Hubei Daily News (Reporters Gong Xue and Correspondent Li Fangrui) — Wuhan Business University pioneered horse racing talent cultivation in China back in 2008. Today, equine education has gained momentum in multiple cities across the country. According to the latest annual work report recently released by the Chinese Equestrian Association, there are now more than 10 institutions nationwide offering academic programs or courses in equestrianism and horse racing, with educational levels ranging from postgraduate to undergraduate and vocational studies.
In 2008, Wuhan Business University launched a major in social sports with a focus on the horse racing industry, becoming the first in China to train university students specifically for the horse racing sector, which attracted attention from many domestic colleges. After 2010, universities such as Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China Agricultural University, and Qingdao Agricultural University also introduced equestrian-related majors. In 2011, Tianjin University of Sport partnered with Wuhan Business University to establish the first master's program in the equine industry (a Master of Sports degree with a specialization in equestrian competition and management).
According to reports, the equestrian program at Wuhan Business University has now graduated three cohorts, with over 400 graduates in total, and currently enrolls around 150 students per year. Xia Yunjian, Dean of the university’s School of Physical Education and Equestrian Studies, said that the number of equestrian clubs across China has now exceeded 500, with a horse population of over 6 million. There remains a significant shortage of professionals in China who understand, raise, train, or provide veterinary care for horses. This talent gap has led to promising employment prospects. Xu Zhaojun, Director of the Admissions and Employment Office at Wuhan Business University, noted that all of the university’s 2014 equestrian graduates secured jobs by December of last year, and institutions continue to approach the school seeking talent. “After graduation, vocational and undergraduate students earn an average monthly salary of about 5,000 yuan, with some earning as much as 10,000 to 20,000 yuan.”
Tang Shanshan, who currently works at the Tianjin Ring International Polo Club, is a 2012 graduate of Wuhan Business University. She said that all 40-plus students in her graduating class found jobs at major horse farms across the country. The club where she now works recruits talent every year, and this year alone plans to hire over 20 jockeys.