| ATO staff met on Apr 20 with the organizers of the HORFA China International Horse Fair to be held in Shanghai in October. On their recommendation, ATO staff visited the Songseng Equestrian Club, one of Shanghai¡¯s premiere horse clubs. Songseng stables sixty horses, mostly from Europe and Australia, on about 25 acres just outside of Shanghai. The club¡¯s 30,000 RMB annual membership fee provides full use of the facilities for its 250 members as well as other guests. The club offers an international standard barrier racetrack, a covered lighted dressage practice area and several outdoor practice grounds. Blending Chinese and international styles, the club also features a restaurant and caf¨¦ and fine accommodation in standard guest rooms or luxurious villas. Horse-riding and racing are still very new to China, and Songseng¡¯s twelve professional horse trainers are happy to help even the most novice riders. ATO staff noticed Songseng¡¯s horses really enjoy their alfalfa, imported from the U.S. Their owners look forward to importing more high quality products from the U.S., both for horse and human consumption and enjoyment. |
|
