Beneath the mist drifting across jagged limestone slopes, the Bắc Hà racecourse in Lào Cai is already alive with roaring cheers. Free of fancy saddles or professional protective gear, the appeal of the traditional Bắc Hà horse race lies in the raw, rustic spirit of its “barefoot knights”. They are Hmong, Tày and Nùng men, farmers who work their fields throughout the week, only to transform into fearless jockeys when race day arrives.

The track gets crowded as a pack of three horses navigates a turn, kicking up dust in the struggle for the lead. VNS Photo Bảo Long

The horses here are not professional racing breeds, but sturdy pack animals accustomed to hauling corn and rice on daily treks. This gives the Bắc Hà track a distinct character: fierce and dramatic, with sprints that send up blinding clouds of dust, yet marked by an innocence and freedom that mirrors the soul of the highlanders.

Once an annual festival, Bắc Hà Stadium now hosts the event every weekend to boost tourism and local livelihoods. VNS Photo Bảo Long

A young racehorse arrives at the track, full of energy and ready to run. With a new horse, however, the rider must learn to control the tempo, preventing it from breaking rhythm, surging too early and losing strength in the final stretch. VNS Photo: Bảo Long

Breaking away from the tradition of holding the race only once a year, Bắc Hà now hosts the tournament every weekend, with a high-stakes monthly final taking place at the end of the month. This shift not only turns the 'White Plateau' into a vibrant year-round destination for tourists but also creates a new livelihood for the highlanders, allowing them to generate additional income from their beloved traditional pack horses.

A rider practices with his horse before entering the race. To achieve optimal speed, the rider and the horse must have a deep understanding and familiarity with each other's nature. VNS Photo Bảo Long

Riders urge their mounts forward the instant the starting gates swing open, launching into a sprint. VNS Photo Bảo Long

Horse racing in Bắc Hà is "barebone racing," where riders ride horses without saddles or stirrups, using only a harness and two iron hooks attached to ropes on either side of the horse's jaw for control. VNS Photo Bảo Long

A chestnut horse surges ahead at the curves, breaking away from the pack and taking a decisive lead as the race enters its final stages. The curves are always the most challenging sections for a rider's skill. VNS Photo Bảo Long

A panning shot captures the raw speed of a white horse tearing down the straightaway against the misty backdrop of the highlands. VNS Photo Bảo Long

In the final lap, the riders give their all to reach the finish line and achieve the best possible result. VNS Photo Bảo Long

Crossing the line. A rider completes the race, marking a successful run in the afternoon heat of the competition. VNS Photo Bảo Long