A traditional horse festival took place in central Japan on a less rigorous course following claims of animal abuse. 

The 700-year-old event was held at Tado shrine in Mie Prefecture on May 4 and 5. 

Locals forecast the year's harvest based on the number of successful horse runs. 

Until last year, the festival had featured a 2-meter earthen wall for horses to jump over at the end of an uphill course. 

But a horse that fell during last year's festival had to be euthanized. 

Amid mounting criticism, organizers removed the wall, made the slope gentler and used soil that is less slippery. 

Even still, animal rights activists came to the venue to protest.