A member of the Taliban climbs through the crowds of men watching a buzkashi tournament in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024. Buzkashi, the national sport of Afghanistan, requires players on horses to get a goat carcass, sometimes made of leather, into a goal.

Malik Stanikzai’s horse, left, rears as men groom and prepare horses ahead of a buzkashi tournament in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024. Horses are often imported from neighboring countries, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Owners have men whose sole job is to care for them.

Sardar Khan Musazoy, 58, head of the buzkashi federation of Baghlan, puts his riding clothes on in preparation to compete in a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024.

While many of the men wear thick boots and protective gear, the horses are unprotected as they clash during a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024.

Men lean off the side of their horses to grab the fake goat carcass during a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024. Traditionally, a real goat carcass was used, but this alternative is more commonplace now. As the rider gallops away with it, the other men will try to grab it.

Men gallop straight into a crowd of male spectators as they lean off the side of their horses to grab the fake goat carcass during a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024. Women are banned from attending sporting events like buzkashi, so the crowd consists only of men and boys.

Sardar Khan Musazoy, 58, left, head of the buzkashi federation of Baghlan, laughs with his friend as they canter away from the scrum during a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024.

A boy watches money get passed down to the player who scored a goal during a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024. Players win money for scoring, but often share some of their winnings among the men working the game on the ground.

Nasir Sofi, 20, right, grooms one of Malik Stanikzai’s horses during a buzkashi game in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024.

Malik Stanikzai’s horse shakes dust off from rolling in the dirt after being ridden during a buzkashi tournament in Baghlan, Afghanistan on November 7, 2024. Rolling in the dirt is a horse’s reward for a job well done. It allows them to scratch their backs, reduces bugs’ ability to bite them, stimulates their circulation, and is a sign they feel relaxed.