Veteran Belgian equestrian takes young riders through paces

YINCHUAN — At an outdoor show-jumping arena, Philippe Le Jeune is teaching riders and their horses to jump over a series of obstacles.

"I was very surprised to have such nice accommodation here. It's very professional and nice to work. The riders are also very talented," says the 64-year-old Belgian equestrian coach, who is visiting China for the first time.

During his two-week stay, Le Jeune is tasked with helping the team from Ningxia Hui autonomous region hone their skills in preparation for China's 15th National Games this November.

The training center where he is working is located in a village near the Yellow River in Yinchuan, Ningxia's capital. It was set up in 2023, the same year the Ningxia equestrian team was founded.

With 50 years of experience, Le Jeune has had much success in five-star competitions, and became world champion in 2010 riding his beloved horse, Vigo.

Surprised at the development of the sport in China, the Belgian veteran says his work is really positive. "What the young men lack is experience in international competitions. They also need to understand there is no bad horse but (only a) horse badly ridden," he says.

"Philippe is really experienced and patient. I have learned a lot from him, especially the connection with my horse," says 30-year-old Jiang Zhixiang, a two-time silver medalist in China's National Equestrian Jumping Championship.

Le Jeune believes that young horses need to be treated with great patience. "The horses are unbelievable, gentle, and very strong animals. The animal doesn't know their own strength, but they're very honest and brave. They normally do what the rider asks," he says.

Born into a poor family, the Belgian's passion for horses began when he first saw a pony at the age of 7. "I was in love with ponies when I was 12, but my parents couldn't afford to support me," he says.

Discussing future dreams and ambitions in the classroom, Le Jeune's answer was very different to those of his classmates, who favored becoming electricians or engineers.

"I want to live with horses," he told his class.

"Are you crazy? Living with horses won't bring you money!" Despite his teacher's response, Le Jeune stuck to his childhood dream.

He left school at 15 and got a job cleaning the stables and horses at an equestrian training center. "The nights were long, but I don't regret anything. I had a fantastic life, a very hard life, but a very good life," he says, smiling.

In recent years, he has traveled the world training inexperienced riders and young horses. "Every morning, I get up with a smile, because I'm going to ride a horse, because it's my life.

"There are a lot of people in the world who don't love their work but they have to do it because they must earn money for their family," he says, "but I live for my passion."