Striking a balance

For many riders, the choice between education and equestrianism is never a zero-sum game. Leung's equestrian career has followed a similar pattern to Hua Tian's.

"I went to the UK to continue my education when I was 18," said Leung, who earned a master's degree in sport and exercise psychology.

"While I was in university, I couldn't give up my love of equestrian so I found a trainer and kept my training going as long as I had time.

"To balance education and riding, I had to manage my time very carefully. I had to finish all my schoolwork before going out for training."

Upon completing her education, Leung became a professional rider, with her international show jumping experience giving her a wealth of knowledge and the ability to teach juniors and amateurs.

Zhang Xingjia, another 19-year-old rider who competed in Shanghai, has also proved that a rider's academic pursuits need not suffer because of equestrian commitments.

Zhang took up the sport when he was 13 in his hometown of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province and trained in Shanghai on weekends.

Now he is planning to continue his education at a university in Lille, France. "Education is a must while equestrianism cannot be given up," he said.