The China Horse Industry Association (CHIA) is a non-profit organization, and the only organization authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs of China to be responsible for the management of horse breeds, registration and studbooks in China. As of July 2022 they are a WBFSH associate member, and herewith the only body on the Asian continent that is part of the WBFSH network. It was a pleasure to have them participate at the 2022 General Assembly & Annual Meetings in Dresden.
The CHIA is highly motivated to promote and develop horse sport and breeding in China, and has set up a Chinese Warmblood Studbook. They have also organized the China Young Horse Grand Prix since 2019. The 4th edition of this event took place from 3rd to 5th November 2022 at Sheerwood Equestrian Club, located in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. It is the first professional performance test competition in Asia designed for 4-7 years old young jumping horses.
100 Chinese-bred Warmblood young horses competed in four groups of 4-7 years olds and underwent a comprehensive assessment, including health condition, pedigree, linear scoring, and athleticism by a panel of breeders, equine veterinarians, and equestrian experts. The event is also an important part of the performance test of livestock and poultry in China's Third National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Census, and the measurement data and results are reported to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs by CHIA.
The WBFSH, FEI, KWPN, and Hannoveraner Verband congratulated and supported the event. Jan Pedersen, the president of the WBFSH, stated in the congratulatory letter that "CHIA, the first member the WBFSH has in Asia, will get our full support to establish and promote its warmblood horse breeding system in China."
Meanwhile, the Young Horse Grand Prix continues to make a significant impact in China as one of the most influential events in the country. According to statistics, the event was viewed online 400 million times and was read in media reports 1.5 million times. These figures show that more and more Chinese people are interested in horses and the Warmblood industry.
The WBFSH is pleased to see this development in new frontiers, which reflects a growing and changing equestrian industry, which is in turn good for breeding.
Watch the video highlights of the China Young Horse Grand Prix:
