Hua Tian to ride "Mulan" to compete in 2012 Olympic Games 

Chinese first-ever Olympic equestrian eventing rider Hua Tian said here Wednesday that he will partner with "Mulan" in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The 18-year-old rider was disqualified after he fell from his horse "Chico" by making a mistake at fence no. 8 during the cross-country competition on Aug. 11.

"I'm feeling much better now," said Hua at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, adding that he was angry about himself to have made the mistake, but felt happy to have support from the spectators.

Hua said that his next goals will be the world championship and Asian Games in 2010. He has also planned to join his horse "Mulan" in the next Olympic Games, describing her character as "calm and relax".

Hua said "Mulan" will reach the age of 13, which is the best condition for a horse to take part in eventing, by 2012 when the London Games is held.

Hua is going to finish high school, which will make only one more year, and then decide whether he will continue his studies or to become a full time rider.

With Chinese heritage from his father and a horsy background from his British mother, Hua gained his berth for the Olympics at an eventing competition held in Poland at the end of April.

Hua said he will go to Beijing to attend the closing ceremony of the Games. He expressed satisfaction over the facilities and arrangement of the Equestrian Games held in the city.

在本届奥运马术三项赛越野赛中意外落马的中国骑手华天１３日在此间表示，准备与另一坐骑“木兰”出战２０１２年伦敦奥运会。

华天在记者会上表示，对于自己在比赛中意外落马，一度感到愤怒和心情低落，但当知道现场有很多人支持他后，他感到特别欣慰，目前心情也已恢复过来。

年仅１８岁的华天表示，他的下一个目标是要参加２０１０年的世界马术锦标赛和亚运会，并计划与现年９岁的爱驹“木兰”参加２０１２年伦敦奥运会。

“‘木兰’性情冷静放松，又不怯场，相信她会比‘武松’更适应奥运赛事的气氛，”华天说，到下一届奥运会时“木兰”已是１３岁，正处于马匹参赛的最理想年龄。

华天还表示，很满意香港协办奥运马术赛事的设施和安排。他稍后将到北京观看奥运会闭幕式。他还祝愿参与奥运马术盛装舞步赛的中国选手刘丽娜能在比赛中发挥出最好水准。

华天透露，他在英国就读的学校９月开学，他将在校完成最后一年的中学课程，待毕业后再决定是选择上大学，还是当职业骑手。

华天是中国队参加本届奥运会马术三项赛的唯一骑手。他与坐骑“武松”在越野赛跨越第八个障碍时，因计算错误而意外落马。根据新的规则，他只能惜别本届奥运会的马术比赛。