Horses from here to Montana are getting on their fastest snow shoes because it's February and that means ski-joring is on.
The extreme sport pairs daring horsemen and women on the truest, fastest horses pulling the bravest skiers through a challenging snow course of jumps and ring catches created by The Wood River Extreme Ski-Joring Association (WRESJA), a nationally sanctioned group of ski and equine enthusiasts who took over the event two years ago.
Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 24, and race finals will be Sunday, February 25. Organizers also will honor two familiar faces who loved the games, both of whom lost their lives in separate accidents last fall—Mama Inez' restaurant's former owner Mark Fisher and longtime valley builder Mo Hinajosa.
Ski-joring, which resembles extreme water-skiing, is fast becoming one of the nation's hottest new winter sports as noted by such publications as USA Today. Competitors like extreme skier Glen Plake have taken the challenge and many of the pro-division contestants here are making the circuit of races throughout the West.
But no one with a horse and rider, skis and skier and a desire will be denied for the price of entry, which starts at $25. There are divisions for men and women, girls and boys of all ages and levels.
A successful run of this race means crossing the finish line of the 850-foot course with the skier having executed two to three jumps ranging from three to six feet high and grabbing from three to nine rings. The rider must also grab a ring. Points are deducted for missed or dropped rings and missed jumps. Speed—which often reaches 40 miles per hour—is a factor. Winners are based on the combined overall score for both days. Pee-wees, juniors and women are not required to hit the jumps. While most compete for the thrills, winners will receive cash and other great prizes.
Ski-joring is born from a centuries old custom revived from Scandinavia and first seen in North America in the 1950s. Laplanders used animal and skis as a way of travel during the winters. The technique of ski-joring grew into sport from challenges among ranch hands on their everyday work. Organizers nationwide are pushing for inclusion of the sport in the X-games.
Bellevue's family-friendly event will feature extra games for kids, food booths, music, an auction and a dance at The Mint. Tailgaters are welcome, as are pets. Event sponsors urge owners to keep dogs on leashes for the safety of all. Pooper scooping is much appreciated. There is a gate fee of $5 per person. Kids 10 and under are free.
Sign up will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, February 23, at Mahoney's on Main Street in Bellevue. There will be an auction before the dance party on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Mint is on Hailey's Main Street. Sunday night the festivities will conclude with the award ceremony at Mahoney`s.
You can also register online at www.wresja.com, which will be updated with race details as the event date approaches. To speak to a real person for your information, call Tyler Peterson at 208.720.0329.
And if you are in the audience and are inspired to jump in the games, race-day registration is available.
The Wood River Extreme Ski-Joring Association is a non-profit organization and proceeds from the games are distributed to local charities. WRESJA would like to give a special thanks to Webb Landscaping for more than eight years of generous support.
