Sleighing

Sleighing is the activity of riding in or driving a sleigh, a light vehicle mounted on runners that glides over snow and ice. Sleighs may be pulled by horses, reindeer, or dogs, and in modern settings can be powered by engines such as snowmobiles. The term can also encompass dog-sledding, where a team of dogs pulls a sled with a musher aboard.

Historically, horse-drawn sleighs were essential for winter transport in northern regions, enabling mail, goods, and travelers to move across snow-bound landscapes. In the present day, sleighing is commonly a leisure activity and a feature of winter tourism, offering scenic rides through parks and rural areas.

A traditional horse sleigh typically has a wooden or metal body and two long runners, with a horse or pair of horses in front. Controls include a bridle, bit and reins; the driver sits or stands and uses reins or a guiding stick to steer and slow. In dog-sled sleighing, a team of dogs is connected to the sled by a gangline, and the musher steers with a handle and voice cues. Safety equipment can include appropriate warm clothing, helmets in some activities, and checks for ice, snow depth, and weather conditions.

Sleighing requires suitable snow conditions: packed or new powder snow tends to provide stability, while ice or rough surfaces can be hazardous. Routes are chosen to avoid traffic and exposed water, and participants should follow local guidelines and use trained guides where available.