Expected to have a star turn during the opening ceremony, Russian troika is a carriage driven by a team of three horses. (The word literally means “a trio” in Russian.)
Before becoming a centerpiece of wintry celebrations across Russia, a troika was a key component of the early Russian post system. A special way the horses were harnessed provided for both its speed – up to 30 miles per hour – and endurance. Troikas remained an integral part of both urban and rural culture until the early 20th century as key components of religious holidays and weddings.
