We arrived on the plains and stayed in a rustic ger camp

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by a beautiful river.

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They came to our camp,

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holding their eagles with heavy-duty gloves.

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One eagle stretched his wings.

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This 11-year-old girl was the youngest competitor,

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along with her brother,

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but the competition was not restricted to young riders.

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The winner of last year’s festival arrived

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and showed her winner’s smile.

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His armrest was made of a deer antler.

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These two put their heads together.

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A senior competitor was well-dressed to protect from the windy cold

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and a very young rider joined in the camel race.

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During the Golden Eagle Competition, his eagle flew

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down from the hill to catch the prey

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and bring it to his handler.

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Here, the rider had to catch the cap on the ground mid-gallop.

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Two riders had to compete for this beheaded sheep.

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They defied the laws of gravity

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and were pulled almost to the ground,

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but held on with all their might.

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It was a tough fight

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that could last a while.

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When I had the chance to hold an eagle, I was proud.

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She smiled and said, “Jacques have him open his wings!”

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and the eagle did.

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-Photos and text by 8-time WT adventurer Jacques Lagarde, Wild Mongolia

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