Travellers ride their horse through the river during the Appleby Horse Fair on June 5, 2014 in Appleby, England. The Appleby Horse Fair has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685 and is one of the key gathering points for the Romany, gypsy and traveling community. The fair is attended by about 5,000 travellers who come to buy and sell horses. The animals are washed and groomed before being ridden at high speed along the “mad mile” for the viewing of potential buyers. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

It’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years, where two stallions fight over a female to ring the Chinese new year. And when it’s the Year of the Horse, the fights are considered to be even more significant. They’re held in small villages across southern China and have been condemned by animal rights groups, including Hong-Kong based Animals Asia. But those who participate in the events defend the fights and insist they take care of the animals.

A horse smiles at the camera. See the beautiful images of horses gleefully playing in Iceland mountain ranges. The horses have been spotted smiling and cuddling in remote locations across the nation. (Photo by Bragi J. Ingibergsson/Caters News)

Britain Horse Racing, Royal Ascot, Ascot Racecourse on June 14, 2016. Racegoers in Britain and EU referendum themed dresses. (Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters/Livepic)

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham arrive to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. The marriage of the second in line to the British throne is to be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Young stag deer clash antlers during the annual rut in Richmond Park in west London, Britain, October 16, 2015. The Royal Park has had Red and Fallow deer present since 1529, and early autumn sees the rutting or breeding season begin amongst the herd of over six hundred animals. (Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters)

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco kiss on the balcony after the civil ceremony of the Royal Wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock at the Prince's Palace on July 1, 2011 in Monaco. The ceremony took place in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace of Monaco, followed by a religious ceremony to be conducted in the main courtyard of the Palace on July 2. With her marriage to the head of state of Principality of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock has/will become Princess consort of Monaco and gain the title, Princess Charlene of Monaco. Celebrations including concerts and firework displays are being held across several days, attended by a guest list of global celebrities and heads of state. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)