Alex Hua Tian is Normandy-bound

Eventer Alex Hua Tian has achieved his qualification for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France this summer (23 August – 7 September).

Real challenge

The Chinese rider qualified with Harbour Pilot C, a horse he took on in March this year. ‘Pye’ is owned by Edwina Qu Ye and was previously ridden by Jo Dawes, who took the horse from pre-novice to four-star level.

Alex and Pye competed together for the first time Belton International at the beginning of April. Two weeks later the pair achieved a qualifying result at Burnham Market CIC***.

Hua Tian competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, but missed out on a space at London 2012. He did qualify for the last World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010, but was unable to go due to a budgeting issue within China.

“The first time I qualified for WEG was easier as I had built a two-year relationship with my horses, Magenta and Jeans so I was able to qualify early,” said Alex. “This time it has been a real challenge.”

Very worrying

In order for qualify for the World Equestrian Games, eventers need to achieve anMER (minimum eligibility requirement) at one four-star, or two three-star events. The MER is a score of 50% or more in the dressage, a clear on the cross-country within 90 seconds of the time allowed, and no more than four fences down in the showjumping.

The 24-year-old gained his final MER at Saumur in France last month (25 May), but he very nearly missed out. Although Pye finished well on the cross-country, he kicked himself on the hind-leg when he was warming down. As a result the 15-year-old Irish Sport horse was sore for the showjumping on the final day.

“In the end we had three poles down, which was very worrying, as five poles would have negated our qualification,” said Alex. “However, he really tried his best. I am so thrilled with him.”

Super star

Alex said he knew the event would be tough, as the course was designed by the World Equestrian Games’ designer Pierre Michelet, who is known for building demanding courses.

“When I arrived in France, I found it was certainly up to maximum height and width cleverly using the terrain to test the horses,” said Alex. “Fifty percent of horse/rider combinations before me had one problem or another, so it was a major test for our new partnership. However, we went all the difficult routes and he was a super star.”

Alex is alsopreparing Edwina Qu Ye’s young horse, Temujin, for the Asian Games in Korea, which are four weeks after WEG September 19 – 4 October.