No horsing around at Lithuania's most famous races

  • 2004-02-05
  • By Jayde Will
VILNIUS - Horses seem to be everywhere in Lithuanian culture. From serving as police transport in parks, to subjects of countless folk songs, to dazzling art symbols (what painting of the Battle of Grundwald would be complete without one?), Lithuanians revere the horse like few other people. Which brings us to the 2004 Sartai Horse Races.

The event goes back to a time when the races were used to improve the local stock of horses. Normally races took place in cities during holidays or during other big events, which happened twice a year in the summer and winter. In the winter it was common to race on rivers completely frozen over by ice.
Races were held all over the country, but in the northeastern part of Lithuania the tradition held out the longest.
This continued until 1795 when the Russians occupied Lithuania. They tried to put a halt to the event because they feared that Lithuanians might use it as a show of national pride. But in spite of the czar's attempt to wipe the races out, the tradition lived on, albeit with irregular showings.
In the 1800s, horses were shipped in from abroad to help in the development of local breeds and also for races.
In 1905 the modern tradition started that has continued up to now in the small town of Dusetos.
Of course, you can't start any holiday celebrations in Lithuania without a fair, which kicks off the event at 10 a.m. on Feb. 7, where there will be an abundance of little stands serving food and drink. Folklore bands from all over Lithuania will also be taking part in the fun. At noon the races will get underway and will last for about three hours.
The prizes given out to the races' winners aren't anything to whinny about - there will be over 10 prizes with an estimated total of over 11,000 euros. Prizes will be given out to the first three to cross the line, as well as for the youngest and oldest male and female participants, among a host of other prizes.
And just to give you some idea of how popular this event is, it's estimated that between 20,000 and 40,000 people came to the races last year, along with a minister or two to divvy out the trophies.
The trickiest part is in actually getting to Dusetos. It is about 30 kilometers from Utena, in the northeastern part of the country, which means you'll have to catch an early morning bus going to Rokiskis, or go by car. Near Dusetos the river bends around the town, and parking's available near the track. Then it's off to the races!