2025 Road to the Bird's Nest Series: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Leg 3 Concludes with Thrilling PerformancesThe third leg of the 2025 Road to the Bird's Nest Series in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region concluded successfully from May 31 to June 2 at Sanhe Junlong Equestrian Club, marking a crucial step for riders aiming to secure their spot in the prestigious 12th Longines Beijing Masters.
A Dual Celebration: Dragon Boat Festival Meets Equestrian Excellence
Coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival and Children's Day, the event blended tradition with equestrian passion. Young riders showcased their skills, embodying the future of Chinese show jumping, while the festive spirit was enhanced with traditional zongzi treats—a perfect harmony of sport and culture.
169 Qualification Spots Up for Grabs
As the final opportunity to earn points for the October Bird's Nest Masters, competition was fierce. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region offered 169 qualification spots, with riders battling not just for rankings but also for bonus points—those who competed in all three regional legs earned 5 additional "Perfect Attendance" points, rewarding consistency and dedication.
- Tiebreaker Policy: Riders and teams with identical scores all qualified, ensuring fairness.
- Non-Transferable Spots: Unclaimed spots rolled down the rankings, making every point crucial.
- Strategic Play: Riders carefully planned their entries across 60CM to 130CM levels, balancing risk and reward.
A Structured Pathway to Excellence
The event followed a progressive difficulty schedule, allowing riders to warm up with lower jumps before tackling advanced courses. This thoughtful structure supported both emerging talents and seasoned competitors, ensuring every participant could maximize their performance.
Generous Prize Pool & Incentives
With a ¥310,000 prize pool covering the top 16 riders, the stakes were high. Levels exceeding 100 entries extended awards to the top 20, while team competitions saw increased prizes without additional fees—a nod to the growing team spirit in Chinese equestrian sports.
Registration & Logistics: Smooth and Efficient
Riders registered via Equine China’s smart system, which streamlined entries and ensured compliance with competition rules. Strict horse welfare protocols were enforced, including:
- Vaccination records (within six months)
- Quarantine documentation (mandatory for interstate horses)
- Age verification (minimum 5 years for competing horses)
Looking Ahead: The Road to Bird’s Nest
As riders depart Sanhe Junlong, their sights are set on the 12th Longines Beijing Masters—the ultimate stage where China’s best will compete against world-class talent. With the Repechage (wildcard round) still offering a last-chance pathway, the season promises more drama, growth, and unforgettable moments.This leg wasn’t just about rankings—it celebrated the grit of grassroots riders, the precision of top competitors, and the community driving Chinese equestrianism forward. As the season progresses, the Bird’s Nest awaits, ready to crown new legends in October.