By Christina Kitova, associate partner at Hodges Media Communications, based in Markham, Ontario Canada
China has a long history of supporting the horse industry. Domesticating horses in the country had begun in 3000 to 2300 B.C. Horse-drawn chariots were widely-used during the Shang Dynasty, circa 1450-1050 B.C.
The invention had played a pivotal role in equestrian history, since the breast-strap harnessing system had developed during the Warring States Period, at around 300 B.C.
China had experienced evolving stages of horse industry development during the Xia, Shang and Zhou, Qin and Han Dynasties. In the Han dynasty, light breed horses were introduced. In the Tang dynasty, over 20 new breeds of horses were welcomed.
China offers vast opportunities for those participating in equestrian sports. Growth in equestrian sports stands in line with the Chinese economy that has shifted to a more market-oriented one, which favors more international trade.
Canada is one of the world's leading countries for breeding the best horses. Canada has a rich history of equestrianism that dates from the times it was recognized as New France.
The landing of the first horse in Quebec was in 1647. In 1850, a legendary breed of Canadian horses had emerged. Canadian horses are considered to have a stronger constitution than American horse breeds.
With much fanfare, a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on March 29, during a nationally-televised meeting in Beijing. Delegates from the Equine Canada (EC) industry associations signed a (MOU) with the China Horse Industry Association (CHIA).
As the Chinese equestrian sector grows along with greater support for imports, greater opportunities abound for a symbiotic trade partnership between the two countries. The interest in Quarter Horses and roles for Canadian trainers will be valuable for the Chinese equestrian sport.
That means there could be more Canadian Horses exports to China. Historically China had imported its horses from the former Soviet Union during 1950s and 1960s.
Accordingly, there should be more facilities and experts to train horses in China, which can add financial benefits for Canadians, allowing them to set up exchange training programs between the two countries.
The popularity of equestrian sports has increased by 80% as more Chinese participate in show jumping, followed by dressage, track riding and polo. More equestrian competitions have been organized with a rising number of contestants entering.
The first equestrian club opened in Shanghai nearly ten years ago. In Beijing, there are nearly 100 horse clubs that have opened and those numbers continue to rise. China has over 300 equestrian clubs, which serve as prime real estate for luxury developers who can add polo fields to new projects.
The equestrian sport has come into fashion and many Chinese citizens have sought out expats to take lessons from them. The Chinese are signing up for the Longines Global Champions Tour in Shanghai, a prestigious event that boost business networking.
The equestrian industry has focused more on international partnerships, creating amazing opportunities to develop a new trade vision that could produce more winning horses for the Chinese.
The upcoming China Horse Fair this October in Beijing would likely draw plenty of interest from the global equestrian community. A Chinese partnership with Canadians can boost the equestrian industry in the country that can develop further for long-term mutual benefits.
Christina Kitova, associate partner at Hodges Media Communications, based in Markham, Ontario Canada
( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )
Panview offers an alternative angle on China and the rest of the world through the analyses and opinions of experts. We also welcome outside submissions, so feel free to send in your own editorials to "globalopinion@vip.cntv.cn" for consideration.
