BEIJING, Sept. 17 -- Though China has a history of horse racing thousands of years old the last 30 years of economic development have led to an increased interest in equestrian sports and horse riding.

    The profile of equestrian events was further raised recently by 12 days of Olympic competition.

    In Beijing the number of horse-lovers has increased to more than 100,000 and is increasing at a rate of 30 percent a year.

    The second China International Equestrian and Horse Industry Fair will be held at the Laoshan Velodrome in Beijing on Nov. 1-3, 2008.

    The fair includes horse trading, equestrian apparel, horse feed and veterinary supplies, horse appliance and competition equipment, horseback sightseeing tourism and equestrian leisure facilities and related products.

    It is the first time such a big horse show will be held in Beijing, attracting exhibitors from countries such as Britain, the United States, Japan, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Egypt and Russia.

    Added to which there will be exhibitors and horse-lovers from Chinese cities, provinces and autonomous regions such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Inner Mongolia, Changzhou, Qingdao, Xia'men and Wuhan.

    There will be "2008 China International Horse Equestrianism and Industry Exhibition Press Conference", "International Summit Forum of CHF2008", "a fantastic trip on a horse in Beijing", "World Famous Horse and Equestrian Show" and other highlights.

    The fair not only provides a platform for Chinese people to learn about equestrianism, but also to construct a complete trading platform for businessmen both home and abroad.

    (Source: China Daily)