Llama racing a hit for kids high up in Ecuador's Andes

Dayana winning message to eager spectators, "look after the environment".

ANDRES (Reuters) - This isn’t the Melbourne Cup and those aren’t horses. Here in Ecuador’s Andes, llamas are the four-legged athletes of choice and children the jockeys.

While seen as exotic in much of the world, the llama is commonplace in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Their sponge-like hooves are ideal for the difficult terrain and their gentle character and cute faces make them the ideal household pet.

But, speaking to Reuters, 10-year-old Dayana Toapanta warned that llamas do kick.

As per local custom, children are given the responsibility of looking after their llamas, keeping them groomed and fed and making sure they get enough exercise.

For Dayana, the bond with her llama Jaimito goes beyond the family home. Once a year, Dayana and Jaimito dress up for a local racing tradition called the ‘llamingada’.

The whole community turns out for the event. Walking alongside the llamas and their child jockeys, hundreds gather together in procession for the event.

Undeterred by heights, children as young as four years of age right up to 12 participate in the race that takes place some 4,000 metres (about 13,000 feet) above sea level.

This year’s ‘llamingada’ winners were Dayana and Jaimito. There is no grand prize for first place in this race, but for Dayana claiming the top spot is a source of pride and a show of her love for Jaimito.

Her winning message to eager spectators, "look after the environment".