48 years old

Zhang Ke, 48, used to work in the airport. 22 years ago, a trip to the Inner Mongolia autonomous region linked horses to his fate and he has been a horse trainer since then. “The horse is an inoffensive animal and riding a horse can purify your mind”, he said, adding he feels he is becoming more like a horse.

His 10-year-old daughter often comes to his yard to play with his four-legged friends, and Zhang expressed the hope that riding will become increasingly popular among Chinese youngsters, as it will help them get in touch with nature. Photos by Feng Yongbin / China daily