 5th, the finals of the 2024 Liaoning Equestrian Club Grand Prix, alongside the Feihe Parker “Hero of Heroes Cup” Equestrian Series, kicked off in the Hunnan District of Shenyang.
Over 200 horse and rider pairs from 13 of the province’s top equestrian clubs gathered to compete in eight thrilling events. These ranged from lower-level races at 60cm to timed contests between 90-120cm, as well as exciting carriage races. Spectators were treated to a remarkable showcase as riders tackled challenging obstacles with grace and teamwork, highlighting the breathtaking beauty of horses in motion.
This event also marks the conclusion of the 2024 Third Hunnan Equestrian Carnival. This year, the carnival innovatively offered a “double event per session” format, designed to provide a seamless and exhilarating experience. During the carnival, the “Provincial Sports Lottery Cup” 2024 Liaoning Youth Equestrian Championship ran concurrently with the main events, allowing young riders to showcase their skills alongside their equine partners. Beyond the competition arena, a vibrant atmosphere enveloped the event, featuring horse culture demonstrations, equestrian photography exhibitions, and themed dining experiences.
Compared to previous editions, this year’s event has significantly expanded in scale and diversity, striking a balance between the professionalism of equestrian sports and the festive spirit of carnival activities.
The competition took place on Zhujia Street in Hunnan District, set against the picturesque backdrop of southeastern Shenyang’s mountains, which provides an ideal landscape for developing the equestrian industry. This area has already attracted three equestrian clubs and is beginning to cultivate a growing cluster effect. In recent years, local authorities have actively developed equestrian infrastructure and enhanced event services, partnering with clubs to host various professional events, including rating tests, dressage competitions, endurance races, and youth training programs. This has laid a strong foundation for the growth of equestrian activities in the Zhujia region, signaling the emergence of equestrian sports as a vibrant part of local cultural tourism.
Looking ahead, local planners intend to strategically enhance the layout of the equestrian industry while continuing to expand its scale. They plan to integrate equestrian activities with rural accommodations and dining experiences, ultimately creating a comprehensive cultural tourism industry chain. This vision aims to foster new economic development in Zhujia, promoting rural revitalization and common prosperity.
The competition is set to last for two days, concluding on October 6th.
About the author