Elephants dominate the polo field

Elephants line up during an opening ceremony for the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament in Hua Hin, Thailand, Aug. 28, 2013.

This is the 12th year for the event. The sport started in Nepal in 1982.

Proceeds from the tournament go toward rehabilitating elephants rescued from abuse.

Watch the video: Elephant polo match

Kevin, a transgender Filipino polo rider, gets strapped on to her elephant, Aug. 28, 2013.

There are 16 teams in this year's tournament, including one team of transgender players.

Each team has three players and three elephants. Matches take place on a field, 80 meters by 48 meters, using standard polo balls.

The game is divided into two seven minute "chukkas" or halves.

Thai dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament in Hua Hin, Aug. 28, 2013.

Workers paint the lines on the polo field in Hua Hin, Aug. 28, 2013.

Elephants enjoy a fruit buffet during the first day of events at the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 29, 2013.

Elephants line up during the opening ceremony for the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 28, 2013.

The foot of a mahout is seen as an elephant parades during the opening ceremony for the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 28, 2013.

Elephants enjoy a fruit buffet during the first day of events at the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament in Hua Hin, Aug. 29, 2013.

A Thai marching band parades on the polo field, Aug. 28, 2013.

Elephants and polo players take part in game action during the first game at the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 29, 2013.

Elephants enjoy a fruit buffet during the first day of events at the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 29, 2013.

Thai dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 28, 2013.

Elephants enjoy a fruit buffet during the first day of events at the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament, Aug. 29, 2013.

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