The Asian Games are now underway, but for Chinese equestrian athlete Alex Hua Tian, he still has seven days to get ready. And that extra time will be most crucial for the Olympian as he was separated from his horse, Spike for eight days during rigorous anti-doping process in Beijing before his arrival, and the traveling and testing is tough on a horse. Daniel Plafker has more. 

Alex Hua Tian will compete in the team and individual eventing in Jakarta, and he has chosen a new horse named Spike, who is different than any other horses he owns.

Just like any other competitors, the riders and horses are always subjected to anti-doping testing. But these Asian Games have been very different for the Chinese athletes, as they had to go through a four-day process and be separated with their horses for eight days in total, just before the Games started. In equestrian, the relationship between horse and rider is of paramount importance, so the separation can greatly affect their performances. 

But when asked if the anti-doping measures are too strong, the 2014 Incheon Asian Games silver medalist gives a definite no.

For the team event, the 2016 Rio Olympic individual event qualifier thinks Japan are the favorites. The hosts of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have improved quickly with consistent riders and top horses. 

While Hua Tian knows not to expect too much in Jakarta, the 28-year-old is looking beyond winning medals at the Asian Games with his long term goal to get ready for the Tokyo Olympics in two years time.

Hua Tian has been China's number one in equestrian for quite a long time, but on the international circuit, he has not yet reached the peak of his career. And as the sport grows in China, so too will Hua Tian and his list of accomplishments. Daniel Plafker, CGTN.