The key Chinese media always refer to Ludger Beerbaum as the “Father of the German equestrian sport”. Even if the German equestrian sport is actually quite a few years older than the successful sportsman and entrepreneur from Riesenbeck, Westphalia, this reverent title clearly underlines the fact that the role Beerbaum is primarily playing at the “Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters” in Peking is that of the ambassador for his sport. In an interview the 49-year-old co-organiser of the equestrian event staged in the “Bird’s Nest” national stadium talked about the globalisation of the sport, the arising opportunities for Germany and about the rapid development of organised equestrianism in China over the past years.

Q: The equestrian sport has become increasingly more globalised over the past years. What are your views on this development?

A: Our sport has without doubt taken a very large step forward within a very short space of time. For us riders it was like a huge mountain that suddenly loomed up in front of us: Long journeys, also for the horses of course, huge logistical challenges and suddenly we had much more to manage. When I look back over the past few years, it has provided us above all with a great opportunity. We are not football or Formula 1 racing, so we should be grateful that we have the opportunity to present our equestrian sport on an international level. Many other sports are envious of the fact that we are able to participate in the growth markets on a global scale. And for us personally it is broadening our horizons immensely, a fantastic experience.

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