Alex Hua Tian – one in a billion
This charming Old Etonian is a young man who has proved to be an outstanding ambassador for his nation and his sport. He, alone, represents China at iconic events held in stunning venues throughout Europe including Fontainebleau, Badminton, Burghley, Saumur, Blenheim and Chatsworth.
In 2014, he qualified for three major championships: he was the only Asian event rider at the World Championships (World Equestrian Games) in Normandy; he won a Silver medal at the Asian Games in Korea; and placed 8th in the World Young Horse Championships in France.
His next goal is the Rio Olympics 2016.
Alex has had a highly successful Olympic qualification campaign in 2015, winning one qualifier and coming 2nd in another. He now has two horses, Harbour Pilot C (Pye) and Don Geniro, fully qualified for the Olympics. In August 2015 Alex and Pye were ranked 5th in the world in the FEI Olympic Horse-Rider Combination Rankings.
Alex has been welcoming many of his successful compatriots to the UK and introducing them to the pleasures of the equestrian world. Equestrian sports are the fastest growing activities among China’s increasingly affluent classes and will continue to expand.
More about Alex
In 2008, Alex made the astonishing achievement, at the age of just 18 years old, of qualifying for the Olympics not only on host nation quota, but also on merit. He rose in the rankings to world number 21 in a period of only 4 months.
With horses at all levels of competition Alex regularly places in the top 10. These have included:
- Silver Medal at the 2014 Asian Games
- Ranked 5th in World in the FEI Olympic Horse-Rider Combination Rankings in August 2015
- Winner of two Olympic qualifiers – including Dunakeszi CCI*** June 2015
- Winner of Rockingham International, Express Eventing, Firle Place International and at Barroco D’Alva International, Hambledon International, Catton Park, Kelsall Hill, Stafford Horse Trials
- Top Under-21 Rider at Blenheim International Horse Trials two years running
- Top 3 placings at British Festival of Eventing, Hopetoun International, Rockingham Castle International, Chilham Castle, Kelsall Hill Horse Trials, Keysoe Horse Trials
- Only Asian rider at the 2014 World Championships (World Equestrian Games)
- Place 3rd at the British National Young Horse Championships (2014) and 8th at the World Young Horse Championships (2014)
Alex won the inaugural Rising Star Award from Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) in 2009 presented by their President, Princess Haya. He was also selected alongside The Princess Royal, Zara Philips and Sir Mark Todd to exemplify the spirit of his sport in the FEI Inspire Campaign at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010. He has been selected again to represent his sport in the FEI’s global advertising campaign for 2015 “Champions”.
Alex was appointed Ambassador for the Asian Games when it was held in his home city of Guangzhou in 2010. That same year, he was awarded a Charisma Award by the Nanfang Press Group for being “stylish, influential & charismatic, but above all having a positive influence on the world around him”.
Alex has been acting as Visit Britain Ambassador since 2011. In 2013, this young Olympian was invited by World Horse Welfare to be their first international patron and during their annual forum at the Royal Geographical Society, to address an august audience from throughout the equestrian world, lead by the charity’s President, Princess Anne.
Alex is proud to represent the iconic gentleman’s clothing and bespoke outfitters to the Royal Family, Gieves & Hawkes. He appears in their global advertising campaign made by the Oscar nominated director, Mike Figgis on location at Lake Como.
