China’s most established trade event for the professional equine community has a definite eye on the future, so says the organiser Tarsus Hope Exhibition Co., Ltd. The China Horse Fair 2019 will take place in Beijing from 19-21 September and will be the 13^th edition of this annual show case which has over previous years hosted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of trade buyers.

Commenting on the line up for this year’s event, Sonia Ou Yang, Marketing Manager for the China Horse Fair, said, “We are again welcoming a real mix of international and local suppliers but what is noticeable, is the focus on future development in the Chinese market through improving standards and quality.” She went onto say, “The range of products and brands on display plus the educational content being delivered at the free to attend summit, confirm our sense that the market is entering a new phase as China’s equine professionals become more educated and discerning. Ultimately their customers aren’t prepared to accept second-best and this is driving demand for upmarket quality goods and services.”

One new to market exhibitor typifies the shift in demand across the country’s horse and leisure sector. Equissage is an Australian based exhibitor who will be promoting their Cycloid Vibration Therapy, a technique established for use on humans in 1949, but since developed and refined to be used on horses to “improve performance, maintain peak condition and as an effective rehabilitation tool.”  Equissage state that their equine therapy system is already being used by thoroughbred race trainers and breeders, Olympic competitors and veterinarians around the world and they are now looking to grow their business in China and the Asian region, by appointing quality equine/veterinary focused sales and distribution companies.  

Another new exhibitor to the China Horse Fair is France based Kiji Consulting who will introducing expertise across a range of equine services including farriery, veterinary, osteopathy, dentistry and coaching. Set up in 2017 by founder Kim Jiropas, who has first-hand knowledge of working in the Chinese market, Kiji Consulting’s objective is to fill the knowledge gap that currently exists when it comes to implementing internationally accepted standards in health and well-being of both horses and their riders.  In addition to having a stand at the show, Kiji Consulting will be organising a range of practical displays and also introducing a number of international experts presenting at the China Horse Fair 2019 industry development summit.

The China Horse Fair Summit has become an integral part of the overall event by delivering high quality educational content free of charge to attendees, much of delivered by well renowned international experts in their specialist equine field. Ms Ou Yang said “The theme of this year’s summit is on industry development and this means giving China’s professional equine community convenient and direct access to the very latest international views and experiences.” Taking place over two days from 19^th - 20^th  September, the Summit will address such hot topics as horse welfare i.e. farriery, dentistry, osteopathy, respiratory diseases, along with youth rider training, pony club development and club regulation.   

The organiser is reporting that just a few exhibition stands remain available and given the high level of demand these are expected to sell out well in advance of the event opening. International brands are again strongly represented with many being new to market and coming from leading equestrian countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, UK, USA, Australia and Japan. There is again a strong presence from Ireland who will have the largest stand at the show and so highlighting their commitment to serving the emerging Chinese market.

Completing what is being described by some in the sector as ‘China’s Equine Week’, the China Horse Fair 2019 will take place alongside an FEI recognised competition being organised by the Equuleus International Riding Club.

The China Horse Fair 2019 is open to trade visitors and competitors on Thursday 19^th September and open to trade visitors, competitors and enthusiasts on Friday 20^th and Saturday 21^st September.