‘Ben Hur on snow’: The high-octane sport of skijoring

Twelve horses line up in a start gate but the race is far from conventional.

The race track is a snow-covered frozen lake and attached to each horse is a skier. It is akin to human chariot racing as riders hit speeds of 50km/h jostling for position and, ultimately, victory.

The sport of skijoring has a long and rich history. And Franco Moro and the Swiss ski resort of St Moritz have been a part of the White Turf event for over three decades.

With its often combative nature, it is no wonder Moro likens the sport to the 1959 film starring Charlton Heston.

“Skijoring is just something that people want to see,” he says. “It’s like Ben Hur on snow, the modern way. I love the speed, the adrenalin rush is something special. It’s just unique.”

Skijoring comes from the Norwegian word skikjøring, which literally translates as ski driving, and is thought to date back to the 14th Century.

Despite the horrific nature of his injuries four years ago he returned to skijoring only to fall again and break eight ribs leading to a longer hiatus from the sport, which ended two years ago.

For him, it is a drug he just cannot give up: “It’s a lot of fun, it’s a kick. I don’t think there’s any sport to compare to it. It’s an unusual combination of old cowboys and skiers getting together to make a big run. When I compete, the adrenalin is just unbelievable.”

As for the wider appeal, he jokes: “The silly story is that some guys got together to have a combination of who the best horseman is, the best skier and the best drinker, and this combines all three!”

So what exactly makes a good skijoring competitor? Moro, who like his fellow riders has to take an exam in order to be eligible to compete, explains: “First it is experience, and knowing what can happen in a race so you can react when something goes wrong.

“You have to be a very good skier and you have to have the feeling of the horse. You need to be a team. Often these are horses you don’t know so they need to get an immediate confidence from you.”

Edging into his 2015 season finale, Moro continues to master that triumvirate in what is perhaps the purest form of horsepower.

CNN