Although we have ancestors and relatives who travelled to northern Europe on holiday, and one who worked in Switzerland, I do not know if they ever spent time on skis. Also, despite the fact that both my brother and I have skied from the time we were teenagers, when I searched through my collection of photographs, I was able to find only one photo relevant to the theme; it features my brother on skis. My collection does include a number of photos of people on horses, of both the real and the hobby variety, and as I was ruminating over the images, I began to think about that sport in which we see horses and skiers together, namely Skijoring.
Skijoring originated in northern Europe in the late 19th century and involves skiers — either on a course or cross country — being towed by horses or dogs. Later on, in some places, motorized vehicles were used. In the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland, skijoring with horses was even a demonstration sport.
So...for my contribution to today's Sepia Saturday, here is a mix of images, including people on horses, a skier, and horses and skiers together skijoring. I hope they bring a smile to your face.
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Horseback riding through The Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry, Ireland: left to right: my brother Michael and our mom Mary in the pony-drawn 'trap', me on 'Tom', our dad Michael on 'Maudie'. |
On the Flickr page of Nationaal Archief — The National Archives of the Netherlands — is this wonderful photo, taken in 1930, of a skijoring race. (If you click on it, you can view the other photos in their collection.) Skijoring looks like great fun, although probably somewhat dangerous.
Are there any skijoring types on your family tree?
Click on photos to view larger versions.
©irisheyesjg2014.
I've seen Norwegians on skis with wheels when there has been snow but none pulled by a horse. The skijoring picture is superb and I have spent some time admiring other Flickr photos via the link.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Bob. The skijoring picture is indeed superb, as are the other images on the Netherlands National Archives Flickr page. I wouldn't mind trying skijoring if there was only one horse who moved at a reasonable pace, at least at first, otherwise...
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
You learn something new every day, and that 's mine for 25 January 2014....skijoring!! in fact I'm constantly amazed by being able to ski competently.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Pauleen. I know how you feel Pauleen about skiing competence. For me falling seems to hurt much more these days, so I'm not sure skijoring will ever be in the cards for me.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
Jennifer - take a look at the Glenn Miller video on Miss You, Wish you were here's post there is a brief bit of skijoring in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob! I've tried to look at it, but for some reason the video is not coming up. We're in the midst of really bad weather tonight and the internet has been quite glitchy, so I'll be sure to have a look at it tomorrow.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
Well I have learned something new, never before heard the term skijouring, but looks like adventurous souls would try it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Patrica. Glad to introduce you to skijoring. I'd try it if I could somehow magically ensure it wouldn't end badly.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
Wonderful photographs : and you achieved your aim - they certainly brought a smile to my face. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Alan. I'm very glad the photos brought a smile to your face, as they do to mine.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
Thanks for bringing back some great memories of living on the farm -- we used to do this in the fields all winter long, but I never knew there was a name for it! It kept the horses in great shape; we, on the other hand, had a few extra bumps and bruises!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Deb. I'm very glad to hear this post has elicited great memories. I can picture it: the fields filled with soft snow and the steaming noses of the horses as they galloped. Sorry about the bumps and bruises.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
Great fun! I did this with our friends in Holland on a nice flat spot and kind of slowly. Never tried it on this side of the pond.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Charlotte. Ah, yet another 'skijorer'. I hope it was great fun for you too.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
You had a nice set of photos to share. They were great to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much L.D.. I'm glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer
The skijoring photo is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Postcardy. The other photos will always hold a special place in my heart, but I too am partial to the skijoring photo.
DeleteCheers,
Jennifer