Compared to the Netherlands, China is a giant. But when it comes to horse-riding stables, the Dutch have ten times more than the 200 or so that have sprouted up in China, amid the explosive economic boom of the past decade. Horse sports are growing in popularity among the Chinese. And the Dutch were quick to spot a niche in the market – business for horse breeders in the rural north is galloping along.

Marum, an area in the northern province of Groningen, is renowned for its horses. Numerous signs pointing to studs or stables can be found along the provincial roads. A shrill contrast with taxi drivers going around in endless circles on the edge of a Beijing suburb in search of a stable, finally discovered at the end of some sandy track.

Odilia and Gerard Arkema are from Marum and own a stable with dressage horses. In 2009, when the provincial authorities urged the horse trainers in the region to set up an official foundation to promote the industry, Mr Arkema became its chairman.

Enjoying your money
“The Netherlands has built up a reputation for breeding top-quality horses,” Mr Arkema said. “A well-known example is the dressage horse Totilas that swept up many international prizes. Because of the recession, the US market has collapsed. So, we were looking for a new market for export. During a meeting, someone suggested China. More and more people there have a higher income. And the mentality is changing, too: you don’t have to work hard all the time - you can enjoy your money in your free time, too.” 

One drawback is that China doesn’t have a tradition in horse-riding or show-jumping. “We’re used to teaching our children how to ride when they’re young,” Mr Arkema explained. "In China, horse-riding appeals chiefly to people living in the city in their twenties and thirties. They have to start at the very beginning. But they have enough drive for it.”

At the stable in Beijing, a telecom marketing consultant looks on lovingly at his five-year-old daughter, encouraging her even when she makes a wrong move in the saddle. Lessons cost 25 euros an hour. “Not expensive,” says the proud Chinese Dad, “Golfing costs more money.”

All imported horses
The Beijing stable has a number of horses from Marum, which trainer Li Wei and his partner bought after a visit to Groningen. “All of our 100 horses are imported,” says Mr Li, overlooking the construction site of a new indoor arena. “The horses come from Germany, the Netherlands, France and Hungary where I worked for the police for several years. We target beginners mostly, so we don’t need the very best horses. As long as they’re reliable - and healthy. We don’t have so many qualified vets here.”

Li Wei calls over a vet who has just walked out of one of the stalls. Full of pride, he opens his vet’s bag, to reveal an array of needles he uses for acupuncture. “If a horse gets a cold, the vet pours alcohol on his back,” Mr Li explained. “He makes a fire with it without hurting the animal. The next day he applies the needles onto that spot and the horse heals.”

Horse business among friends
Doing horse business with China is lucrative – for both sides. A Dutch dressage or jumping horse costs between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. Transport, a 75-day quarantine period (30 days in the Netherlands, 45 in China), blood tests and the subsequent care amount to some 15,000 euros. “Quite expensive,” Mr Li admits. “But if we sell that horse on for 50,000 euros, we make a substantial profit.”

Li likes doing business with the Dutch. Though he stresses you can’t do business in China without making friends – the Chinese guanxi practice, you scratch my back...

Arkema takes the hint: “I’ll have to go to Beijing again soon.” But first, he has a trip to Russia lined up.

(jn)