Equestrianism is still a relatively unfamiliar sport to most Chinese sports fans. But according to “the father of German equestrianism,” Ludger Beerbaum, this sport is well-suited to the Chinese, and he believes that within eight years at the Olympics, Chinese athletes will be able to stand on the podium in equestrian events.
On the 20th, Ludger Beerbaum met with the media in Beijing. From May 10 to 12, he will lead 12 world-class equestrian stars to participate in the Longines Beijing International Equestrian Masters held at the Bird’s Nest. This is the highest-level professional equestrian competition in Asia and a 2-star event of the International Equestrian Federation.
In an exclusive interview with reporters, Ludger Beerbaum said that he served as the coach of the Chinese equestrian team in 2005 and has often encountered Chinese riders on the international stage over the years. Based on his understanding of Chinese equestrianism, he believes that Chinese riders are not far from the Olympic podium — they just lack good horses.
● Reporter Q&A
Chinese riders have good skills, but they lack top-quality horses
FW: You’re already 49. Horseback riding isn’t an easy sport. Do you still plan to compete in the London Olympics?
Ludger Beerbaum: Yes, currently both I and my horse are feeling good. I won team gold medals at the 1988, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, and I also took the individual gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. I’d love to taste Olympic gold again. But this will likely be my last Olympics.
FW: Chinese athletes haven’t had great results in Olympic equestrian events. Is it because the sport isn’t suited to Chinese people?
Ludger Beerbaum: On the contrary, I think the physical structure and characteristics of the Chinese are very suitable for horseback riding. But I believe they lack good horses.
FW: What horse will you ride in the London Olympics?
Ludger Beerbaum: My horse Gotha is 11 years old now, and it’s pretty much at its peak. I bought it when it was 4 years old for just 25,000 euros, but its value must have increased more than a hundredfold by now.
A competition horse is a loyal partner to an equestrian. Take me for example — Freak in 1988, Classic Touch in 1992, and Goldfever in 2000 — these horses were all key to my gold medal wins.
FW: How many horses do you have in total?
Ludger Beerbaum: Now I have over 100, and I personally select every one of them. I cherish them all dearly. I have a team of 20 people managing the horses, but I try to take care of their daily care and training myself as much as possible. I’ve spent too much time with my horses.
FW: China doesn’t have much of a foundation in equestrianism. How long will it take for Chinese riders to reach the level of German riders?
Ludger Beerbaum: Germany has a tradition in equestrianism, which is our advantage. We have a lot of experience and a complete system in breeding and selecting racehorses. I think instead of aiming for the top right away, Chinese riders should focus on steadily improving themselves.
I must say, Chinese equestrianism has developed rapidly in the past two years. I think eight years is enough for Chinese riders to reach the Olympic podium.
I want to remind Chinese riders that the horses they compete with should be in their best condition, not overtrained. So riders need to prepare their horses well in advance and avoid cramming training at the last minute — that will exhaust the horses.
● Related News
Alex Hua Tian scrambles for qualification, switching horses multiple times
The equestrian events at the London Olympics include dressage, eventing, and show jumping, with six gold medals in total. Alex Hua Tian, a 22-year-old Chinese rider, has recently secured a spot in the eventing competition.
Due to injuries to three international four-star horses — “Kublai Khan,” “Qianlong,” and “Mulan” — in 2011, Hua Tian competed with a young horse he trained himself, “Danyu.”
In February this year, “Qianlong” recovered from injury and returned to competition. Hua Tian competed in the Olympic qualifiers with both “Danyu” and “Qianlong.” “Danyu,” having participated in too few competitions, returned to the UK after accompanying Hua Tian for nearly a year, while “Qianlong” will compete alongside its rider at the London Olympics.
Hua Tian previously competed in the equestrian eventing at the Beijing Olympics but was eliminated after falling off his horse while clearing an obstacle.