You Zhang (Grade 10) | 5 questions

Every day is a busy day for You Zhang. You joined AIS in August 2017. Like all other students, he spends the day from 08:30 to 15:30 in class. When other students go home, You travels about two hours to a Horse Riding Center near Lier where he trains with the Brother Fortune Equestrian Team, a Chinese team, led by ex Olympic jockey, Dirk Demeersman. We asked You five questions.

Please, tell us a bit about your background.

My name is You Zhang. I am from China, 16 years old and I like to do horse riding.

When did you arrive in Belgium and when did you join AIS? What do you think of AIS?

I came to Belgium in May 2017 and I started horse riding with my new trainer. At the time I was living in Denmark. I decided I wanted to stay in Belgium and applied for Antwerp International School. I joined the school in August 2017. I enjoy AIS. I like the environment, and the students and teachers are really nice.

When did you start horse riding? Why did you join a Belgian team?

I started horse riding when I was 11 years old and I became better and better so I decided I want to do it professionally. My sponsor started a team and I am now representing his team.

How do you combine school and horse riding?

I finish school at 15:30 every day and end then start my riding practice, which usually takes up 3 hours. After I get home I have to finish my school work.

5. What are your plans for the future?

I hope I can finish my high school at AIS and then attend university in Belgium. I would love to keep on riding horses.