[Photo provided to China Daily]

China became the 21st member of the International Federation of Equestrian Tourism on Oct 12.

"Tourism and equestrian industry and consumption have seen explosive growth in China, and I'm glad to see China join the international family of equestrian tourism," says Frederic Bouix, president of the federation.

The membership will help the country to accelerate standardization of equestrian tourism and promote horse culture exchange and cooperation with other countries, Bouix says.

The Chinese Horse Culture, Sports, Tourism Planning Institute will work with the international federation to help Chinese fans to get equestrian tourism information worldwide and arrange for them to join equestrian events abroad.

The Chinese organization will also sort out domestic equestrian resources and help foreign horse riders to experience equestrian tourism in China.