Living the dream on frozen ice

The magic of the Engadine continues to unfold in real life just as it does on-screen. The action on the frozen ice of Lake St Moritz and its orchestration is much like a motion picture, and depends on various factors. The demands of such an extreme equine spectacle require abundant skiing prowess on the part of competitors, and of course, total mastery of their four-legged friends. Given the nature of the event, there are strict regulations in place, with weather being the most determining factor of all.

Races only take place on the lake when the ice measures 30cm thick. Despite the constant threat of global warming, mild conditions haven't halted the running of White Turf since 1964. Many people are concerned about the horses and their safety, but to date, only one horse has ever died at the event in more than 100 years of racing, which makes White Turf the safest event anywhere in horse racing's history.

The horses are shod with specially spiked shoes to prevent them from tumbling. One unexpected and delightful upshot of their shoeing means that as they clatter and splice their majestic way across the surface, they kick up chunks of compacted ice and fresh snow, creating a scene not unlike an exaggerated, life-sized snow globe. It's at those moments – amid the shouts, thuds and laughter – that time almost stands still in this astonishing mise en scène.