Follow the motion

Held by his instructor, Li Yichen, 11, put his left foot into the stirrup and then swung his right leg over Xiao Pangzi, or Little Fatty, a 9-year-old white pony.

Li Yichen, 11, attends a training session. He is one of 40 younger members of the Xiwu International Equestrian Club in Beijing. Photos by Feng Yongbin / China Daily

"Relax your muscles and follow the motion of the horse," said the instructor.

Bouncing against the horse's back, the boy nodded and grabbed the pommel of the saddle.

Li's fourth horseback riding session at Xiwu involved learning how to get in tune with the motion of the horse, rather than being overwhelmed by it.

Although the ride was a little bumpy, the boy said he loved the feeling of being on horseback and had no fear of falling or being bitten. "Horses are herbivorous," the boy said, possibly forgetting that this is no guarantee that he won't be bitten.

His mother, Li Meixuan, said that sending children to learn horseback riding is an increasingly popular option among parents in her circle. Li's family joined the club just one month ago, following recommendations from a friend. "It's good exercise and gives the child an opportunity to interact with animals," she said.

Almost every weekend, she has to drive for nearly an hour to take her son to a 30-minute training session, costing 300 yuan ($47).

The most important thing is that equestrianism is a dignified sport, and one that requires participants to display elegance and composure, she said. Those qualities were the reason she introduced the boy to the "high-end" sport: "I want my son to become a real gentleman," she admitted.

Children usually learn faster and with greater ease than adults, according to Bayier, a rising instructor with five years' experience teaching children and adults.

"They (children) are lighter and more flexible, and they usually have a natural affinity with animals," he said. "An important way to achieve success in equestrianism is to participate at a young age."

To ensure rider safety, horses for children must be calm, experienced and well trained, said Bayier, who only allows youngsters to ride ponies and smaller horses. The club also uses breakaway stirrups for children, which disengage to prevent a rider who falls from being dragged by the horse.

Technically, with appropriate protection, even a 3-year-old can learn to ride a horse, claimed Bayier.

'An intricate dance'

Equestrian sports are great for honing balance and strength, and good for kids who are empathetic and nurturing, as opposed to competitive. That's because riding involves understanding the animal, said Li Weiping, consultant to the China Horse Industry Association, who spent four years at the American Academy of Equine Art in Georgetown Kentucky, studying equine psychology and equestrian culture.

"An intricate dance between horse and rider takes place in the arena," he said. "You are literally dancing with another being. The rider certainly is leading the dance, but instead of dragging, he just offers a hint, the horse feels it and goes with him," he said. "It's all about trust and consent."

As a rider's performance depends largely on the horse, the connection between human and animal is essential for success in competition, he added.

No Chinese riders qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games. However, six competed at Beijing 2008, but had little success in the country's Olympic debut.

Since formal equestrian activities have only developed in China during the past few decades, Li Weiping said the lack of Olympic success won't change unless more young people participate.