Hong Kong is ready to stage the Paralympic horse riding events, Hong Kong Equestrian Company Chief of Paralympic services Amanda Bond said here Friday.

The Paralympic equestrian events, which will feature only dressage competitions, will be held at the Sha Tin equestrian venue from Sept. 7 to 11.

Seventy-three riders from 28 countries and regions will compete in team and individual competitions, with morning and evening sessions on most days.

Bond said individual riders are required to complete two tests including the individual championship test followed by the freestyle test.

"The freestyle test includes set movements individually choreographed by the rider and set to music. This is often described as 'ballet for horses' and is very entertaining for the spectators," she said.

Teams of three or four riders from any nation also compete in a team test.

The world-class equestrian facilities at Sha Tin won broad acclaim from competitors during the Olympic equestrian events held from Aug. 9 to 21.

Bond believed that the event will also be a unique and uplifting experience for competitors and spectators. She said the focus is the athletes and their inspirational stories of achievement.

"The guiding principles laid down by the International Paralympic Committee is to focus on the excellence and accomplishment of athletes who triumph despite their own personal challenges," she said.

"There is also a strong emphasis on fair play, and providing an environment free of prejudice and discrimination.

"In addition, all those who take part, whether competitor or spectator, help promote the Paralympic values of transcendence, integration and equality," said she.

Source: Xinhua