TITLE: Blessing

During my trip to Mongolia, I encountered a traditional festival held at Ugii Lake. The festival included horse racing and traditional Mongolian wrestling (böxe). In Mongolian culture, children begin learning horseback riding skills as early as three or four years old. Due to their lighter weight, horse owners arrange for them to become jockeys and participate in the annual horse racing competitions. It was a moment when the elders awarded certificates and blessings to the horse racing winners.

AUTHOR: Rex Check (Hong Kong)