Five-star event driving Hong Kong show jumping to greater heights, leading rider says
Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show gets under way at AsiaWorld-Expo, with city’s young riders learning from the best
A five-star show jumping event in Hong Kong is driving the rise of local riders and boosting the city’s status internationally, a leading equestrian said on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, Richard Vogel said it was the “perfect way and the perfect road” to develop the sport in the city.
Taking place at the AsiaWorld-Expo for the second year running, the three-day event features some of the world’s elite, including Vogel, who said “bringing the best horses and riders” was an ideal place to start.
The 28-year-old German also believed Hong Kong’s reputation for horse racing gave the city a solid foundation and said the same could be achieved in show jumping for local riders.
“They can compete against the best in the world and that just always makes your own athletes grow, as top athletes lead,” he said. “Nothing different.”
Vogel, who is competing in Hong Kong for the second time, said everything from the stables to the footing, jump materials and poles had improved, and he was looking forward to seeing the event grow still further.