Leading the Way

A lone motorbike rider leads his horse for a game of Oglak Tartis.

Dust and Promise

Amidst the endless expanse of the Taklamakan desert, riders from across the local area gather on a pitch 5 kms outside the oasis town of Yengisar in Xinjiang, China

Practice makes perfect

Riders practicing before the games begin by flinging a dead's goat carcass onto a 'goal' at one end of the pitch

'National meaning'

Local TV crews gather to film the Oglak Tartis Games being held to celebrate the Uighur New Year called Nauroz

Steady at the bit

Horses used in the game are specially bred to gallop on a nudge and stop on a dime.

Tradition lives on

For many locals Oglak Tartis is a national sport and a common bond between Uighurs in Xinjiang.

Heated race

Exploding into action, one rider fends off the efforts of the other to steal the de-organed goat's carcass hanging from his right

Battling for Goal

Two teams of five battle it out in around the goal as one attempt to fling the Oglak or goats carcass on top.

Incredible horsemanship

Hanging with deft skill onto the side of his horse, one rider grabs the Oglak (or 'ball') off the ground while his team members keep the opponents at bay

Racing for goal

Riders pound up the sandy pitch towards a goal as the Oglak is flung for all its worth.

Mid-gallop Struggle

With whip in mouth and Oglak in hand, two riders leg it up the pitch in a race to stay ahead of the pack.

Power in motion

A breakaway rider surges towards the goal in hope of glory. Each game of Oglak Tartis last 20 mins and only the most noteworthy riders are recognised.