In the clear blue sky above the field, the sun sets on one side even as the moon is already rising in the other. The air is tinged with a bitter chill, and the men barely break a sweat as they run alongside the sheep. At last, the chosen animal is captured, thrown to the ground and tied at the feet.

Zhinat-Dorgo carries the sheep back to the car and hoists it into the trunk. "He's a healthy young sheep," says Buyanto, acknowledging the chase. "It's good to prepare a young sheep for guests."

On the way back to the house, Buyanto looks into the rear-view mirror and smiles proudly as the sheep bucks and kicks wildly in the trunk.