DRIGGS, Idaho — The uniquely western “sport” known as skijoring returns to Driggs this weekend for The Grand Showdown.
Teton Valley Skijoring’s website states, “Skijoring is a thrilling sport blending western rodeo traditions with the modern-day excitement and adrenaline of ski and snowboard racing.”
Competitors enter with teams of two, with one on horseback and a skier or rider being pulled by horse, riding through a course that includes jumps, gates and rings that can reach speeds up to 40 mph. Teams race for cash prizes based on the fastest times and fewest penalties.
Driggs locals Matt Kwain and Dave Wiernusz have entered the novice division for their first time skijoring, with Kwain on horse and Dave on skis. The duo also hopes to enter the Switch-a-Roo Division, where riders and skiers have to switch roles from the prior day. Kwain has some horseback riding experience, and Dave is a strong skier who said, “I might as well.”
Kwain had bought an older pasture horse outside of Mountain Home Idaho and felt that an event like this would be a good way to regain its sense of purpose. He’s been working with the horse to get it accustomed to having ropes tied to its body and pulling weight. To train for the event, Kwain and Wiernusz have practiced resistance training through a makeshift method where they tie a log to the horse and the equine pulls the weight. The team plans to get into the race arena at Tributary by the weekend where Kwain is an employee, with plans to get some reps beforehand to work on the horse’s cardio.
As for the skiing side, “Dave just has to hang on, pull himself up the rope to help maintain control and momentum,” Kwain said.
Kwain and Wiernusz have never done anything like this before and have received much more interest than they had expected. The event will even be streamed live on Cowboy Chanel Plus.
“I think it’s a great community event, and it’s cool because it sort of bridges the gap between western pastoral culture, and western ski racing adrenaline culture,” Kwain said.
The Westside Yard in Victor is holding an event Friday night, which is mandatory to attend for all preregistered teams and an opportunity for competitors to find a teammate or make for last-minute registrations. Gates and general admission parking open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with races starting at 11 a.m. until the day’s events wrap up with awards at 6 p.m. The event takes place at Tributary, located at 501 Huntsman Springs Dr. Driggs, Idaho.
