What Is Skijoring?
Skijoring is a winter sport in which a horse and rider pull a skier through a course. In Wyoming, equestrian skijoring is the version you are most likely to see at community competitions.
The skier holds a tow line and follows the horse and rider through a course that can include slalom gates, jumps and suspended rings. Depending on the event, competitors are timed and may receive penalties for missed gates, dropped rings or other mistakes.
You may also hear skijoring described as “cowboy skiing” or horse skiing. Whatever you call it, the appeal is easy to understand: it combines speed, snow and Western horse culture in a competition you can watch from the sidelines.
How Does a Skijoring Competition Work?
Rules vary by event, but the basic team stays the same: a horse and rider provide the pull while a skier or snowboarder handles the course. Events may offer divisions for experienced competitors, novices, youth and snowboarders.
Courses are designed around speed and control. Gates test precision, jumps add airtime and rings give competitors another challenge to complete at speed. Because the sport depends on snow and safe course conditions, organizers can adjust or cancel races when weather does not cooperate.
That weather dependency is important for travelers. Before heading to a skijoring event, check the official event website for the current schedule, conditions, registration details and spectator information.
Where Can You Watch Skijoring in Wyoming?
Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo
Where: Sheridan County Fairgrounds, Sheridan
When: February
The Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo combines winter recreation with Sheridan’s Western character. Recent skijoring races have been held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, where spectators can watch horse-and-rider teams pull skiers through a course of gates, jumps and rings.
Sundance Winter Festival
Where: Main Street, Sundance
When: Mid-February
In Sundance, skijoring becomes a downtown event. The Sundance Winter Festival’s skijoring course runs through Main Street, turning the competition into a community celebration with food, entertainment and other winter activities.
Pinedale Winter Carnival
Where: Pinedale Rodeo Grounds, Pinedale
When: Second Weekend in February
Pinedale’s Winter Carnival has featured skijoring alongside other winter competitions and community activities. The Pinedale Rodeo Grounds are the setting for the event, with the Wind River Range providing a dramatic winter backdrop. Because the schedule and activity lineup can change, check the current event information before planning a trip.
Saratoga Skijoring Races
Where: Buck Springs Race Track, Saratoga
When: February
Saratoga Skijoring brings horse-and-rider teams, skiers and snowboarders to a snow-covered race course with jumps, gates and rings. Saratoga also gives you an easy place to build in time for hot springs, outdoor recreation and a night in town.
When Should You Plan a Wyoming Skijoring Trip?
Most Wyoming skijoring competitions take place in winter, often in January or February. Exact dates vary by community and can change with snow conditions.
Do not rely on a prior year’s date when making travel plans. Some organizers will have already published the next year’s information a year in advance, while others may post these details in the months leading up to the event. Check in frequently, as weather and snowfall can affect the event as well.
That uncertainty is part of winter travel in Wyoming. Build flexibility into your plans and check the official organizer, local weather and road conditions shortly before you travel.
What Should You Know Before Watching Skijoring?
Dress for winter conditions. Skijoring is an outdoor spectator sport, so warm layers, winter boots, gloves and a hat can make a long event day much more comfortable.
Arrive with a little extra time. Popular events can draw crowds and viewing areas may fill before the competition begins.
Stay behind barriers and follow event staff directions. Horses, skiers and snowboarders move quickly, so give the course plenty of room.
Check the schedule before you go. Snow conditions can affect whether a race happens, where it is held and which activities are offered.
Give yourself time beyond the race. Sheridan, Sundance, Pinedale and Saratoga each offer ways to turn a skijoring event into a broader Wyoming winter getaway.
How Can You Build a Trip Around Skijoring?
A skijoring competition can be the centerpiece of a winter weekend, not just a quick stop. Pair the event with a night in the host community, explore local dining and museums or add another cold-weather activity suited to the conditions.
