Thousands attend 328-year-old horse fair

A traveler washes his horse in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair in Appleby, England, June 6, 2013.

The fair has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685 and is one of the key gathering points for the Romany, gypsy and traveling community.

The fair is attended by about 5,000 travelers who come to buy and sell horses. The animals are washed and groomed before being ridden at high speed along the "mad mile" for the viewing of potential buyers.

All photos taken June 6, 2013 in Appleby, England

A traveler washes his horse in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair, June 6, 2013.

Traveler David Briganti, 18 months, poses with his solid gold pacifier during the Appleby Horse Fair.

A traveler washes his horse in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair.

Jeff Nesham, 16, poses as he rides Trigger in the River Eden, during the Appleby Horse Fair.

Travelers arrive in Appleby for the annual Appleby Horse Fair.

Teenage traveler girls pose during the Appleby Horse Fair, June 6, 2013.

Travelers wash their horses in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair.

A traveler washes his horse in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair.

Travelers arrive in Appleby for the annual Appleby Horse Fair.

Traveler Milly Edwards, 3, poses next to the River Eden during the Appleby Horse Fair.

A traveler washes his horse in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair.

Travelers arrive in Appleby for the annual Appleby Horse Fair.

A traveler washes his horse in the waters of the River Eden in preparation for selling at the Appleby Horse Fair.

Traveler men watch horses being paraded through Appleby during the Appleby Horse Fair.

Young traveler boys sit on the banks of the River Eden to watch horses being washed during the Appleby Horse Fair.

Travelers arrive in Appleby for the annual Appleby Horse Fair.