Six individuals representing Equine Canada’s Export Market Development program (EC Export) completed a trade mission to Zhaosu County, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of northwest China in early July. The mission’s delegates met their objectives to experience, firsthand, a Chinese-run equestrian sporting event, gain knowledge of China’s current horse husbandry practices and demonstrate that Canada has the expertise to partner with China as it strives to develop a contemporary horse industry.

In a different format from previous trade missions, four endurance riders, who took on the role as “Canadian Equestrian Ambassadors” represented Canada in a four-day equine festival called the Invitational Tournament of 2011 “Xinfadi Cup” the Second National Equestrianism Endurance Racing and Speed Competition in Pasture of Zhaosu County. Along with a flat racing meet for Chinese-owned thoroughbreds and native horses, the festival was comprised of three days of riding over 260 km in the area’s grasslands, which included an 80 km endurance race on July 1st. 

Riding borrowed horses for the event were Elroy Karius, Gail Jewel, Robert Gielen and Wendy MacCoubrey. Each has represented Canada internationally, most recently as members of the Canadian Equestrian Team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and/or the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championships. Susan Stewart, the managing consultant of EC Export, led the trade mission and Barbara Daley acted as the communications consultant for the initiative.

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