<P> A troika (Russian: тройка, "triplet" or "trio") is a traditional Russian harness driving combination, using three horses abreast, usually pulling a sleigh . It differs from most other three - horse combinations in that the horses are harnessed abreast . The middle horse is usually harnessed in a horse collar and shaft bow; the side horses are usually in breastcollar harness . The troika is traditionally driven so that the middle horse trots and the side horses canter; the right - hand horse will be on the right lead and the left - hand horse on the left lead . The troika is often claimed to be the world's only harness combination with different gaits of the horses . </P> <P> The term "troika" is sometimes used to refer to any three - horse team harnessed abreast, regardless of harness style or what horse - drawn vehicle is used . </P>

Name of a russian sled pulled by three horses