Athletes warm-up before the National Equestrian Triathlon Championships on Sept 4. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

The 2020 National Equestrian Competition opened on Sept 4 in Xiliinhot city in Xiliin Gol League, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Organizers stated that races in numerous categories would be staged during the event: the National Equestrian Triathlon Championships (dressage, cross-country and show jumping), Chinese Equestrian Endurance Tour, 80-kilometer horse race, 40km horse race, the 80km qualifying races, the Thoroughbred Speed Open, lassoing wild horses and hada (a piece of silk cloth used to pay tribute or to greet guests) pick-up on horseback .

The event attracted more than 50 equestrian clubs and more than 300 teams from Beijing, Guangdong, Hebei, Jiangsu, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

An athlete rides onto the playing field at the National Equestrian Triathlon Championships on Sept 4. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]

According to officials, Xiliinhot has hosted the National Equestrian Competition for seven consecutive years, allowing equestrian sports enthusiasts and tourists to experience the collision of speed and passion in the city.

On Sept 4, the National Equestrian Triathlon Championships were held during the competition’s opening ceremony.

Unlike previous years, this year's equestrian triathlon is the qualifying tournament for the 2021 Shaanxi National Games. Some athletes who participated in the triathlon have already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

An athlete demonstrates riding skills at the National Equestrian Triathlon Championships on Sept 4. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]