Miao Horse Racing: As Striking As Famous Miao Silver Jewelry

Living in remote mountains of southern China, the ethnic tribes of Miao are some of the world's best silver jewelry makers

. Their silver ornaments add to any outfit the mysterious oriental touch.

As mysterious as the Miao silverware are the colorful Miao holiday games. Each year, tens of thousands of tourists flock in their villages to watch.

Of all the games, horse racing is probably the grandest and most exciting!

The game, played mainly on major Miao festivals, is staged several times a year. The game is to remember the bravery of their Miao ancestors, and boost unity and love among the Miao people.

On the racing day, the whole town turns out to watch the game. The large number number of contestants eager to prove themselves really makes it one of the grandest events of the year.

The racing location is carefully picked. A large open ground with gentle slopes around it is ideal.

The Miao horse racing is slightly different as soon as the game begins. The racers don't set them ready on horsebacks and wait for the beginning of the game. They waits somewhere behind the starting line, and jump to the horseback as their horses rush toward them.

Also surprising, the Miao racers don't use saddles in the game. Saddles support horse riders in their seat, and without one, the rider can easily fall of the horseback and get seriously injured. The skills require years of training.

Even more interesting, many of the racers are boys merely at their age of 9 or 10. They ride just like professionals, and do all kinds of acrobatic moves during the process. In fact, Miao boys usually start to learn riding skills when they are 5, 6 years old.

For the Miaos, horse riding is in their blood, a feat that a real man must conquer. An old saying goes that a Miao can live a month without food, but not without horse riding.

After the game, a handsome prize is rewarded to the winning racers. He also receives huge respect from his fellow villagers.

by: David Cheng

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