On the windswept plains of Xizang, a group of young riders is rewriting the region’s equestrian legacy, blending centuries-old traditions with modern competitive spirit. The Xizang equestrian team, composed of athletes raised in nomadic communities where horsemanship is a cultural cornerstone, has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in national competitions.
From Grasslands to Glory
CGTN reporter Chen Yilin recently observed the team’s rigorous training regimen, where riders as young as 16 master complex dressage routines and high-speed racing tactics. “Our connection to horses runs deeper than sport – it’s in our history and daily life,” explained team captain Dawa Tsering, whose family has herded yaks across the Himalayan foothills for generations.
Cultural Roots Meet Modern Sport
Coaches emphasize how traditional skills like long-distance endurance riding and precise animal communication give Xizang’s athletes a unique edge. The team’s recent victory at China’s National Equestrian Championships has sparked renewed interest in preserving regional horsemanship practices while developing world-class competitors.
