Horseback riders and enthusiasts, saddle up! From May 8 to 10, Shanghai will welcome the fourth round of the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour. And this year’s competition promises to be memorable as it marks the 10th anniversary of this first-class equestrian show jumping event.

The best show jumpers in the world will demonstrate their talent in the city. For Shanghai residents inspired by the elegance of the discipline, this is a chance to take a look at the increasingly numerous riding clubs and ranches around the city.

Here is a selection of the best horseback riding clubs in the suburbs. They cater to everyone from those serious about the sport to beginners looking for an enjoyable outing and something to break up the usual routine.

Songseng Equestrian Club

Perfect your horse riding skills in an elegant setting

Located in Fengxian District, Songseng Equestrian club, although a little far from the city, is blessed with spacious stables and four-star facilities. The overall design bears some touches of traditional Chinese architecture. The club integrates equestrian competition, sport as well as holiday recreation. It covers 100,000 square meters and owns about 90 thoroughbred horses. Most of them are Australian and European, including some cup winners.

The center boasts excellent standards as horses are fed imported food, trained and exercised every day. One of the club’s ambitions is to develop equestrianism in China and it is setting the bar high. The club has speed tracks, two horse breaking courses, indoor and outdoor dressage training courses and an international standard hurdle arena. With its wide range of recreational facilities and refined Chinese restaurants, the club also provides a sound setting for more experienced riders, and families looking for a place to both ride and relax. Riders who feel like spending a few days can also benefit from the comfort of the stable’s villas and hotel.

Address: 621 Renmintang Rd E., Fengxian District

Opening hours: 9am-5:30pm

Tel: 5139-8100

Website: www.songseng.com/

Shanghai Equestrian Management Center

Mount like a professional in Shanghai’s most awarded equestrian club

Sprawling across nearly 10 hectares in Shanghai’s suburbs, Shanghai Equestrian Management Center is possibly the biggest equestrian club in the city.

The state-owned club has been awarded a four-star equestrian training center. It is one of the country’s top equestrian schools as rated by the Chinese Equestrian Association and UK-based Hartpury College. It has more than 80 horses imported from China’s Hong Kong, Australia and Europe and is staffed with professional coaches, referees and veterinarians. With its three sandy racecourses, international standard covered arena and two smaller training ranges, it is a well-equipped equestrian club.

It’s little wonder then that Shanghai Equestrian Management Center has welcomed international competitions such as the 2007 Special Olympics Summer Games and the Horsemanship and Steeplechase Tournament for the Pacific Region.

Experienced riders and students can find whatever they require, including inspiration from riding in the footsteps of some great athletes.

The luxurious clubhouse provides members with a peaceful area to unwind after an intense day of riding.

Address: 6300 Jinlang Rd, Zhujing Town, Jinshan District

Tel: 5734-6691

Qingqing Horse Equestrian Club

Escape the city and ride safely in a natural environment

Located right beside the bucolic Qingqing resort park, this equestrian club is the most accessible stable from downtown Shanghai, which also makes it one of the most attractive. This riding club is the perfect fit for anyone who wants to get a little respite from the city and feel the thrills of riding a horse in nature. According to a staff member, Qingqing distinguishes itself from other clubs by its safety first policy.

“There is one coach per student in the arena,” says the staffer, who adds there are never more than 10 people per 45-minute lessons. With its three dozen horses and four arenas, including one covered, Qingqing is a great place for beginners.

The club has more than 1,000 members who are mainly juniors. It provides both professional and group lessons with coaches at all levels.

The small ranch includes a coffee shop and a charming little terrace where parents can sit in the sun while watching their kids ride. On top of that, the club allows for overnight stays, which are popular on weekends.

Address: 388 Chenhua Highway, Songjiang District

Opening hours: 9am-5pm (closed on Mondays)

Tel: 133-7025-7220, 138-1660-6193 for reservations (required)

Website: www.qqhorse.com/

Price: Starting from 270 yuan for a 45-minute lesson; membership card is 3,688 yuan

Meadowbrook Equestrian and Rural Activity Center

Get on a horse in a country home and family-like atmosphere

Covering an area of 35 hectares and set in a pastoral setting in Qingpu District, Meadowbrook club stands out with its countryside feel and family- friendly spirit. Entering the red brick living room facing the covered arena, customers immediately feel the cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the place.

“It is not a club here, it is like home,” says manager Ebe Wong, adding most customers see Meadowbrook “as a place to be themselves.”

The large photos of club members and their families in the covered arena are proof of the club’s commitment to making everyone feel welcome.

But Meadowbrook is also extremely professional. It is one of the few internationally accredited public equestrian centers in China. “Here everything is done for horses to feel good,” says a German woman, rider and trainer, who fell in love with the club’s philosophy a few years ago. She prefers to be anonymous.

The club breeds its own horses and now has 52, including 20 ponies for young riders. Since 2003, the club has provided group and private lessons in their two covered arenas and offers a good environment for riders to develop confidence.

Internal competitions are held twice a year and at the end of each academic year students are sent to Germany for certification.

The center also organizes some non-riding activities for special events such as riding shows, stable tours, farming sections, grooming games. There’s also a camping and barbecue area.

Address: 2780 Shenzhuan Highway, Qingpu District

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 8am-5:30pm

Tel: 6983-0022, 6983-0055

Website: www.meadowbrookshanghai.com/home.aspx

Price: Lessons start at 510 yuan, group lessons are 9,380 yuan per school term

Reservations required at least one week in advance through booking@meadowbrookshanghai.com