Growing up in the saddle is a family tradition for many European riders and that is starting to become a trend in China as well.

Boasting a long history in Europe since its Olympic debut at the 1900 Paris Games, equestrian has inspired children to follow in their parents' stirrups generation after generation.

At the recent FEI World Cup Jumping China League in Beijing, that tradition was on show when the patriarch of Britain's renowned Whitaker family brought along two sons to compete with him at the event, which also included father-child combinations from China.

"The first time I dressed up as a cowboy (I wanted to ride)," said Joe Whitaker, the older brother at the competition.

"(I have) a completely personal interest and passion for the sport, but there are so many great riders in the family and that makes you strive harder. When you have people in the family who can help you, it's easier to reach where you want to be."

Steven Whitaker, the proud father, took his two sons and daughter to a farm when they were shorter than the ponies and expected them to follow his lead. Now, he concedes, it is not much fun competing against his grown-up children.

"It's always difficult to compete against your own family, but when you go to a competition you always want to win. Then, you turn your attention to your children and give them support," he said.

Meanwhile, some of China's more senior riders have started introducing the sport to their children.

Ha Datie, an experienced rider from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, took his daughter, Qi Qimule, to the event, mainly for the experience.

"Competition is not important for her," said Ha, former mentor of China Olympian Alex Hua Tian.

"She stayed with me around the stable at a very young age, so she has natural passion for horses. I just want her to keep that feeling and to live a healthy life together with the animals and nature."

Another rider, Li Zhenqiang, who represented China at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, backed Ha's sentiments, saying it was more about his son, Li Yaofeng, improving his fortitude through riding than competing.

"I won't push him to be an equestrian athlete, though I am happy to see him win. It's more important for him to become more courageous and learn perseverance."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/12/2013 page8)