Korntawat Samran of Thailand and B.Grimm Billy Elmy during the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Montelibretti. Photo by Massimo Argenziano for the FEI.
Excitement is mounting as Asia’s top eventing athletes prepare to return to Thailand for the FEI Eventing Asian Championship 2025, which takes place from 30 November – 3 December. With three national teams – Hong Kong, India and Thailand – and 17 individual athletes confirmed across a total of five nations, this year’s Championship promises world-class sport, a vibrant spectator atmosphere, and a showcase of the sport’s rapid development across the continent.
The Thai Polo Club – an expansive 250-hectare equestrian haven on the outskirts of Pattaya – once again provides the stage. Designed by polo visionaries Harald Link and Mrs. Nunthinee Tanner, the venue features state-of-the-art arenas, permanent cross-country and endurance courses, and horse-centric facilities unique to the region.
“This venue has always been special,” says Hong Kong athlete Annie Ho, who will compete in both eventing and dressage in Pattaya. “I actually won the inaugural Asian Eventing Championships in 2013 here. The facilities were impressive then, but they’ve raised the bar even further.”
This hybrid-format competition begins on 30 November with the first horse inspection followed by arena familiarisation. Monday 1 December will see athletes perform the CCI3*-B Dressage test, showcasing the precision and harmony expected at the level. The action continues on 2 December with the CCI2*-L cross-country test across the venue’s permanently maintained course, before the event concludes on Wednesday 3 December with the second horse inspection, the CCI3* jumping test, and the team and individual medal ceremonies.
Among this year’s top contenders is China’s Alex Hua Tian, who will be competing in Pattaya with his 4* horse, Manjushri. Hua Tian, who qualified for the Beijing Olympics at just 18 years old, has made a notable impact on the eventing world ever since.
“Alex is definitely one to beat,” says Ho. “A couple of the Thai riders have also had excellent seasons in Europe, so it’s shaping up to be a very competitive championship.”
For Ho herself, expectations are high as she partners with Evita AP, owned by British Olympian Sarah Bullimore. Based in Hampshire, UK, where she trains with Team GB athlete Piggy March, Ho reflects on what makes representing Hong Kong so meaningful. “It’s always a privilege to represent your country at a championship. Even though ours aren’t on the same scale as the Europeans, the team atmosphere is absolutely incredible. It’s one of the reasons I keep going. It motivates me to ride at these amazing venues and be part of something bigger.”
The host country has named five athletes for the eventing competition. Three of them, Weerapat Pitakanonda, Korntawat Samran and Preecha Khunjan, were part of the gold medal winning team at the FEI Asian Championship in 2019, where Korntawat Samran also won individual bronze.
There are a number of rising stars competing, including 20-year-old Shashank Kanumuri from India who took over the ride on Wellfields Casino Royale from John Tilley this season. This combination has an excellent cross-country record to date so should be ones to watch.
Hong Kong’s Owen Wong is just 21 years old but has already made his mark on the Eventing world. He will compete Harthill Phantom, previously campaigned by Dutchman Andrew Heffernan to 5* level, so a good performance is expected. Meanwhile Qatar, an emerging eventing nation, will send two individual athletes this year: Mohammed Jabor H R Al Naimi and Mohammed Salem M L Al Marri, who both started their careers in the sport of jumping.
Eventing’s growth across Asia is unmistakable, Ho explains. “Japan has traditionally dominated, but we’re seeing real depth emerging from Thailand, China, and even us in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s youth programme has been hugely successful in bringing through the next generation. And at the China National Games last week, there were seven teams competing – that’s a big sign of progress.”
As always, horse welfare is central to championship operations. The event will host 15 FEI-accredited veterinarians from a range of nations, with the Veterinary Commission led by Dr. Emily Sandler-Burtness (USA), an experienced official at multiple FEI Championships and Games. The Thai Polo Club’s permanent veterinary facilities – overseen by a leading Argentinian equine specialist and supported by international and local farriers, trainers, and stable staff – ensure exceptional care throughout the competition.
With nearly 40 million tourists visiting Thailand each year and more than 24 million travelling specifically to Pattaya in 2024, the Championships – which showcase multiple equestrian disciples – are poised to attract a lively international audience. During the 2019 edition at the same venue, spectators from around the world filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that is expected to return in full force.
Fans unable to attend will have access to complete live and on-demand coverage via FEI TV/ClipMyHorse.
As anticipation builds, teams, athletes, and supporters alike look forward to a thrilling celebration of courage, precision, and partnership between horse and athlete. The FEI Eventing Asian Championship 2025 is set to deliver a compelling showcase of sport, national pride, and the future of eventing across Asia.
