Horsepull Shichinohe

Maybe about 2 weeks ago, I went out with a friend who likes photography.  He took me out to this place in Shichinohe.  I don’t know if it’s actually called a Horsepull or not, but that’s basically what the horses were doing.  Actually, I don’t think horse is the right term.  These are the same type of horse used to pull carriages.  I think they’re called grand something. I can’t remember.  Anyways, what they do is line up three of the horses, each with a sled behind them.  The sled has a spot for metal plates to be placed on them.  Then the horse will race down to the finish line with the sled in tow.  There are two obstacles in it’s path, however, a nice small hill and then a large hill that normally has the horse gasping for breath by the time it gets there.  At this point, it seems kind of sad, because a trainer (more like a slave driver it seems) is whipping the horse to get it to go.  Those of you with an affinity for horses might not enjoy all the photos as much.  However, that said, at least I didn’t take video.  Now that I think of it, maybe I should’ve taken some video.  Anyhow, to the rest of you, please enjoy the photos.