A trainer places protective gear on a horse at the Guofa Equestrian Club in suburban Beijing in April. [Photo/VCG]

At equestrian clubs, Lin learned the breeds and habits of horses and how to communicate with them, along with equestrian skills. She said she feels much safer riding at these clubs, with professional trainers standing by.

Her 6,800 yuan ($1,049) membership card entitles Lin to 30 hours of lessons. Lin's equestrian class consists of a dozen students, most of them young women and children.

Mr Ding enrolled his three-year-old son at the class about one year ago after discovering the boy loves animals, especially horses.