The 2020 Inner Mongolia Horse Competition kicks off in Xiliinhot city of Xiliin Gol League in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Aug 1. [Photo by Wang Zhiwei/ provided to chinadaily.com.cn ]

The 2020 Inner Mongolia Horse Competition kicked off on Aug 1 in Xiliinhot city of Xiliin Gol League – located in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region – according to local officials.

They said that this year’s competition has the theme “Mongolian Horse and the World Horse Industry". It will last around three months, running from August to October, with races being held every Saturday and Sunday.

Combining traditional horse racing with horse cultural and traditional activities, the competition features a series of horse-related events including the Mongolian Horse Training Competition, the Hulunbuir Caravan League Competition and the Xi Ujimchin White Horse Cultural Festival.

Officials said that this year’s competition is being presented for the first time using a combination of the internet and TV broadcasting, enabling viewers to watch competitions without leaving homes.

Jockeys and their mounts go full out during a horse racing meet held in Xiliinhot city on Aug 1. [Photo by Wang Zhiwei/ provided to chinadaily.com.cn ]

The organizers said there will be 25 or so live competitions, including five field speed races, four obstacle races and two horse training and equestrian competitions.

Officials said that the competition is seen as being of great importance in promoting horse culture tourism and cultivating horse racing brands.

It will also help improve the influence and reputation of Xiliin Gol League, which has a reputation as the “Nomadic Cultural Sacred Place”, the “Mongolian Costume Capital” and for being the “Cradle of Wrestlers". 

A horse show is presented at the opening ceremony for the 2020 Inner Mongolia Horse Competition. [Photo by Wang Zhiwei/ provided to chinadaily.com.cn ]