Many years ago, everyone in the equestrian industry knew a name of a “Farmer Rider”, Li Zhenqiang, who is now the leading equestrian in Guangdong and even in China. More interestingly, his son, Li Yaofeng, who was always going to competition with his father is now also a leading junior equestrian in China.
In recent years, Yaofeng has won a number of champions in many junior equestrian matches and tournaments. Unquestionably, this kid, who was known because of his father, now has his own name shouting in the Chinese equestrian industry.
Grew up with horses
Talking about the equestrian performances among his age group, Yaofeng is the outstanding one.
When he was 13, he won four junior level champions in the 2011 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping, China League, Beijing. His performance shined and surprised all industry professions. The kid was modest and said in the interview: “The honour all goes to my horse. He helped me a lot.”
Yaofeng’s horse is his best friend. His first horse is called “Doraemon”. His relationship with his horse is just like the relationship between Nobita Nobi and Doraemon.
Now his partner is Balous. This 17 year-old kid gives him a nick name, take selfie with him, and do his haircut. And Yaofeng brought homework to do with him and sometimes shared secret with him.
The horsemanship is so honoured by his father.
Learn from his father
His father, Li Zhenqiang, is Yaofeng’s idol. He admitted that the most influential figure in his equestrian training is his father.
Li Zhenqiang is his abecedarian, taught him every single step on a horse. Yaofeng expressed that the skill that taught by dad is very useful, but the mental training is more invaluable.
The mental key is to be on a horse and experience in competitions. The boy was brought on a horse but fell off the ride when he was 7 year old. He was fear about getting on a horse again. He could not recall how dad brought him on a horse again when he turned 11, but his word showed his gratitude to his dad.
“If I did not go into equestrian, I do not know what I am doing now.” said the 17 year old
“After learning equestrian, my personality become stronger and tougher. I gained a chance to view a broader world and I showed more understandings to dad.”
“He is my dad, my teacher and my friend.”
Look forward into his future
Compared to his age group, Yaofeng found his best interest outside study. Learning equestrian made him stand out from others to consider and plan for his future with his strong confidence.
December 2013, Yaofeng started studying in Harrow International School Beijing. This gave him the opportunity to sit on a horse in training for 6 days a week, 3 more days from the past.
He improved the equestrian skill to a new high-level during his time in Harrow. More importantly, he gave himself a even high standard in his time-management. Equestrian is his motivation to study and he found the balance between the two. Now, the new challenge comes as his English skills.
“I feel a bit straggled when answering questions in English, but I will definitely try my best to solve this trouble.”
This boy gave up the World Equestrian Games in Beijing on May 2014 because it clashed his exam period.
“It was a pity that I could not join WEG Beijing, but my priority at that time was study.”
This is such a mature response from a teenage. Making decision and judgment is a great lesson for him to grow up.
“My plan is studying in Europe after high school here, where is the home of modern equestrianism.” Spoke with his confidence.
His first choice will be Hartpury College in the UK, which is the top of top equestrian college in world.
“This is what I want. I am on the way to be a top-class equestrian.”