An interview with Michael Mronz: the concept of borrowed horses

Press Release Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters – Together with Chinese partners, the show-jumper Ludger Beerbaum launched the „Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters“ six years ago. In order to ensure the best organisation possible, Beerbaum got the organisers of the CHIO Aachen on board, headed by Frank Kemperman and Michael Mronz. We talked to Michael Mronz about the show and about the development of the equestrian sport in China.

Question: What distinguishes the Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters, what is the idea behind it?

Michael Mronz: To promote and further develop the equestrian sport in China in a sustainable manner – that is what it is about, that is the USP of the Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters. We consciously bring the national riders together with the top international riders – also by offering special forms of competitions. In this way, in addition to the national classes and the Longines Grand Prix, there is also a team competition, in which Chinese and Europeans compete together in teams. An equally important aspect is the concept of the borrowed horses – not only for our show in the future, but indeed for the entire equestrian sport.

Question: In what way?

Mronz: We developed the idea that the riders compete on borrowed horses because of the quarantine regulations in China – however the concept could be trendsetting because the sport becomes more and more globalised. Of course, the strain on the horses is greater because the routes have become longer. In the meantime, the riders precisely plan when and where they will implement their top horses. Thanks to the concept of borrowed horses, they can compete at competitions while their own horses can rest in their stables back at home.

Question: You have been accompanying the equestrian sport in China for several years already. How do you assess the development of the sport?

Mronz: Not all that long ago, there was next to no infrastructure here at all. No shows, no blacksmiths, no trainers. Progress is gradually occurring at all levels – incidentally the commitment of Ludger Beerbaum is an extremely important factor here in order to create the corresponding offer. The team from Aachen strives to make a contribution towards creating professional structures here.

Question: What motivates you to carry out this pioneer work?

Mronz: On the one hand, the fact that the team can pass on its experiences and know-how, that is a great task. On the other hand, it must be in our interest for the sport to become further developed, we in Aachen will also ultimately benefit from this. An example: If a market develops for the equestrian sport in China, the interest in big international top shows will also develop. This ultimately also increases the appeal of the CHIO Aachen. If one does one’s homework, the globalisation is also a big opportunity. And then it is of course a great privilege, to be able to expand one’s private horizon here on-site.

Question: What are the most important tasks for the future of the Longines Beijing Masters and the Chinese equestrian sport?

Mronz: We have made a start, but here in China the equestrian sport is a luxury sport. One hundred percent. In Europe it is both a mass sport and a luxury sport. In Aachen the show is also visited by the event audience that also go to the Salzburg Festival or a Champions’ League Final. That is totally different here in China, so we don’t have 80,000 spectators in the Bird’s Nest yet. But the development is very positive here, some days there are between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators. The equestrian sport has to establish itself further. At the latest when the first Chinese has successfully taken part at an Olympic Games and perhaps even win a medal one day, there will be no stopping the sport over here.

Question: On Sunday, you are awaiting a guest who can tell us a lot about the development of the sport in China…

Mronz: Yes, I am very much looking forward to seeing Felix Magath and his wife. We have been very good friend for several years. Felix has been working here in China as a trainer since June, he will be able to tell us plenty.

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Source: Press Release Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters