February March 2013 - Page 25
accrued for missing gates and jumps, and missing or
dropping rings.
Leadville, Colorado, has been holding an annual
equestrian Ski Joring (spelt as two words)
competition since 1949. This event has a much
higher emphasis on speed and involves obstacles for
the skier to complete, including jumps such as those
used in aerial acrobatics, gates, and suspended rings.
To get a whiplash effect for more speed and aerial
capacity over the jumps, the rider may send the
horse sideways (away from the jump) just before the
obstacle, or else the skier creates their own whiplash
effect as skiers do behind boats.
The sport is potentially highly dangerous as the skier
has little if any control over the horse apart from
voice aids; therefore, with the possible exception of
the sprint, the horse is usually ridden. The skier must
be highly skilled, ready and able to launch into high
speed.
With their hindquarter strength, and speed, Quarter
horses are popular for competitive skijoring. For
the more leisurely version, cold-blooded breeds
traditionally used for harness and riding, such as the
Fjorde, are highly suited in temperament, and to the
cold conditions.
Above: The Mounain Niceness Fest in Idaho, USA is a family affair
when it comes to skijording.
Below: Extreme skijoring in Leadville Colorado, USA