34-year-old Dorje Tsering rides his beloved steed and gallops across the green grass of Tornyin grasslands. On thatday, Yalang village in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai,  held a horse race and Dorje’s family came out to cheer him on.

Dorje Tsering comes from Niangluo village in Donglang, Tongren County, Huangnan Prefecture. He started riding at the age of 12. “As modern means of transport have become more popular, horse riding has perhaps gradually gone out of favor with young people, but it is still a respected form of exercise among local people. I think horse racing embodies the courage and wisdom of Tibetan people,” said Dorje Tsering.

The Tornyin grasslands display picturesque beauty in early August. Dorje said that many horses taking part in the horse race wear Hada given by the Living Buddha’s of local monasteries. It is used to wish the riders well and that the race runs smoothly.

Li Gang, deputy researcher at Huangnan Arts, Sports & Media Bureau said that local horse racing is a form of exercise and also reflects the local Tibetan folk culture. In 2014 “Regong horse riding” was included on the Qinghai Province intangible cultural heritage protection list.

Xiawu Tashi, a 41-year-old riding friend of Dorje’s, said that horse racing is a sport loved by the local people. The horse racing festival has become an annual celebration.

As the sun goes down flashing lights from the tents next to the racecourse light up the grassland. The brave knights become singers and dancers as melodious Tibetan love songs rise from tent after tent lingering in the air; and the moving Guozhuang dance continues from moonrise to moonset in an endless stream.

“The horse racing festival is the most joyful and romantic festival of the year for local farmers. I want to pass these traditional riding skills down to my children and make sure they remember the history of Tibetans,” said Xiawu Tashi.