A young rider during a showjumping competition at Beas River

Equestrian enthusiasts in Hong Kong have a world-class selection of facilities to choose from, according to Hong Kong Jockey Club racing operations and equestrian manager Stuart Mitchell.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club - one of the most successful jockey clubs in the world - operates three public riding schools in Hong Kong (at Tuen Mun, Lei Yue Mun, and Pokfulam) and one exclusive members-only club at Beas River in the New Territories.

"Many people don't realise that this side of Hong Kong exists," said Mr Mitchell. "The scenery at Beas River is stunning. It has a huge indoor school, an international size sand arena and grass arena, and a cross-country course. Tuen Mun also has 2 large sand arenas and outdoor paddocks. Visitors from overseas are generally amazed when they see the facilities."

Beas River and Tuen Mun also have scenic hacking trails for riders to explore the mountains and countryside, away from the hustle of Hong Kong island. Customers can keep horses at livery in all Jockey Club stables, at costs on a par with Australia and the UK.

"The schools and instructors are all approved by the British Horse Society (BHS), who send out inspectors every year to examine our facilities," said Mr Mitchell. "And if an expat wants to take one of our horses back home, The Jockey Club will sponsor two-thirds of travel expenses."

Showjumping, dressage and two-day event competitions take place regularly at Beas River and Tuen Mun during show season.

Together, the schools stable some 240 horses, many of whom are imported from overseas (mostly Australia and New Zealand) and are retrained racehorses. International racing champions Fairy King Prawn and Indigenous are currently enjoying their retirement at the Tuen Mun stables as part of Hong Kong racing's "Hall of Fame".