The sleighs who serve on the Lake Cildir in northeastern Turkey offer tourists a fantastic journey thanks to the nailed horseshoes which prevent horses from sliding down.
The second largest lake in Eastern Anatolia, the Lake Cildir is completely covered with ice in winter as the temperature falls below zero.
As the ice thickness reaches 25-30 centimeters (9-11 inches) on the lake, some fishermen break the ice and catch fish like Eskimos, while others walk or ride with sleighs on the ice.
The secret of a fairy sleigh ride on the lake is hidden in the nailed horseshoes. Attached to the feet of the horses pulling sledges serving on the Lake Cildir, the horseshoes with spurs, dubbed "snow tires", offer both horses and tourists a comfortable slide on the ice-covered lake.
Ufuk Ada, who rides a sleigh on the lake, told Anadolu Agency that horses can easily maneuver on the ice thanks to their geared and nailed horseshoes.
“What distinguishes it from other horseshoes is its gear and spike which avoid sliding down. It clings to the ice like a tire. It penetrates like a nail,” he said.
“That is why the horse does not slide down. It rides comfortably,” he added.
Those riding sleighs abide by the COVID-19 rules wearing masks and maintaining physical distance during the ride.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara
