Shanghai is set to host the inaugural Shanghai International Horse Culture Week at the Shanghai Expo Culture Park from Sept 30 to Oct 7, promising a week-long celebration of equestrian excellence and entertainment for enthusiasts and the public alike.

The week-long event will take place at the Shanghai Jiushi International Equestrian Center within the newly unveiled southern section of the Shanghai Expo Culture Park. This will be the first time the venue opens its doors to the public following its successful hosting of the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour in May.

Kicking off the festivities will be a charity equestrian competition scheduled from Oct 1 to 3, featuring the participation of renowned German showjumper Marcus Ehning and four esteemed peers, who will compete alongside talented young Chinese riders.

The week will also witness the debut of the first-ever sand polo competition in a downtown setting, showcasing matches between four club teams hailing from Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Singapore on Oct 6 and 7. These competitions will be partly open to the public, with visitors encouraged to secure tickets to the charity platform in accordance with official guidelines.

In a bid to showcase the allure of equestrian arts, a special stage show titled Shanghai Charm on Horses will present stunt acts by equestrian talents from home and abroad.

The Aloga Auction, renowned as one of Europe's largest horse auctions, will host the first-ever European horse auction in China on Oct 4-5, offering attendees a unique opportunity to witness and engage with the world of equine trade and commerce.

Beyond the competitions and performances, the event will also feature a horse industry forum and a series of workshops aimed at fostering international exchanges and facilitating discussions to drive the growth and development of the horse industry in China.

Source: Shanghai Observer, "pdnews" WeChat account