Riding high: Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong hoped Hong Kong's success in organising the equestrian events will continue into the paralympic games.

The equestrian events in Hong Kong have been a huge success and the city is getting ready for the coming paralympic equestrian games, Equestrian Company Chief Executive Officer Lam Woon-kwong says.

At a media briefing today, Mr Lam said he is glad to have the events completed peacefully, to a high standard with only very minor injuries involving three horses, despite Hong Kong's lack of experience in such events.

He noted professional bodies including the Olympic Games International Organising Committee, the Beijing Organising Committee, the Federation Equestre Internationale, the athletes and participating officials have all accorded high rankings to Hong Kong's organisation of the events.

Mr Lam gave credit to riders' high-level performance, spectators' enthusiasm and orderly behaviour, and the working teams formed by his company and 1,800 volunteers, over 30 government departments and the Jockey Club.

He said 16,000 team members have made everything run smoothly, including the athletes' reception, transportation, venue and stable management, medical services and quarantine, as well as security.

Paralympic events

Saying the challenge is not yet over, Mr Lam hoped the Paralympic equestrian events, which will start on September 7, will also be successful.

Venue settings, facilities and services require adjustments to cater for the paralympic games. There will be more than 70 horses arriving in Hong Kong from August 27 to compete in the events.

Mr Lam said although the scale is smaller, the devotion of disabled riders and their efforts and determination are even greater than those of able-bodied athletes. He was impressed with their performance when he watched an international race last year.

There will be nine competition sessions for the Paralympic equestrian events. For each session, 2,600 tickets will be put up for sale at about $40, while 2,400 are required to be reserved for educational purposes.

Ticketing details will be announced early next week.