Name: Shi Zhirang(Xiangxiang), age 10
School: Dulwich College Beijing(DCB)
Though Shi Zhirang has been show jumping for just two years, she’s practically grown up with Tony, a 10-year-old Dutch Welsh Pony that she first met at the age of four in a Belgian auction. Since then, Shi and Tony have been training together at Equuleus International Riding Club. She recently won the Future Champions Ground Pole Competition of FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) World Cup Jumping China League, scoring 119 out of 120 points. We ask her more about show jumping-and all about Tony’s personality.
Q: What age did you start riding horses?
A: I started riding from 3 years of age. Horses are very beautiful and honest, they are my favorite animal and equestrian sports are my favorite. I'm not afraid. I’m not afraid, because riding on horseback makes me excited and happy!
Q: What is training with a horse like?
A: Compared with other sports, horseback riding is very special; I work with a living creature. I’m always trying to think like a horse and trying to understand what he or she is going to say. I'll use my legs and voice to tell him to walk or trot more positively or slow him down, and what's “yes”, what’s "no”.
Q: What breeds are best for show jumping?Can any kind of horse do it?
A: The body of a show jumping horse does not have to be perfect, but the horse should be brave and be able to jump high. The Holsteiner, Hanoverian and the KWPN [Dutch Warmblood] are some famous breeds for jumping.
Q: We hear that you won the FEI World Cup. Were you nervous?
A: Yes, I won the Future Champions Ground Pole Competition of the FEI World Cup Jumping China League with Tony on October 5th. I was a little bit nervous when we pulled into the parking lot that day, because I wanted to do my best in the competition. But when l entered the arena, I felt relaxed right away!
Q: When you finished your show jumping round, did you know that you won?
A: No, l had no idea. I just felt happy after my round because Tony and l worked very well together. He focused on the competition this year; both he and l worked very hard.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Tony? What is he like?
A: Tony is like my brother! He is naughty, brave and quite lovely, with tenderness in his eyes.
Q: When you aren't practicing show jumping, what would we find you doing?
A: Reading, painting, skiing and playing with my friends.
