During the game, the horse riders are divided into several groups, with each group usually having more than ten people, waiting at an open field.

During the game, the horse riders are divided into several groups, with each group usually more than ten people, waiting at an open field.

Sheep snatching on horseback is a traditional sport of several ethnic minority groups in Northwest China and is usually held at festivals or other occasions for celebration. The participants are required to have a strong body, courage and good equestrian skills.

During the game, the horse riders are divided into several groups of usually more than ten people, waiting at an open field. A sheep without head and viscera has already been put at a designated place.

Participants race to snatch the sheep at the start of the game. The one that first snatches the sheep shall try all means, with the help of the teammates, to carry the sheep to the destination while the other teams use all kinds of methods to seize the sheep. The team that first takes the sheep to the end point will win the game.

The game, a favorite of Kazakstan, Tajik, is usually held in summer and participated in by men. But in recent years, more and more women have begun to take part in this game.