The 4th Inner Mongolia International Equestrianism Festival kicked off in Hohhot on Aug 12, mixing modern horse racing competitions with traditional ethnic horsemanship.

As well as horse racing, festival organizers arranged interactive horse-related activities and cultural celebrations to entice more people to participate in the event.

Horses have been a long-standing icon for nomadic herdsmen on the prairies of Inner Mongolia since ancient times. The region has pioneered the promotion of its ethnic customs as well as boosted the local economy through equestrian events.

Jockeys compete in the 2,000m thoroughbred horse race of the 4th Inner Mongolia International Equestrianism Festival held in Hohhot on Aug 12, 2017. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]