The sport of skijoring has been likened to Ben Hur on snow -- in effect human chariot racing.
The sport of skijoring has been likened to Ben Hur on snow -- in effect human chariot racing.
swiss-image/Andy Mettler
The sport lends its origins to Scandinavia with the word skikj?ring literally translating from Norwegian as "ski driving."
The sport lends its origins to Scandinavia with the word skikj?ring literally translating from Norwegian as "ski driving."
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In St Moritz, which hosts three skijoring races a year, Franco Moro is very much the king of the discipline.
In St Moritz, which hosts three skijoring races a year, Franco Moro is very much the king of the discipline.
swiss-image/Andy Mettler
This year, Moro retained his crown as "King of Engadine," so called after the valley where the annual three-race championship takes place.
This year, Moro retained his crown as "King of Engadine," so called after the valley where the annual three-race championship takes place.
swiss-image/Andy Mettler
Competitors are pulled along by a horse, dog or, in some cases, motor vehicles while on skis over a variety of different courses.
Competitors are pulled along by a horse, dog or, in some cases, motor vehicles while on skis over a variety of different courses.
BORIS HEGER/AFP/Getty Images
The sport can be treacherous as skiers, horses and ropes entwine in a bustling contest on, in the case of St Moritz, a snow-covered lake.
The sport can be treacherous as skiers, horses and ropes entwine in a bustling contest on, in the case of St Moritz, a snow-covered lake.
swiss-image/Andy Mettler
In the United States, the sport is different with riders on board the horses and skiers pulled along by a single rope.
In the United States, the sport is different with riders on board the horses and skiers pulled along by a single rope.
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Stateside, there tend to be jumps, hoops for riders to gather and, in some cases, cones to ski through.
Stateside, there tend to be jumps, hoops for riders to gather and, in some cases, cones to ski through.
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
A long established tradition, it is not always about competition. These skiers partake in leisurely fashion back in 1931 at Taymouth Castle in Scotland.
A long established tradition, it is not always about competition. These skiers partake in leisurely fashion back in 1931 at Taymouth Castle in Scotland.
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