Biography

It will be a third visit to Badminton for British-based Chinese Olympic rider Alex Hua Tin (35) who last competed here in 2016. Alex is based in Cheshire where he runs Pinfold stables.

With Badminton entry Jilsonne Van Bareelhof Alex contested and completed the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris – his 4^th Olympic appearance. His second entry Chicko was the winner of the 4*S at Ballindenisk and at the end of the year was 4^th in the 5*L in Pau – a first 5* for Chicko

Alex was born in London but first started riding at the Beijing Shijingshan Equestrian Club in the Peoples Republic of China and later in Hong Kong. He came to the UK aged 10 when his parents relocated.

In 2008 Alex, aged 18, Alex became the youngest rider ever and first Chinese rider to compete in the Olympic three-day event but did not complete. He became the face of equestrian sport for China and in 2009 he won the FEI inaugural ‘rising star’ award and the following year was appointed Ambassador for the Asian Games when it was held in his home city of Guangzhou. In 2013 he became an international patron for World Horse Welfare. In 2014 he won the silver medal at the Asian Games (Temujin) becoming the first Chinese equestrian to win a medal.

He now spends time in China supporting the development of Equestrian sport and is an ambassador of the BHS in China. He initiated his charity Horsemanship in partnership with the Hong Kong jockey club allowing children from all backgrounds an introduction to riding schools and the value of horsemanship.

Alex has trained for many years with Lucinda Fredericks and currently trains dressage with Hannah Moody and Sarah Higgins and jumping with Anthony Condon and Hayden Hankey.

Jilsonne van Bareelhof (aka Chocs) is a registered Belgian warmblood (BWP). He is by Nevado van de Rostal (a son of Acorado) out of a mare by the jumping stallion WinningMood.He has been owned by Mrs Yi Qianru and her family since 2017. Children Adam and Angelina are keen amateur riders and the family has an equestrian centre in downtown Shanghai called YCL, the only BHS accredited stables in the Shanghai area. Chocs has been ridden by Alex since 2018 and has since won at 2,3 and 4*level. Last year the pair contested the Paris Olympic Games, Badminton however will be his first 5* event.

Chicko owned by Kate and Peter Willis and rider, is an Irish-bred, Irish Sport Horse registered 15-year-old gelding. Bred by John Reid he is by the Holstein (Lougherne) Corea out of a mare by Limmerick. He was previously ridden by Polly Stockton, Alex took the ride in 2022. Last year he was 4^th in his first 5* at Pau.

2024 – Pau – CCI5*L  4^th Chicko

2024 – Paris OG 23^rd Jilsonne van Bareelhof

2024 – Little Downham CCI4*S 3^rd Chicko, 35^th Jilsonne van Bareelhof

2024 – Bramham CCI4*S 26^th Chicko

2024 – Ballindenisk CCI4*S 1^st Chicko, 9^th Jilsonne van Bareelhof

2023 – Blenheim CCI4*L 9^th Chicko

2023 – Montelibretti CCI4*S 1^st Jilsonne van Bareelhof

2023 – Asian Games CCI2*L 1^st Poseidons Admiral

2021 – Varsseveld CCI2*L 1^st Jilsonne van Bareelhof

2022 – Hartpury CCI3*L 1^st Jilsonne van Bareelhof

2021 – Hong Kong OG El Chico

2018 – Asian Games C1* 3^rd PSH Convivial

2016 – Rio OG 8^th Don Geniro

2014 – Incheon Asian Games C1* 2^nd Temujin

2014 – Caen WEG 48^th Harbour Pilot C

2010 – Burghley CCI4* Ret ESB Irish Fiddle

2008 – Olympic Games El FBW Chico

Badminton

2016 – 39^th Harbour Pilot

2010 – 26^th Magenta, el Jeans