Chariot racing, Western-style - Brief Article

Sunset, Feb, 2000 by Candy Moulton

* In the 1920s, farmers delivering milk to the creamery in Thayne, Wyoming, sometimes raced their carts to the delivery point, giving birth to today's winter sport of chariot racing--so the story goes. Today's racers don't haul milk, but they still drive horse-drawn two-wheeled carts (or chariots) for each event. Dozens of races are held across the Rocky Mountain region; they're often free, and they're a kick to watch.

Snow and dirt fly from the horses' hooves as teams of horses rocket down a frozen, snow-covered track. Drivers standing in the small carts shout and snap the reins. Races this month: Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, February 12 and 13 in Steamboat Springs (970/879-0882); Colorado State Championships, February 26 and 27 in Fort Lupton (303/659-7001); and the Donald Erickson Memorial Chariot Races and Interstate Championships, February 18 through 20 in Saratoga, Wyoming