This 2014 series Shanghai Tian Wa saw Chinese photographer Liu Tao train his lens on two distinct districts in Shanghai. Here: “Shanghai Tian Wai №26, 2014”. (Photo by Liu Tao/The Guardian)

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 tiger is painted on the backs of three models at the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys on January 3, 2012 in Fuzhou, China. (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress)

A model presents a creation at the Nasir Mazhar catwalk show at London Collections Men in London, Britain June 11, 2016. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

Model Kendall Jenner arrives at the 42nd American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California November 23, 2014. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Reuters)

Fashion from the Phuong My bridal collection is modeled, Thursday April 11, 2019 in New York. (Photo by Bebeto Matthews/AP Photo)

Model Bella Hadid is seen on June 9, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images)

Models get ready backstage during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi in Tbilisi, Georgia, November 1, 2018. (Photo by David Mdzinarishvili/Reuters)