Mesmerising images capture the bravery of Indonesia's horsemen, who spend their lives in the shadow of an erupting volcano

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There is no horsing around for these brave horsemen as they navigate their way past an erupting volcano.

These amazing images were taken in Java, Indonesia, during the eruption of Mount Bromo - one of the world's most active volcanoes.

For decades the local Tenggerese people around Mount Bromo have used their horses to help tourists carry their bags up the steep mountains surrounding the volcano.

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For decades the local Tenggerese people around Mount Bromo have used their horses to help tourists carry their bags up the steep mountains surrounding the volcano 

The brave souls who often pass the peak were captured by professional photographer and Indonesian native Rarindra Prakarsa

Mount Bromo is one of the world's most active volcanoes, but that doesn't stop the brave horsemen from walking past it

The brave souls were captured by professional photographer and Indonesian native, Rarindra Prakarsa.

The experienced photographer spent 10 days snapping the locals at work during the course of three visits.

He said: 'Hundreds of local people work as horsemen who bring and carry tourists to climb up the mountain and craters. Most of their clients are local tourists who feel too weak to climb, too lazy or some of them see it as a chance for them to try to ride a horse for the first time.'

Photographer Prakarsa spent 10 days snapping the locals at work during the course of three visits to the area

The horsemen's dedication to their job was the inspiration for Prakarsa, who wanted to tell their amazing story

In this image, the sun is setting over the erupting volcano and there is not one horseman in sight

Despite the obvious risks attached to the job, locals continue to put their lives in danger as they receive most of their income from tourism to the area. 

Their dedication to their job was the inspiration for Prakarsa, who wanted to tell these people's amazing story.

The 43-year-old photographer said: 'For photographers, like me, I love to make them a subject for my photography. Combining the extraordinarily beautiful nature of volcanoes and horses.' 

Prakarsa said that most of the horsemen's clients are local tourists who feel too weak or lazy to climb, or who simply want to try riding a horse for the first time

Despite the obvious risks attached to the job, locals continue to put their lives in danger as they receive most of their income from tourism to the area

A man wearing local clothing poses for the camera with his horse in front of an erupting Mount Bromo

The 43-year-old photographer said: 'For photographers, like me, I love to make them a subject for my photography. Combining the extraordinary beautiful nature of volcanoes and horses'

Mount Bromo is located in Indonesia and stands at an enormous 7,640ft in height. As well as being one of the world's most active volcanoes, it is also one of the globe's best known

Although the volcanoes are a great attraction for tourists, in recent years the government has been forced to limit access to Mount Bromo as it has become more and more volatile. 

Limited access to the volcanoes has had a dramatic affect on the local economy as tourism to the area has been on the decline.

Prakarsa said: 'I came here and found that very few people came up. This is actually the real disaster for local people who get their income from tourism activities.'

Although the volcanoes are a great attraction for tourists, in recent years the government have been forced to limit access to Mount Bromo as it has become more and more volatile

A horseman gallops along the sands on the back of his loyal horse

An Indonesian woman sits in the volcano ash and poses while holding two bunches of flowers

Prakarsa said: 'I came here and found that very few people came up. This is actually the real disaster for local people, who get their income from tourism activities'