Horses still hold importance in Tibetans' lives

During ancient times on the Tibetan plateau, as one folk epic describes it, any tribe member who won a horse race would be perceived worthy of being named chief.

However, that is not the case in modern times. Urgyen, in his auspicious hat, green blouse and red trousers, was surrounded by hundreds of villagers congratulating him after winning a horse race in Ngari prefecture, Tibet autonomous region.

The Epic of King Gesar tells the story of an 11th century Tibetan demigod who defeated enemies on horseback, helping to save his people. This story has been passed down through word-of-mouth by singers and also by illiterate herders and farmers.