A sport for everyone

Hua's international profile has helped dramatically accelerate equestrian development in China.

According to the annual report on Chinese Equestrian Market Development released by Horsemanship magazine, there were 37 registered equestrian competitions in China in 2017, including show jumping, dressage and eventing.

There were about 906 equestrian clubs around China in 2016. A year and a half later, that number had jumped to 1,452 and membership in China's equestrian clubs now tops one million.

Still, the stereotype that equestrian is a sport only for the rich remains an obstacle.

Although Hua was born in London and attended prestigious Eton College, he is the antithesis of the stereotypical equestrian athlete.

"The problem that equestrianism has is that the public sees the top level of the sport as the whole pyramid, and this is what I want to reposition in China," he said.

"Of course the top level of equestrian sport is expensive, but at the bottom level, more and more families in China are able to be involved. It is accessible and it is growing."

To battle the stereotype, Hua has struck a strategic partnership with Sina Sports that will see a series of unique documentaries, behind-the-scenes videos, photos, infographics and quizzes about him and his horses posted on Weibo.

"Millions of Chinese netizens are behind Alex when he competes in the Asian Games," said Arthur Wei, vice-president of Sina and general manager of Sina Sports.

"As the ambassador of Sina's Future Star Equestrian Competition, his story will inspire young riders to actively participate in the sport and earn pride for the country."

Hua offered his own perspective, saying: "China's budding young riders don't have to be me. I have been extremely lucky, and it all came together to give me a wonderful opportunity. That's very rare, and to benchmark my journey with anybody else would be very unfair.

"What you have to be is somebody who loves being around horses, loves the partnership between yourself and the horse.

"The most important thing is what my mom taught me when I was young: When you finish riding, it's your responsibility to make sure your horse is comfortable before you are.

"As long as you do that, your horse will appreciate it and always have your back."