Italy's Il Palio di Siena stands as a remarkable testament to a bygone era of jousting and passionate rivalries. This unique horse race transports us back to a medieval time, where bareback riders on mixed-breed horses compete around the picture-perfect Piazza del Campo in Siena. The uneven cobblestones are covered with clay and matting, adding to the excitement as the ten selected horses, after being blessed in the local church and participating in the huge Corteo Storico, sprint around the treacherous corners. Bribery is common, and fists and whips are frequently seen as riders try to gain an advantage. It's a sight that leaves a lasting impression, with the thrilling spectacle taking place twice a year on July 2 and August 16.

Uncover the World's Weirdest Horse Races

Skijoring: A Winter Sport on Ice and Snow

Racing Thoroughbreds on the frozen lake of St Moritz is already an extraordinary sight. But the addition of skijoring takes it to another level. In this sport, a 'rider' is pulled along behind a horse on skis, steering as they go. It's like water skiing on snow with a horse instead of a boat. The name 'skijoring' derives from the Norwegian word and made its official debut at the Nordic Games in Stockholm in 1901 with reindeer. In America, a combination of wild-west horsemanship and slalom skiing is popular. At St Moritz, runners start from stalls and are identified by flags over their reins. Britain's Mark Johnston saddled Luberon to finish third in 2010, a performance not reflected in the horse's lifetime form figures. This unique winter sport offers a different perspective on horse racing.Another aspect of skijoring is the variety of venues. While the famous 'White Turf' meeting at St Moritz is well-known, there are also straight-line races at Canterbury Park in Minnesota. The combination of horse and ski creates a thrilling and unusual experience that attracts both participants and spectators.

Ban-ei: A Bizarre Equine Version of a Truck Pull

Ban-ei racing has its roots in agricultural work over a century ago. It resembles a strange equine version of the truck pull seen in World's Strongest Man contests. Held only at the suburban racetrack of Obihiro on Hokkaido's 'horse island', this discipline involves draft horses twice the weight of Thoroughbreds pulling heavy sleds along a 200-meter sand track with two hills. Jockeys in conventional racing silks control the horses from the sled, and competitors keep to lanes after exiting widened stalls. Weights are assigned similar to conventional racing, with concessions for mares and younger horses. The horses used are purebred or crosses of Percheron, Breton, and Belgian breeds. Power and endurance are more important than speed, as horses usually take a breather after the first obstacle before attempting the second, steeper hill known as the 'Ban-ei' Point. A race takes about two minutes, allowing spectators to closely follow the action.This unique race showcases the diversity of horse racing and how it can incorporate elements from other sports and activities. It's a fascinating display of the strength and endurance of these magnificent animals.

Omak Suicide Race: A Cowboys-and-Indians Contest

Held annually in August as part of the Omak Stampede in Washington state, the Omak Suicide Race is notorious for the section where riders hurtle down Suicide Hill, a 62 percent slope for about 225 feet to the Okanogan River. After crossing the river, they sprint 500 yards into the rodeo arena. Riders are required to wear helmets and life jackets, making it a unique and potentially dangerous race.This contest is important for cultural preservation among Native American folk. Inspired by Indian endurance races, it reflects their traditions as horse warriors. Riders on the spiritual side of the race pray in sweat lodges and place sacred eagle feathers on their mounts. However, it's not a favorite among animal-welfare groups due to the nature of the race.The Omak Suicide Race is a prime example of how different cultures incorporate horse racing into their traditions and events, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

Indian Relays: The Most Exciting Ride on the Reservation

Indian relays are a staple of various Native American fairs from Washington state to Minnesota. Teams consisting of one rider, sometimes face-painted with traditional garb and headdress, along with three horses, two holders, and a 'mugger' (horse catcher), compete for honor and prizes.According to the 'World Championship' version staged in Wyoming at the Sheridan Rodeo, the race starts in front of packed grandstands. Bareback riders complete a lap and then vault off their mounts and jump onto another one before repeating the process until they have covered three laps. Other celebrated contests are held at the Crow Fair in Billings, Montana, and the Championship of Champions at Walla Walla in Washington.Indian relays showcase the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and their love for horse racing. It's a celebration of their traditions and a source of pride for the communities involved.

Mongol Derby: The Longest and Toughest Horserace on Earth

Modeled on Genghis Khan's horse messenger system in 1224, the Mongol Derby is an equestrian endurance event lasting up to ten days. It recreates 1,000km of the ancient equine postage route through the Mongolian Steppe, featuring mountain passes, valleys, river crossings, wetland, sand dunes, and open plains.Riders pay $11,375 for the privilege of spending 13 to 14 hours a day in the saddle and partner a series of semi-wild Mongol horses. They change mounts at horse stations along the route, and only about 50 percent of those who start make it to the finish. In 2009, British jump-racing legend Richard Dunwoody started the race but had to drop out in the early stages due to commitments to Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC.The Mongol Derby is a true test of endurance and courage, pushing both riders and horses to their limits. It's a remarkable event that showcases the spirit of adventure and the bond between humans and horses.

Palio: A Medieval Horse Race with a Twist

Il Palio di Siena is a spectacle like no other. The sight of bareback riders on mixed-breed horses representing one of Siena's 17 contrade (wards) racing around the Piazza del Campo is unforgettable. The circumference of the piazza is only 334 feet, adding to the intensity of the race.After days of trials, the ten horses make the line-up. They sprint around the corners, some of which are right angles with padded crash barriers. Bribery is common, and riders are allowed to use fists and whips, not only on their own horses but also on others. Even riderless horses can win, adding to the chaos and excitement.This ancient horse race is a celebration of Siena's history and culture, bringing together thousands of frenzied spectators who are captivated by the drama and passion.

Lake Chases (Seejagdrennen): Horses Running or Swimming in Water

Germany's annual jump races include a unique contribution in the form of 'Seejagdrennen' or 'lake chases'. In this event, horses have to run or even swim through a body of water. The best-known lake chases are held at the Bad Harzburg festival in Lower Saxony in July, where the field usually manages to splash its way across. At Hamburg, the lake is deeper, requiring a bit of equine doggy paddle during the Deutsches Derby meeting. Quakenbruck also hosts a lake race on a single day in September.Although included in official past-performance lines, the reliability of the form in these lake chases is questionable. It's a fascinating spectacle that showcases the adaptability of horses in different environments.

Beach Racing: A Unique Racing Experience on the Shore

Watching a full-scale race meeting on a beach under official rules with professional jockeys and proper Thoroughbreds is a sight to behold. Laytown, about 30 miles north of Dublin on the North Sea coast, has hosted its famous raceday since 1868. Once a year, a racetrack emerges seemingly from nowhere as running rails, a winning post, and furlong markers are erected on the shoreline. Bookmakers, marquees, and food-and-drink concessions add to the excitement. A sleepy fishing village transforms into a bustling racing hub as thousands of visitors flock to attend this unique event.In Spain, the Hipodromo de Sanlucar at Sanlucar de Barrameda on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River opposite the Donana National Park hosts two three-day full-scale race meetings every year on the second and fourth weekends in August. With massive crowds lining the beach, it's a spectacular sight.Beach racing offers a different flavor to traditional horse racing, combining the beauty of the beach with the thrill of the race.

Duhnen Mudflats: Racing on the Seabed

Racing on the seabed at Duhnen, a North Sea resort near Cuxhaven in Germany, is a truly unique experience. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Elbe estuary and an international shipping lane, an annual mixed racecard featuring trotters is staged on the mudflats exposed by the ebbing tide. About 30,000 spectators attend the meeting in July, watching a remarkable spectacle unfold from the nearby dyke.Jockeys need to be cautious as the kickback is mighty. This event showcases the adaptability of horses to different terrains and the ingenuity of race organizers in creating unusual racing venues.

Kiplingcotes Derby: Britain's Oldest Race

Reputed to be Britain's oldest race, the Kiplingcotes Derby always takes place on the third Thursday in March at a tiny hamlet near Market Weighton in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Anyone with a horse by 11 am at a signpost on a footpath and a £4.25 entry fee is eligible, as long as they carry the minimum 140 pounds.The race starts near a disused railway station and involves a virtually straight, arduous four-mile journey along roadside verges, farmers' fields, and tracks. The rules state that if the race is not run in a given year due to waterlogging, it must never be run again. But when the weather intervenes, as it did in 2018, a local farmer steps in to ensure the event continues.The Kiplingcotes Derby is a testament to the enduring tradition of horse racing in Britain and the determination of organizers to keep the event alive.