With sports being a key part of culture, and culture a crucial part of bilateral cooperation, athletic exchanges are becoming an important factor in the China-Belgium relationship. Horseback riding, a popular activity in the European country, is alive and well in China too. In fact, a unique Belgian training system for horses and their fans, has made its way here to Beijing. CGTN's Daniel Plafker has more. 

Not far from downtown Beijing, a Chinese racecourse has just ushered in some special new friends - -- a group of horses: The Belgian Warmblood.

Vigorous strides, toned physiques, and sharp senses have won them scores of equestrian competitions, and also, top care from horsemen.

National championship rider Wu Hui now works for Brother Fortune Equestrian (BFE). It's a Chinese company specializing in equestrian sports and education. Wu also teaches riding and other skills, saying that horses often get more of his attention than his kids do.

Along with these nimble creatures, Belgium has also brought advanced equestrian education systems to China. It's the first time another country has evaluated rider progression with Belgium's standards. 

QIU YAN, MEDIA MANAGER BROTHER FORTUNE EQUESTRIAN "We imported a lot of Belgian horses to China for training and competition. (We invited) experts like coaches and consultants to help improve Chinese equestrian management."

LIES VLAMYNCK, DIRECTOR VLAAMSE LIGA PAARDENSPORT, BELGIUM "It is important that a lot of knowledge is exchanged so that in China they can become the owner of knowledge. With this knowledge, they can further develop the equestrian sport on different levels from base to top."

As of 2017, China has over 1-thousand equestrian clubs, and more than 100 in Beijing. 

LIES VLAMYNCK, DIRECTOR VLAAMSE LIGA PAARDENSPORT, BELGIUM "Only when you have an optimal interaction between coach, rider and horse, can you have success."

With sports an integral part of culture, cooperation in equestrianism between China and Belgium may be a new beginning for broader cultural exchanges.