The Moment to Leap, the Elegance of Horse and Rider
Click:9Published:2026-10-27

The 13th Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters Concludes Successfully

[Beijing, October 19, 2026] The 13th Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters, spanning five days, came to a successful close at the National Stadium (Bird's Nest). As an FEI CSI3* show jumping event, this year's competition was held from October 15 to 19 under the annual theme "A LEAP FOR THE MOMENT," with total prize money of nearly 2 million RMB. Top riders from around the world and Chinese riders gathered at the Bird's Nest to compete across multiple levels, showcasing the rapport between horse and rider and the unique charm of equestrian sport through one brilliant jump after another.


Photo 1: Panoramic view of the venue on the first day of the 13th Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters

Due to heavy rainfall, some of this year's schedule was adjusted, extending from the originally planned four days to five, with highlights every day. From October 15 to 16, the Challenge, Championship, 120CM Team Competition and 140CM International Welcome Competition took place in succession; on October 17, the 80CM U14 Rising Star Competition and 145CM International Competition followed; on October 18, the 90CM Novice Competition, 100CM Team Competition, the second 135CM CT Elite Competition and the 150CM Longines Grand Prix were held one after another. The final competition day continued to October 19, featuring the 80CM U14 Team Competition and the 105CM Open Competition.


Photo 2: Highlights from the 13th Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters

World-Class Riders Gather at the Bird's Nest as High-Level Competitions Unfold

This year's event brought together 13 international riders from 7 countries at the Bird's Nest, and Longines Elegance Ambassador Jane Richard also returned to the venue. Riders of different nationalities and technical styles competed side by side, presenting distinctive riding performances to the audience and offering Chinese riders the opportunity to exchange and learn from outstanding international competitors.

For many years, the Masters has brought the excitement of the Bird's Nest arena to the world through live broadcasts on multiple overseas platforms and international media coverage. This year, for the first time, the event offered simultaneous Chinese and English commentary on a Chinese livestream platform, providing more options for viewers of different native languages. Audiences could follow the competition and experience the atmosphere in a language more familiar to them. This initiative continues the Masters' tradition of international exchange and brings domestic livestream services closer to the needs of different viewers.

Five Days of Competition: Champions Crowned at Every Level

On October 16, the 140CM International Welcome Competition delivered thrilling competition between Chinese and international riders. Chinese rider Chen Yuchen, riding "Velociraptor," claimed the championship with 0 penalties and a time of 60.66 seconds; Belgian rider Gilles Thomas on Obella JS and Australian rider Christella Tang on Golden Boy V also finished with 0 penalties, taking second and third place respectively. The rapport between Chen Yuchen and his horse earned a championship for Chinese riders in this year's international-level competition.


Photo 3: October 16, Chen Yuchen, champion of the 140CM International Welcome Competition

On October 17, the 80CM U14 Rising Star Competition and 145CM International Competition followed. British rider Fiona Balcombe on "Guoliu" won the 80CM U14 Rising Star Competition with a total of 0 penalties across both phases and a second-phase time of 24.97 seconds. The originally scheduled Professional Rider Pairing Competition was adjusted to the 145CM International Competition due to weather conditions, with no team ranking; ultimately Chinese rider Chen Yuchen on "P Coco Pop Z" took the championship with 36 points and 35.46 seconds.


Photo 4: October 17, Fiona Balcombe, champion of the 80CM U14 Rising Star Competition

On October 18, the 150CM Longines Grand Prix became the focal point of the day. French rider Roger Yves Bost on Flynn d'Emm claimed the championship with 0 penalties and 35.60 seconds; Chinese rider Chen Yuchen on "Velociraptor" took second place with 0 penalties and 36.55 seconds; and Chinese rider Zhang Xingjia finished third with 0 penalties and 37.51 seconds. International and Chinese riders competed together, leaving the audience with defining sporting moments of this year's event through their battles over course selection, pace control and horse-rider rapport.


Photo 5: October 18, Roger Yves Bost and Flynn d'Emm, champions of the 150CM Longines Grand Prix

At the Longines Grand Prix award ceremony, Mr. Yao Yingchun, President of the Chinese Equestrian Association; Mr. Xie Qi, Vice President of Longines China; Mr. Stephan Ellenbruch, President of the Ground Jury for this competition; Mr. Han Jincao, Marketing Director of the National Stadium Co., Ltd.; and Ms. Li Jing, President of Domi Equestrian, joined the winning riders to capture the moment of honor.


Photo 6: October 18, group photo at the 150CM Longines Grand Prix award ceremony. Front-row guests, from left to right: Ms. Li Jing, President of Domi Equestrian; Mr. Stephan Ellenbruch, President of the Ground Jury for this competition; Mr. Yao Yingchun, President of the Chinese Equestrian Association; Mr. Xie Qi, Vice President of Longines China; and Mr. Han Jincao, Marketing Director of the National Stadium Co., Ltd.


The second 135CM CT Elite Competition was held on October 18, with Jirigala Tu on "Enlightenment Star" taking the championship; Song Chuyue on Maverick V.B.T. and Jiang Zhixiang on "Cloud Soaring" finished second and third with 0 penalties and times of 37.70 seconds and 37.83 seconds respectively.


Photo 7: October 18, Jirigala Tu and "Enlightenment Star," champions of the second 135CM CT Elite Competition

The two rounds of the 115CM Challenge each had their own highlights. On October 15, Ge Congxuan on "Biyiyou" won the first round with 0 penalties and 46.18 seconds. The next day, Wu Hongru on Carlos claimed the second round with 0 penalties and 28.70 seconds; Shen Zixin on "Little Grey" and Ge Congxuan on "Biyiyou" also finished with 0 penalties in 28.77 seconds and 29.22 seconds respectively, taking second and third place. The gap between first and second was just 0.07 seconds, keeping the suspense alive to the very end.


Photo 8: October 16, Wu Hongru and Carlos, champions of the second round of the 115CM Challenge

In the 125CM Championship, Sun Ruirui on "Jolena" won the first round on October 15 with 0 penalties and 48.90 seconds, while Bian Angelina Zi Mo and Shen Yiqi took second and third place. The second round on October 16 used a one-round against the clock plus jump-off format, with 41 horse-rider combinations competing; Cai Shengjie on "Yangfan" took the championship, Angelina Zi Mo Bian on I'm Viva la Resistence finished second, and Han Yumo on Galipette du Plessis took third with 0 penalties in the jump-off and a time of 40.05 seconds.


Photo 9: October 15, Sun Ruirui, champion of the first round of the 125CM Championship

Team competitions test the overall performance of each squad. The 120CM Team Competition on October 16 brought together 9 teams and 27 horse-rider combinations; Dong Zonghao on "Feierge," Gao Ruoye on "Xinxin" and Dong Yanting on "Ruyi" won the championship for Team Beijing with a total of 4 penalties and a total time of 190.28 seconds, while ZDL Team and Shanghai Soul Equestrian Stable took second and third place. On October 18, Beijing Team 1 won the 100CM Team Competition with a total of 0 penalties and a total time of 154.71 seconds, while Zhonglian Knight League (Beijing) and Overseas Eques also finished with zero penalties, placing second and third.


Photo 10: October 16, Team Beijing, champions of the 120CM Team Competition

The 90CM Novice Competition took place on October 18. Bai Chenghao on "Jiubao" won with 65 points and 43.05 seconds; Tian Ruohan on "Xiaoshuang" and Hou Qiaoxuan on "Optimus Prime" both scored 65 points in 44.25 seconds and 44.86 seconds respectively, taking second and third place.


Photo 11: October 18, Bai Chenghao, champion of the 90CM Novice Competition

On October 19, the 80CM U14 Team Competition and 105CM Open Competition brought the Masters' five-day schedule to a close. Team Beijing, composed of Hu Yutong, Chang Yu'en and Dong Yuting, won the 80CM U14 Team Competition with a total of 0 penalties and a total time of 163.25 seconds; Guo Xingyou of Tianjin Zhaotian Equestrian on "Lenteroos GJB" won the 105CM Open Competition with 0 penalties and 49.11 seconds, bringing this year's event to a successful conclusion.


Photo 12: October 19, Team Beijing, champions of the 80CM U14 Team Competition

Photo 13: October 19, Guo Xingyou, champion of the 105CM Open Competition

Chinese Riders Show the Power of Growth

At this year's event, Chinese riders achieved strong results across multiple levels. They included seasoned riders who have competed at the Olympics, Asian Games and other international events, as well as emerging talents who stood out from the 2026 "Bird's Nest Road" points competitions and the ultimate revival round. Riders of different ages and levels of experience came together at the Bird's Nest to test their training and gain practical experience.

Breakthroughs by young riders write a vivid footnote to the growth of Chinese equestrian sport. Sixteen-year-old Cai Shengjie topped the 125CM Championship this year, demonstrating the competitiveness of the younger generation on the official competition stage. For young riders, the significance of competing at the Bird's Nest also lies in learning to cope with competition pressure, adjust their riding rhythm, and deepen their rapport with their horses as they complete each course.


Photo 14: October 16, Cai Shengjie, champion of the second round of the 125CM Championship

Growth also happens outside the arena. At the welcome dinner on the evening of October 16, the Masters' Academy training camp held a certificate presentation ceremony, with participants completing their training under the guidance of Italian instructor Alberto Zorzi. From learning at the training camp to practice in official competition, the Masters offers young riders the opportunity to experience international training methods and test the results of their learning.


Photo 15: October 16, participants of the Masters' Academy training camp with instructor Alberto Zorzi

Through Wind and Rain, Sharing the Joy of Completion

The wind and rain tested the riders' adaptability as well as the coordination of the event organization and support teams. In the face of schedule adjustments, continuing to deliver the competition required courage and, even more, patience and dedication from all parties. From perseverance in the arena to coordination behind the scenes, every effort helped create the conditions for horse-rider combinations to complete their rounds successfully. As smiles of completion and the joy of the award ceremonies came together at the Bird's Nest, the waiting and effort in the rain found their answer. The "rainbow" of this year's event was the smiles of horse and rider finishing together, and the reward shared by all who worked through difficulties to make the event a success.

Equestrian Park Brings the Public Closer to Equestrian Sport

Beyond the main arena, the adjacent Equestrian Park continued to offer visitors a space to learn about equestrian sport and take part in interactive activities. International rider autograph sessions gave fans the chance to meet riders up close and collect signed keepsakes, extending their arena-side interest into face-to-face encounters.


Photo 16: October 18, international riders interacting with fans at the Equestrian Park autograph session

Pony experiences attracted both adults and children. Through close interaction with ponies, visitors experienced the gentleness and liveliness of the horses; tack displays, parent-child activities and the event mascots "Xingzai" and "Xingmei" also enriched leisure time beyond watching the competitions.


Photo 17: October 18, visitors participating in pony interaction experiences at the Equestrian Park

This year's event also partnered with the HOPE Equestrian Rehabilitation Charity Center to present a charity exhibition of artworks by autistic children, known as "children of the stars." Sports and painting met here, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of competition while approaching the world through the children's eyes and understanding the bond between horses and people from more perspectives.


Photo 18: October 18, the "Children of the Stars" charity exhibition of autistic children's artworks at the Equestrian Park

Thirteen Editions of Accumulated Heritage, Continuously Connecting Chinese Equestrian Sport with the World

Since its founding in 2011, the Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters has continued to bring together outstanding equestrian talent from home and abroad, and through qualification pathways such as the "Bird's Nest Road," has enabled more Chinese riders to compete at the Bird's Nest. The 13th edition coincides with the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan; while carrying out high-level competitive exchange, the event has expanded public participation through the Equestrian Park, charity interactions and other content, giving more people the opportunity to learn about equestrian sport.

The event's honors also extend to those who stand behind the arena. On October 18, awards including Rookie of the Year, Chinese MVP Rider, Best Horse Owner and Best Groom were presented, recognizing the growth of riders while paying tribute to the support of horse owners and the care of grooms. Each honor records the shared passion and dedication behind every horse-rider combination.


Photo 19: October 18, winners of Rookie of the Year, Best Groom, Chinese MVP Rider and Best Horse Owner

The five-day schedule recorded the outstanding performances of international riders and also left behind the footprints of Chinese riders as they won championships and gained experience. As this year's event draws to a close, the moments of horse and rider leaping over obstacles together will become shared memories, inspiring riders to continue on to their next competitions.

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