Following an annual tradition, a horse racing festival will take place this summer on June 19 in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province. Perhaps, nowhere in the world such a unique, pristine and genuine event such as this is held.

An image of last year's horse race.

The jockeys are of Dao, Mong and Tay ethnic descents and race without any kind of protection. The only things they are equipped with are a plastic hat in replacement for a helmet and a pair of plastic slippers, not even a saddle is used. The man and his horse will use all their skills and determination to win the race and bring pride to their village.

The winner of the 2009 race, jockey Vang Van Thuc (30 years old, of Tay ethnic descent, from Na Hoi Tay Hamlet, Na Hoi Commune) shares, "We don't use a saddle on our horse. We use a rectangular piece of linen that we bind across their back and a rope that we use for their rein. It's impossible for us to whip the horse since we have to use both of our hands to control the horse and keep our balance. As easy as this may sound, it's not easy to do. There is only one spot on the back of the horse that allows us to keep our balance. Our two legs would have to grip tight to the sides of the horse and we have to adjust our body up and down according to the horse's running rhythm. If we accidentally fall, we have to know how to fall to avoid serious injuries."

Since the beginning of May, Bac Ha District has been busy preparing for the 2010 Horse Race and it was reported that organisers for this year's event have been selected. The race this year is going to be held on a larger scale. It is estimated that over 150 horses will participate in the march before the race and about 100 will compete in a 1,500 metre race.

The horse race is an annual event of Bac Ha District in response to the tourism program of 3 provinces: Lao Cai - Yen Bai - Phu Tho. It has been considered a highlight tourist attraction. According to the district's statistics, the 2009 horse race welcomed 15,000 visitors both domestic and international.

A bare-foot jockey