The hope is to be back soon to compete in a Nations Cup. So says Xingjia Zhang, the first rider to represent the Republic of China at Piazza di Siena.

And what better occasion than the centenary of the Rome event, which – incidentally – coincides with the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac...

Xingjia Zhang, 27, who has competed at the Tokyo Olympics and the Asian Games, is based in Zhejiang Province and always approaches his European tours with great determination. Last February, he took part in the 4-star circuit at Vejer de la Frontera before going back East to ‘polish’ his preparation for Rome in some competitions in China.

His top horse is Kalvados Keros, a 10-year-old bay SBS who has only been under his saddle for a year but with whom he has already established an excellent partnership. When he is in Europe, Zhang works with Vincent Lambrecht, who often trains him at home as well.

“Kalvados Keros and I made our debut in the most important competitions together and we have a great understanding. I feel we have what it takes to do well together.”

The charm of Piazza di Siena has certainly won over the Chinese rider... “A truly impressive competition,” he said. “It’s my first time in Rome, and being able to take part in a competition set right in the heart of so much art and beauty is truly incredible. The style of the buildings, the museums, the art... A special city for an even more special competition.”

When asked about the competitors at Piazza di Siena, Zhang seemed very relaxed.

‘I’ve already had the chance to compete against many of them, and the best will certainly give their all in the Nations Cup. It’s undoubtedly a fascinating competition, and I hope to be able to compete in it myself with a team soon. The thing is, it’s not easy for us to get access to so many 5-star events. We’d have to stay in Europe for longer periods... But then again, the competition season in China is also very busy... We got off to a bit of a late start and we’re trying to catch up. We’ll work on it.”

A very concrete aspiration

Zhang’s desire for greater technical synergy between East and West in the equestrian world is firmly underpinned by a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between FISE and the Chinese Federation. According to the document, Italy and China are committed to establishing and promoting long-term cooperation in the development of equestrian sports through the exchange of professionals and expertise, the organisation of joint competitions and events, and the promotion of the development of the equestrian sector. These efforts aim to strengthen cultural exchange and foster mutual development between China and Italy in the equestrian sector.