Horse riding is one of my favourite hobbies. My wife Kinga and I try to ride at least every weekend if we can. We visit a fantastic facility called Shanghai Equestrian Centre. If any one is interested I would highly recommend this venue. Great facilities, more than 65 horses and excellent instructors, in Mandarin or English. No matter what your level of skill is, they can cater for all from beginner to experienced riders. You can ride indoors or outdoors, which is why I look a little hot in the pictures, after all it was 37 degrees and we had been riding for about an hour.

骑马是我最喜欢的一项运动之一。如果可以，每周末我都会和我太太Kinga去骑马。上周末，我们去了一个很棒的马场：上海马术运动场（Shanghai Equestrian Centre）。如果有人对骑马感兴趣的话，我强烈推荐这个马场。他们设施先进，马匹多达65匹，而且教练也都很优秀，能说英语和中文。无论你是初学者还是老手，他们都能相应地提供指导。你可以选择在室内骑马或是室外，所以照片里我看起来有点热——因为那时外面的气温高达37摄氏度，而我已经骑了一个小时左右了。

The main outdoor riding arena 室外马场的主跑道

Horses are really fascinating animals. They are very intelligent, and each has their own unique personality. Quiet, cheeky, lazy, enthusiastic you will meet all types. Even if you have never ridden before, I encourage you to try at least once, you won't regret it.

马是一种很迷人的动物。它们聪明，每匹都有自己的性格：安静的、鲁莽的、慵懒的、奔放的，不同个性的马匹你都可能遇到。即使你以前从未骑过，我也建议你至少尝试一次，你一定不会后悔。

On the way back to the stables after a ride. On hot days even the horses get a shower after exercise.

回马圈的路上。大热天马也需要冲凉。

This horse is called Action, he used to be a very good show jumping horse but is afraid of water. Sometimes he even gets a little nervous around lighter patches of sand because he thinks it might be water. Both Kinga and I have ridden him and he really is very smart. He listens to the instructors and sometimes follows their instructions before you have actually acted. On the other hand he can also be a little lazy and takes it easy until he understands that you have ridden before and are going to make him work.

我骑的这匹叫“跳跃”，它曾经是匹非常优秀的表演马匹，但它怕水。有的时候它甚至会有点惧怕浅色的沙地，因为它担心那会是水。我和Kinga都骑过它，它的确是匹非常聪颖的马。它很听训练员的话，有时候当你还没开始指挥它就已经领悟了你的意思。另一方面讲，他有时候也有点懒惰，直到他发现你以前骑过它知道如何与它配合，它才肯放松下来

The main building at the entrance to the centre. 马术运动场的入口大厅

Shanghai Equestrian Center

www.shmsydc.com

021 57346691

Sh-horse@163.com