L – R : Ulrich Sanne, Bob Neill, Jim Ye, Ian Sanne, Chang Wei, Niel Kirstein, Dineo Molomo, Henning Pretorius, Clem dos Santos, Wessel Strauss, Ingeborg Sanne, Jenny Neill

In an exciting development, at a meeting with key representatives from China, who are keen to find investment opportunities as well as set up an rider invitational exchange programme with South Africa, commitments were made by both parties to make this happen. This meeting was facilitated by Prof Ian Sanne of Equine Health Fund.

The Chinese delegation included Chang Wei of the Beijing Horse Society and Jim Ye, car race circuit owner keen on investing in horse race tracks and equestrian facilities in South Africa. They are interested in the invitation of riders to compete at major events, particularly in the disciplines of Endurance, Show Jumping and Dressage. The South African contingent at the meeting included Dineo Molomo, Acting President of SAEF who committed to engage with Wei and Ye to ensure that these opportunities are acted upon. Also present at the meeting were Niel Kirstein (VP Endurance), Bob Neill (Chairman SA Showjumping) and Jenny Neill and Ingeborg Sanne (International Liaison for Dressage), who all pledged support for the initiative.

It is therefore very likely that international competition between the two countries will commence in the near future. Other opportunities discussed were the export of South African horses to China, and a competition between riders from China, UAE, France and South Africa.