Equestrian activities more popular as we welcome the Year of the Horse
發佈日期: 2026-02-15 21:07
TVB News
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, residents who are interested in experiencing equestrian activities in the city may visit one of the three public riding schools operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Some horses at these schools are former racehorses that have transitioned into a new chapter of their lives.
Racing enthusiasts might recognise this champion - Harbour Punk, a triple race winner who has now settled into a new role at the Pokfulam Public Riding School. In its racing days, the horse lived for the thrill of "leading the pack, now it has learned to "hold its horses" and slow down to sync with the riders.
Bee Chan, Senior Manager, Equestrian (Public Riding School) Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: "From the very exciting racing sport...to the equestrian sport, the requirements are very different. For example, equestrian sport actually talks more about communication, harmony, relaxation, these kind of things, so we tackle on these kind of particular training, from the little bit intensive work, turn into a little bit more chill mode for the horses."
The transition for retired racehorses is carefully managed. Each of them would undergo assessment by a veterinary team to tailor-make a suitable rehabilitation or retraining plan that
matches their personalities and fitness conditions.
Apart from working here at the riding schools, their "second career" options also include working as a ceremonial mount or a livery horse.
On this sunny day, Harbour Punk's riding buddy is Anya - a young champion who recently came first in a show jumping event in the United Kingdom.
Anya, Member, Hong Kong Jockey Club Youth Squad said: "It all started when my parents, my mum and dad, took me on a hike up the trail up here to the peak, and we walked pass the Pokfulam Public Riding School then I saw that there are horses here and then I said to my mum and dad - I want to go inside and like have a look and after that I saw the horses and I saw that people were able to ride them. I immediately said to them I want to try horse riding."
The Hong Kong Jockey Club currently runs three public riding schools, offering over 70,000 riding lessons and horse-themed educational activities each year.
Here at the riding school, students will have to learn all about stable management and practice their balance on a horse simulator before they meet their real buddy, that way they will feel totally confident and are ready to go when they meet the real horses.
