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What is the Difference Between a Sled and a Toboggan?

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Sleds and toboggans are both used to transport people and goods on terrain that has a limited amount of friction, such as snow or ice. Both have been widely used in northern climates since before the invention of the wheel. Sleds and toboggans appear in sporting events, children's winter games, and as a mode of transit in some regions. While similar in concept, the sled and the toboggan are different in construction. A sled is composed of a flat surface with runners or rails attached. The surface of the sled is lifted off the snow by the runners, which glide along the top of the snow. Sledding is a popular outdoor sport in many snowy countries. For downhill sledding, no power is needed because the weight of the sled and its rider will pull the sled forward. For flat ground, some sort of energy is needed, and usually provided by livestock. When attached to livestock such as horses, a sled is often referred to as a sleigh or sledge. While sleighs have romantic connotations