Featured Image Caption: A powerful team of draft horses, guided by their skilled furman, digs into the snow-covered ground during the strength and skill competition at the annual Furmanské preteky in Kojšov, Slovakia.
Nestled in the picturesque Spiš region of eastern Slovakia, the village of Kojšov comes alive each winter with the thunder of hooves and the cheers of a community steeped in tradition. The annual Furmanské preteky, or horse logging competition, is more than just a contest; it is a vibrant celebration of a cultural heritage forged in the dense forests that have long sustained this area. Here, man and horse work in a symphony of strength and trust, showcasing skills passed down through generations of furmani—the respected horse-drawn carriage drivers and loggers of the Carpathian Mountains.
The crisp winter air, thick with the scent of pine and woodsmoke, buzzes with anticipation. Families and enthusiasts from across the region gather to witness this spectacular display of raw power and refined skill. For the village of Kojšov, with its deep roots in the forestry industry, this event is a heartfelt nod to the past and a powerful statement about the preservation of a way of life that has shaped its identity. The history of the area is intertwined with the story of the furmani, a term derived from the German word Fuhrmann (carriage man), reflecting the influence of German settlers who colonized the Spiš region from the 12th century onwards. These settlers brought with them their expertise in mining and forestry, and the furman became a vital figure in the local economy, his horses the engine of the timber trade.
A Legacy Etched in Timber: The Rich History of Furmanské Preteky
The tradition of furmanstvo, or horsemanship in forestry, is a cornerstone of Kojšov’s history. For centuries, before the advent of modern machinery, the village’s livelihood depended on the strength of its men and their equine partners.[2] Navigating the challenging, often steep and densely wooded terrain of the Spiš region required not only powerful horses but also an incredible bond of communication and trust between the furman and his animals. These were not merely beasts of burden but intelligent and respected colleagues in a demanding and often dangerous profession.
The Furmanské preteky emerged as a way to honor this legacy, turning the everyday tasks of a logging horseman into a series of competitive disciplines. It’s a celebration that brings together communities and allows the furmani to showcase their exceptional skills and the remarkable abilities of their horses. While similar events are held throughout Slovakia, each with its local flavor, the competition in Kojšov is a particularly authentic experience, set against the stunning backdrop of the Kojšovská hoľa hill and often blanketed in a thick layer of snow.[3]
More Than Just a Race: The Disciplines of Strength, Skill, and Trust
The Kojšov competition typically unfolds across three main disciplines, each designed to test a different aspect of the furman’s craft. These events are governed by rules that emphasize not just speed, but also precision, control, and the seamless cooperation between the driver and his horses.
The first event often involves a timed race or slalom. This is not a simple gallop to a finish line. The teams must navigate a complex course, weaving through a series of gates, executing tight turns, and sometimes backing their heavy loads into designated spaces. Every mistake, such as knocking over a cone or straying from the path, incurs time penalties, making this a true test of the furman’s ability to guide his powerful team with pinpoint accuracy.
Next is the furman’s cross, a challenging obstacle course that simulates the difficulties of working in a real forest environment. Here, drivers and their horses might be required to pull a log through a narrow, winding path, cross a makeshift bridge, or perform intricate maneuvers that require the horses to work independently on either side of a log. This discipline highlights the intelligence of the horses and the subtle, almost telepathic communication they share with their handlers.
The climax of the day is often the power pull, a breathtaking display of brute strength. In this event, the horses must pull a progressively heavier load of logs over a set distance. The sheer determination etched on the faces of the furmani and the explosive power of the horses as they dig their hooves into the ground creates an electrifying atmosphere. The crowd roars with encouragement as each team attempts to haul a weight that can seem impossibly heavy, a true testament to the incredible capabilities of these magnificent animals.
The Heartbeat of the Competition: The Mighty Draft Horses
The stars of the Furmanské preteky are, without a doubt, the horses themselves. These are typically heavy draft breeds, chosen for their immense power, calm temperament, and work ethic. Spectators will see a variety of breeds, including the robust Noriker, the powerful Belgian Draft, and the handsome Slovak Draft Horse. These animals are true athletes, their muscular frames and steady nerves perfectly suited for the demanding tasks of logging.
The bond between a furman and his horses is the heart and soul of this tradition. It is a relationship built on years of mutual respect and understanding. The furman knows his horses’ strengths and weaknesses, their moods and their capabilities. He communicates not just with the reins, but with his voice, his posture, and a series of commands that the horses understand implicitly. Watching this silent partnership in action is to witness a living piece of history.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
The Furmanské preteky is more than a competition; it is a festival that celebrates the soul of the Spiš region.[1] The event is a social gathering, bringing together people of all ages. The air is filled with the sounds of traditional Slovak music, and stalls sell local delicacies, handcrafted goods, and, of course, the necessary gear for any aspiring furman. It’s a day of community pride, where old friends reconnect and a younger generation is introduced to the traditions of their ancestors.
For the participants, it’s a chance to share their passion, to learn from one another, and to ensure that the skills of the furman are not lost to time. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the Furmanské preteky in Kojšov stands as a proud and powerful reminder of the enduring partnership between humans and animals, and the deep cultural roots that continue to thrive in the heart of Slovakia. It’s a raw, exhilarating, and deeply moving spectacle that captures the indomitable spirit of the forest and the people who call it home.