SKIJORING 101

Written by: Jed Moore

WORDS FOR NEW (and old) SKIJOR COMPETITORS

Foreword

I have visited with several race producers and industry professionals to compile what we feel is a solid base of information for competitors both new and old. These concepts allow for producers and competitors to work together for a well run, safe, and successful high quality spectator event. Together, we can continue to grow this incredible sport for the entire world to see.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive “how to” guide but more an introduction for those who want to try their hand at the most addicting sport in the world and a reminder for those who have already succumbed to it.

ENTERING EVENTS

Long gone are the days where competitors could show up and enter an event the night before the race. Entry systems vary from producer to producer, online registry and payment are quickly becoming the norm.

Big races fill up within minutes of entries opening. Having a plan for your season and connecting with teammates early in the off season are paramount to getting into races as a new competitor. Check race websites and communicate with other racers about race selection and entry processes.

Jumping online the week before an event looking for a rider or skier, saying you’ve never done it but you’re ready to go fast isn’t how this works.

DIVISION APPROPRIATE ENTERING

With the rising popularity of skijoring, the number of available race spots is significantly lower than the number of participants wanting to compete. At several races this year I’ve seen competitors entering “whatever division wasn’t already full.”

If you’ve never skijored before, your first race entered should be NOVICE DIVISION. Period.

Every horse owner thinks their horse is fast, until they run against fast horses. Every skier thinks they can skijor fast, until they race against seasoned skijor racers.

Yes, there are some exceptions to incoming competitors, but they are few and far between.

I can count on Ali Brigg’s left hand the number of skiers who stepped into the sport division and could win on day 1, let alone the open division.

DIVISION APPROPRIATE ENTERING

The personal risk of being in a division above your ability, on a course intended for more experienced racers is high. I’ve seen more first timers carted off the track this season than ever before, chiefly because they were entered in over their head.

Riders: If your horse isn’t legged up enough to handle loping/running 600-1200 feet twice a day, four times in a weekend, often at higher elevations, you are not doing them any favors and you’re a bad competitor. Period.

It’s not good for your health, your horse’s health, and it’s not good for our sport. Be humble, step up and do it right.

EARNING YOUR PLACE AT ELITE RACES

Just because you want to compete at a skijor race, doesn’t mean that you get to run at the biggest and best races in the country.

Using rodeo as an example, rookie or permit holding contestants are not eligible to compete at the best rodeos like Cheyenne, Houston, or Calgary until they have competed and won at smaller rodeos.

This is the general direction skijor is going. Invite only for veteran competitors in upper divisions and lottery for lower division spots. It isn’t personal, the industry will always take care of those who have taken care of it.

EARNING YOUR PLACE AT ELITE RACES

THIS ISN’T GATEKEEPING.

This is protecting the quality of spectator product, and protecting new competitors from themselves and race producers. Honoring those who have been down the road while still opening the door for new competitors as much as possible is how it is being approached by most producers.

The 2026 skijor schedule showed a 33% increase in the number of races being produced compared to 2025. Cancellations due to lack of snow definitely condensed the competitor pool this season. The competitor pool for 2027 is only going to be bigger. Buckle up kids.

That being said, until there are enough races to meet the entry demand, producers will be turning away competitors in every division. Don’t take it personally.

VOLUNTEER IF YOU CAN’T ENTER

Rather than throwing your sucker in the dirt and going home if you don’t get a spot, you can choose to still be a part of the event as a volunteer.

Every event I have ever attended utilized volunteers for production.

What better way to immerse yourself in the sport than by being part of an event. I would venture to say that if you served your time as a volunteer for a weekend, that producer would put you in as a competitor the following year.

Some races have already implemented this model.

READ THE RULES FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL RACE

Although many races follow a similar framework, there are differences in rules and regulations from event to event.

Be aware of the Sparby rule, protest protocol, rope length, entry limits, saddle connections and any other manner of pitfalls you could encounter.

Until we can come together and create a unified association, and probably even then, individual races will always have variances to how their race is run.

SEEK ADVICE FROM THOSE WHO GO TO A LOT OF RACES

This industry is full of individuals who are more than happy to help newcomers. There are multiple social media groups where you can ask for support or field questions to the skijoring collective.

Riders, skiers, and producers can provide a wealth of knowledge if you just ask.

It’s easy to spot those who know what they are doing, they are usually at the top of the leader boards.

BE PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS

Having mentioned volunteers; these people are the heartbeat of skijor racing.

Without them working gates, taking tickets, organizing parking, flagging race gates, running rings, timing, hooking at start gates and any manner of support position WE WOULDN’T HAVE A SPORT.

Be kind to them.

People are always watching. Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?

GEAR: SADDLES-SKIS-ROPES-SHOES

Riders: A saddle rigging that lays flat through the D’s/Fenders/Skirts and creates a loop or connects to a ring behind the cantle is standard. There are leather harnesses being developed that connect to the D’s.

Shoeing is one of the most frequently asked questions. Many competitors run barefoot and for the majority of new competitors, this is perfect. Beyond that, competitors utilize a snow rim or popper pad along with additional traction aids such as tapped studs/cleats, borium spots, or ice nails.

Traction aids often serve a greater purpose in icy parking lots or roads/paths adjacent to snow tracks.

GEAR: SADDLES-SKIS-ROPES-SHOES

Skiers: Find the kind of rope you prefer. There are dozens of thicknesses, braids, and materials to choose from (check race regulations for rope size restrictions). Go to Murdochs or your local hardware store with your rubber dipped, tight cotton skijor gloves on and feel what works for you. Get a couple heavy rated carabiners to connect to your rider’s rigging.

Some races supply house ropes but after a run or two they are often soaked and difficult to manage. Skis: If you’re planning on being competitive, a slalom style race ski is the industry standard. Your fat powder skis with titanic level turning radius is going to be a major detriment to your success.

Skiers bring ropes. Riders bring horses.

PREPAREDNESS – BEING READY FOR THE DAY/WEEKEND

Every contestant, producer, and volunteer is part of creating the best spectator show possible. Timeliness is key.

30 seconds saved across 120 runs in a day equals an hour of production time.

Riders: have your horse(s) warmed up and near the start. Watch the run order and know who is ahead of you.

We are all part of production and when everyone is ready when track is clear, the event runs smoother and the fans see a better product.

PREPAREDNESS – BEING READY FOR THE DAY/WEEKEND

Skiers: Get your rope (measured for individual rope regulations) and carabiner in your rider’s possession before your run, know who is ahead of you and be ready behind them at the start gate, helmet, goggles, and gloves on, boots buckled.

The majority of races run the same division order from day 1 to day 2, but reverse the run order. For example: you are first to run in your division on day 1, you’ll be last to run in your division on day 2.

HORSEMANSHIP

Riders, how you handle your horse, and how you prepare them for what they may encounter can make or break your skijor experience. If you haven’t practiced dragging a log or a sled, it may be no surprise that your horse may object on race day. Some riders run very fast, some do not. Be prepared to manage a speed that is safe for you, your horse, and your skier.

Other surprises may be banners/flags/loud music/screaming skijor fanatics/wayward children/dogs/goats/drones/obnoxious announcers/straw bales/puddles/snow features… Practice pivoting from a standstill and kicking up into a lope/run. It is astounding the number of horses (and riders) who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with heading off down a track at speed in a straight line while pulling.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Many veterans within the skijor community are in the respected positions they are in because of their dedication to this sport, their support of races throughout the years and most importantly their integrity and decision making. Especially hard decisions.

Cultivate relationships between your fellow competitors at both ends of the rope as well as race producers.

If a call on the track doesn’t go your way or there is a rule infraction, how you communicate and conduct yourself can make or break someone’s opinion of you forever. We are all human. If you get carried away, do what you can to make it right.

TRAVEL TO AND FROM RACES

This is a winter sport! In a good snow year, the odds of traveling in inclement weather is high. Having a reliable vehicle, good tires, chains and a plan are paramount to safety. Leaving a partner without their teammate because you weren’t prepared is lame. Pay attention to weather forecasts and communicate. Entering an event is a commitment for an entire weekend for both ends of the rope, act and prepare accordingly.

I have seen both skiers and horse owners dip out after a single day of competition with every possible excuse and that is a bogus thing to do to someone.

Don’t be that person.

ANIMAL CARE

Horse owners are generally well seasoned for travel but I have also seen some who arrive ill prepared for a winter weekend competition. Plan to bring spare water buckets, hoses, enough feed to supplement for cold temps, blankets, generators, tank heaters, panels, and a vet kit that is kept warm to avoid freezing medications.

Skiers: Your riders care for their horses 24/7/365. Their care and upkeep is a significant expense. This is the reason some races pay out a percentage of prize money to the horse. Anything you can do to appreciate them will always be well received. Don’t know anything about horses? THAT’S OK! Grab a water bucket and help fill tanks. Haul a hay bale from the truck to the pens, they are your teammates too!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO LOVES SKIJOR!

It can be scary to step into this sport not knowing what you are doing. It can be intimidating sliding into the start gate behind buckle winning champions or in the warm up arena with seasoned competitors on fire breathing dragons.

The beauty of it is that we are all in it together and everyone wants to see each other succeed.

(If you don’t feel this way, please don’t show up)

“Skijoring is the funnest thing you can do with your clothes on.” ~ RWIII

Let’s keep it that way.