pasture

In central Nigeria, there are also frequent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and farming groups, who are often Christian, over access to water and pasture.

A fence lined this part of the driveway, and behind the fence was a sprawling, rolling pasture, lush with tall grass and a few leafy trees, where a herd of cows was grazing.

This has sent fires -- lit by farmers clearing pasture -- burning out of control.

The course passed lakes and circled horse pastures, gravel roads, rocky creeks, mountain vistas and hills so steep you felt you could stretch your hands straight in front of you and touch the ground ahead.

The event began in 2006 and is the highlight of autumn festivities in Flumserberg, held alongside a cheese market in the final weeks before snow turns the ski station's green pastures white.