The Riders of Destiny

Romi Perbawa has spent four years documenting the child racers of Sumbawa Island in Indonesia. Held at the end of the rice-harvesting season, these races often involve children as young as 5 years old, with the horses they ride regularly racing at incredibly high speeds. Shockingly, safety gear — such as harnesses and saddles — is rarely used, despite the risk of injury. The local government considers the races an important part of island culture. Here, horseback racing is a tradition that is passed on from generation to generation. Horses, after all, form an important part of island life and are crucial for transport. Almost all families in the area have their own horse and youngsters learn to ride at a very young age.