By Li Boecently, the International Jumping (FEI) was closed at Guangde, Anhui. The competition was hosted jointly by International Equestrian Federation CSI and Chinese Equestrian Association. It is the first international two-star event in China. It attracted nearly 600 horse-rider pairs from more than 10 countries and areas. Yu Heqi who represents Nantong Xiaoji Equestrian Club won the third place in the 110cm free route with her excellent performance. ‘I started engaging in equestrian sports from the age of 8. Up to now in total 7 horses have accompanied my growth. They are like my family.’ Equestrian sports made 16-year-old Yu Heqi grow from a timid girl to a strong and courageous rider. ‘Riding a horse on the beach when I was 3 years old, made me fall in love with the sport at once,’ Yu Heqi said. Although the riding experience terrified her parents, as the galloping horse almost threw her to the ground. Since 8 years old, Yu Heqi has been dedicated to systematic equestrian training. She stays with horses all the day. Sometimes she stays at the race course for more than 10 hours a day. The long-term companionship has enabled her to establish an indescribable tacit understanding with the horses. ‘I can catch the subtle intentions and emotional changes of horses accurately and establish deep emotional connections with them. The tacit understanding makes us work as one in competitions, and overcome difficulties together. At the same time, I have been learning new knowledge and mastering new skills continuously, working with my horse and making progress together.’ Yu Heqi said. Talking about the experience of the international race, Yu Heqi had a lot of feelings, ‘compared with previous races, the international race has a larger scale and more fierce competition. I felt the pressure from global top riders. However, at the same time, I also enjoyed the fun of competing with masters. Every moment of harmonious cooperation with the horse let me deeply appreciate the preciousness of this fate. Every moment of the race was full of pure joy.’ Looking forward to the future, Yu Heqi has determined to make equestrian sports the direction of her professional career. ‘I plan to make equestrianism my lifelong career, and have made meticulous planning. I hope that I can learn in depth with world class coaches, and improve my skills continuously. In the future, I dream that I can go to the stages of global top competitions including International Equestrian Federation representing China, challenge myself and win glory for our country.’