December 2 - Alex Hua Tian (pictured), who became a celebrity when he became the first rider to represent China's equestrian team in an Olympics at last year's Games in Beijing, was one of the first recipients of the new International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Awards for promising young riders.

 

The Wiltshire-based eventer was among five winners, collecting the HSBC Rising Star award.

 

The 20-year-old Eton College-educated Hua Tian, who was born in London to a Chinese father and a British mother, finished seventh and 12th at the Blenheim International three-day event earlier this year on Jeans and Magenta, who both jumped clear cross country rounds.

 

Hua Tian said: "I've had an incredible two years in the sport – the Olympics in China was something I will never forget.

 

"I received so much fantastic support and I'm now looking forward to achieving more of my goals next year."

 

Hua Tian, who has become a huge star in China, has the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, in his sights next autumn, as well as the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

 

Hua Tian crashed out of the Olympic competition in the cross-country phase when his horse Chico clipped a fence and he was catapulted out of the saddle, which he blamed himself for.

 

He is now targeting the 2012 Olympics.

 

Hua Tian said: "I just can't wait for London.

 

"I am really hungry for it now.

 

"I want to prove that China can do it and not just in the sports that it is traditionally good at.

 

"Everyone in the eventing community has been so supportive."