23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Horse Racing to Pick up Hada

"Horse racing to pick up Hada" is a traditional folk equestrian sport in Litang County, with a history of more than 400 years. HADA( kha-btags,ཁ་བཏགས།)is a silk scarf offered by the Tibetan and some Mongolian ethnic groups in China in etiquettes of welcoming guests, worshipping gods and daily gifts exchange. "Running a horse to pick up Hada" is a traditional folk equestrian sport that combines horseback skills and courage. During the competition, the rider must pick up as many hadas as possible while ensuring the speed of the horse. Every time the rider bends down to pick up hada, it requires tacit cooperation between the rider and the horse.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Litang County, Sichuan Province, China
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Tongyu Cai