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April 02, 2005
Reindeer Race!
Over the last week, a course circular course, marked with branches, was marked out on the ice of Lake Inari, just a few hundred metres for our office. Today, Inari was busy with visitors here for the reindeer race - Down at the lake, there were stalls selling lassos and bridles, clothing and food, there was plenty to do before blowing any money on betting...
Lots of our Forest Rescue Station team headed down there - to meet up with the reindeer herders that we know, and to watching the racing.
Out on the course, there are gates - a little like those used in horse or greyhound racing. Inside, there's a reindeer, tethered to its 'rider' - who is in fact on skis behind. The riders are dressed in crash helmets and tight aerodynamic outfits - a little like bobsledders. The gates open, and the race is on - the reindeer bolting across the ice of Lake Inari, their riders tucked in tight behind, like speed skaters. They seem to be so close together that someone will get tangled - but today, everyone is safe. Across the lake, the tight bunch of animal and humans stretches out, as leaders move ahead. A turn towards home, and the winner slips across the line - marked by an electronic beam, to check winning times. The riders stand up, let the reins go and the reindeer make for the paddock of their own accord! Reindeer are much quicker than I expected - they must have been doing 50kmph or more!
I'm not a betting man - betting on a new sport in another language isn't a strong point of mine either, so I concentrated on taking photographs, and sampling the reindeer stew, and barbecued sausages. Which were all safe bets...
The reindeer race is a huge social event in the area - lots of snow scooters and cars are parked out on the ice, along with three small ski planes. There are benches and tents were people can sit, drinking coffee, and catch-up. The mood is easy going, relaxed - not at all hectic. Around Inari itself, there's a festival mood with lots of music, and people visiting - the hotels are booked up, and many Sámi are going around more traditional red & blue clothing that usual.
Alas today, the races had to be cut short - we've had unseasonably warm weather in recent days, so the snow was a bit too mushy, making the racing difficult. Hopefully tonight will be shockingly cold - the racing must go on!
- Dave
More Photographs from the Reindeer Race »
Out on the course, there are gates - a little like those used in horse or greyhound racing. Inside, there's a reindeer, tethered to its 'rider' - who is in fact on skis behind. The riders are dressed in crash helmets and tight aerodynamic outfits - a little like bobsledders. The gates open, and the race is on - the reindeer bolting across the ice of Lake Inari, their riders tucked in tight behind, like speed skaters. They seem to be so close together that someone will get tangled - but today, everyone is safe. Across the lake, the tight bunch of animal and humans stretches out, as leaders move ahead. A turn towards home, and the winner slips across the line - marked by an electronic beam, to check winning times. The riders stand up, let the reins go and the reindeer make for the paddock of their own accord! Reindeer are much quicker than I expected - they must have been doing 50kmph or more!
I'm not a betting man - betting on a new sport in another language isn't a strong point of mine either, so I concentrated on taking photographs, and sampling the reindeer stew, and barbecued sausages. Which were all safe bets...
The reindeer race is a huge social event in the area - lots of snow scooters and cars are parked out on the ice, along with three small ski planes. There are benches and tents were people can sit, drinking coffee, and catch-up. The mood is easy going, relaxed - not at all hectic. Around Inari itself, there's a festival mood with lots of music, and people visiting - the hotels are booked up, and many Sámi are going around more traditional red & blue clothing that usual.
Alas today, the races had to be cut short - we've had unseasonably warm weather in recent days, so the snow was a bit too mushy, making the racing difficult. Hopefully tonight will be shockingly cold - the racing must go on!
- Dave
Click each image to view.
All photos © Greenpeace/Dave Walsh
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More Photographs from the Reindeer Race »
Posted by Dave at April 2, 2005 09:25 PM
Comments
Hello everyone,
I have heard that doping has occured also in reindeer racing! EPOs, steroids, blood doping, you name it....
Do you know how the Sami's chose a good race reindeer?
What's the winning prize ?
Posted by: Ann Novek at April 3, 2005 08:21 AM
