The Chinese Equestrian Association launched an official training center for the national team at the Beijing International Equestrian Club (BIEC) on Sunday.

BIEC, located in Caiyu Township of Daxing District and about 40 kilometers to downtown Beijing, will be used as a training base for Chinese riders who prepare for the Asian Games, world championships and the Olympic Games.

Horsemanship has raised Chinese enthusiasm since the 2008 Olympic Games, in which the Chinese equestrian team, led by Eton schoolboy Hua Tian, made their first Olympic appearance in Hong Kong.

As the Chinese team's hot prospect, Hua drew a poor conclusion to his debut in the Olympic eventing after falling down from his horse during the cross-country competition.

"The Chinese team have a long way to go before they are able to impress the world," said Cheng Qing, general-secretary of the Chinese Equestrian Association.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2009)