Horses, Friendship & Tea: A Royal Equestrian Moment in Beijing

HRH Princess Nanda Devi-Norodom of Cambodia and Princess Amrita of Cambodia visits Beijing for the FEI China World Cup, sharing equestrian reflections over tea with Melissa Lu and five-star rider Dani Moguel.

During the recent FEI China World Cup in Beijing, an unforgettable equestrian moment took place—one that was less about medals and more about meaningful connections. Princess Amrita of Cambodia, a passionate rider, had come to China to compete on a borrowed horse. With poise and determination, she delivered an impressive round in the arena and a perfectly executed decisive turn to a fence that earned her a beautiful “clear” round, guided by her trainer Dani Moguel, a five-star eventing athlete from Mexico.

Following the competition, Melissa Lu, founder of ELLA, hosted a heartfelt tea time at ELLA Beijing—an intimate gathering where horses, sport, and lifestyle came together in conversation. The trio revisited Princess Amrita’s round, shared insights into international competition, and reflected on the deeper joys of riding.

It was more than just a post-show debrief. Over tea, stories flowed freely—from training philosophies to fashion preferences, from cultural perspectives to shared dreams. As Princess Amrita explored the curated designs in the store, she expressed her appreciation for how ELLA celebrates the equestrian lifestyle not just as a sport, but as an art form.

Moments like these highlight what ELLA stands for: a home for riders, a platform for culture, and a bridge between East and West. With friends and champions from around the world, Melissa continues to weave meaningful narratives into the equestrian space—one conversation, one connection, and one cup of tea at a time.

“Tea, horses, and stories—this is the beauty of the equestrian life we all share.”