HOW SKIJORING WORKS — RODEO ON SNOW
Please review all guidelines and equipment requirements carefully to ensure a safe and competitive event for all participants and animals.
The sport explained
Think rodeo meets ski racing. A skijor team consists of a horse, a rider and a skier (or snowboarder in the snowboard division). The horse and rider race along a snow-covered course while the skier is pulled behind on a rope attached to the saddle rigging system. The skier navigates gates and jumps. Speed, teamwork, control and accuracy decide the result.
How a run is scored
The clock starts when the team begins its run. The goal is to complete the course in the fastest time while correctly negotiating the obstacles. Each missed or incorrectly passed ski gate adds 3 seconds. Each missed jump adds 5 seconds. Judges stationed along the course record penalties. The team’s official result is its elapsed time plus penalties; the fastest adjusted time wins, subject to event rules.
Divisions
JUNIOR — Both rider and skier under 18.
NOVICE — Competitors who have not previously won a skijor buckle, subject to official eligibility wording.
OPEN — Competitive division for experienced teams.
SNOWBOARD — Snowboarders compete on a modified course.
Equipment & safety — simplified overview
Competitors provide their own equipment. Tow ropes must be longer than 35 feet and shorter than 50 feet, with a minimum 3/8-inch diameter; no handles or knots. No dallying. Equine welfare, sportsmanship and officials’ directions are mandatory. The Equine Director, Ski Director and President may disqualify participants for mistreatment or unsafe conduct, and anyone directed to leave must do so immediately.
Big Air
A separate freestyle event where skiers and snowboarders tackle a large jump. Judges assess speed and the difficulty of the trick, jump or flip. Detailed judging criteria will appear in the official rulebook.
Â