Hong Kong Jockey Club plans to open a fourth riding school in Tseung Kwan O

Hong Kong’s public riding schools have racked up a waiting list of more than 20,000 people at current count, but the waiting time for a spot – which can take up to several years – could soon be shortened with a new facility in Tseung Kwan O.

Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has applied to the Sai Kung District Council for the development of its fourth public riding school, which – should the project be approved – would help address the high demand for equestrian facilities in the city and afford up-and-coming equestrian talents more opportunities to hone their skills. 

According to the proposed plans, the new riding school will be situated on a landfill site in Tseung Kwan O, and will include riding facilities, stables, an administration and visitor centre, school buildings, sand arenas, paddocks, viewing galleries, and a veterinary clinic, on an area spanning approximately 46,500 sq m. If all goes well development-wise, construction will commence by the end of 2027 and be completed by 2030. 

HKJC currently operates three public riding schools in Tuen Mun, Pok Fu Lam, and Lei Yue Mun to facilitate equestrian activities, in addition to a private, members-only school in Sheung Shui – the Beas River Equestrian Centre, which boasts a large indoor paddock and an international-standard competition arena. Its Pok Fu Lam school recently reopened in October after a three-year reconstruction, and now includes more stables, a new indoor sand arena, classrooms, training simulators, and viewing galleries.

Hong Kong is also home to a number of independent riding schools and clubs, though the high cost associated with regular lessons and memberships generally prices people out of pursuing equestrianism on a more dedicated level. With the opening of a fourth public riding school, HKJC hopes the waiting time for a spot in its programmes will be shortened, especially for beginners. New facilities will also help to increase its capacity of catering to riders and visitors, which currently stands at over 60,000 individuals per year.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox