The FEI Nations Cup Jumping is equestrian sport's oldest and most prestigious team challenge, with a history dating back to 1909, and one of the biggest showpieces of the international equestrian federation, the FEI. A record number of 50 teams from across the globe, from two European divisions, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East are competing in the series this year. The final will be held in Barcelona for the 5th consecutive time, at the end of September 2017.

China is missing on the list. The Asian giant is not an equestrian giant just yet. A Chinese jumping star in the Nations Cup has not yet arisen, unlike in eventing, where Alex Hua Tian, born in London to a Chinese father and British mother entered the spotlight as China's first Olympic equestrian athlete in Beijing. In Rio, he placed eighth out of 25 athletes and is now targeting Tokyo 2020.

"This could happen to a jumping rider as well," said Ralph Straus, commercial director of the FEI, to Xinhua. "I think it is possible to have a Chinese jumper at the Olympics in a few years. That would accelerate the development of horse sports in China, because jumping is the most popular of horse disciplines."

"In a few years we will see the first Chinese jumper in the Kralingse Bos," said De Mooij. "Now they already jump over 1.40 meter but in a few years they will also jump over 1.60 meter."

Dutch national team coach Rob Ehrens added: "The level is growing all over the world. I think we will see a Chinese jumper at this CHIO level in a few years."

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