Ella Yunjing Wang: Building Toward the Asian Games at the Sunshine Tour

schedule

13/03/2026

“Hi, I’m Ella and this is my horse Bella, and it’s our first time here at the Sunshine Tour.”

It’s a simple introduction, but one that perfectly captures the moment for Chinese showjumper Ella Yunjing Wang. Competing this winter in southern Spain with her mare Bella, Wang is using her debut at the Sunshine Tour as an important step in her preparations for the upcoming Asian Games.

Already an established international rider for China, Wang has steadily built a career that bridges both Asian and European competition. With hundreds of international starts and more than twenty victories to her name, she has represented her country on major stages, including the FEI World Championships Herning 2022 and previous Asian Games appearances.

Ella Yunjing Wang: Building Toward the Asian Games at the Sunshine Tour 6

A Career Highlighted by Major Championships

Looking back on her career so far, Wang points to her participation in the world championships as one of the defining moments.

“Of course, the 2022 Herning World Championship,” she says when asked about the biggest highlights. “I’ve also been to one Asian Games and one National Games and came home with a silver medal.”

Those experiences have helped shape her path as one of the riders helping push Chinese show jumping onto the international stage.

First Time at the Sunshine Tour

This season marks Wang’s first appearance at the Sunshine Tour, one of Europe’s largest winter circuits. Based in Spain, the multi-week series offers riders the opportunity to compete across different arenas and course designs — an environment Wang believes is ideal for developing a new partnership.

She recently began competing Bella and is using the tour to strengthen their connection in the ring.

“I’ve had Bella quite recently, so we’re still getting to know each other,” she explains. “But she’s doing pretty well and everything is going nicely.”

Wang splits her time between Europe and China, where she currently has three horses in training at home, alongside Bella and several young horses based in Europe.

Ella Yunjing Wang: Building Toward the Asian Games at the Sunshine Tour 7

Eyes on the Asian Games

The primary focus for Wang this season is clear: preparing for the Asian Games.

“The goal for this year will be the Asian Games,” she says. “I’ll be preparing mostly in Europe with Bella, and we’ll see where we go.”

Competing in Europe provides the level of competition and variety of venues that help both horse and rider sharpen their performance ahead of a championship year.

Ella Yunjing Wang: Building Toward the Asian Games at the Sunshine Tour 8

Competing in China vs Europe

Having spent significant time competing on both continents, Wang sees clear differences between the European circuit and the rapidly developing Chinese show jumping scene.

“In Europe we have much more choice for shows,” she explains. “There are also many young horse shows, which I think is very good for the development of the horses.”

While the Chinese circuit continues to grow, it still offers fewer venues and a smaller pool of competitors.

“In China we often ride against the same riders. Here we see different people, different arenas and different course designers. I think we learn a lot faster here.”

Still, Wang is proud of how quickly the sport is expanding in her home country.

“I’m very happy about the sport in China,” she says. “It’s growing very quickly and hopefully we’re getting better and better.”

Growing Opportunities at Home

One of Wang’s favourite competitions in China takes place at one of the country’s most iconic venues: the Beijing National Stadium.

“The Bird’s Nest, the Olympic stadium, is a show I really like,” she says. “It’s quite a fancy show.”

China has also introduced a national tour series that brings together riders from across the country in a format similar to major international circuits.

“It’s a bit like the Globals but for China,” Wang explains. “We have good facilities and good riders coming, which really helps the sport.”

A Group Effort in Spain

Wang is not the only Chinese rider spending the winter in Spain. Several athletes from China chose the Sunshine Tour as a collective training base this season, making the trip together as part of their preparations.

“It’s a great preparation for us,” she says. “We’re quite close to each other and decided to come here together.”

With multiple arenas and weeks of competition, the tour provides an ideal environment to gain experience and build confidence with their horses.

“It’s such a nice tour,” Wang adds. “You can ride in different arenas over the seven weeks and really get to know your horse.”