"For hundreds of years, the residents of northern Scandinavia have used reindeer to pull them for travel on skis in difficult arctic terrain. Even older claims of humans being pulled by dogs with ski-like foot coverings have emerged from the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. This was not for sport, but out of necessity for travel purposes. The name "Skijoring" is derived from the Norwegian translation for "Ski Driving.""
"Skijoring has been refined over many years, making for historically fierce competition these days. Modern Skijoring now includes slalom gates, collecting rings while being pulled by a 30-foot rope, and even gap jumps. The team of horse, rider, and skier must navigate the course flawlessly in tandem while traveling at speeds of 45+ miles per hour. Skijor races excel in geographic regions that combine hardy equine riders, well-trained quarter horses, and expert skiers."
"In the early 1900's, Skijoring was becoming popular as a pastime activity in France, Switzerland, and other European countries. The sport didn't take long before it spread to the United States and beyond. Skijoring made its stateside debut at Lake Placid, New York, in 1915. Not long afterwards becoming a regular event at Dartmouth's Annual Winter Carnival in New Hampshire, as well as Steamboat Springs' winter carnival."
Skijoring originated from practical Arctic travel where northern Scandinavians used reindeer and Central Asian peoples used dogs to pull skiers, not as sport but for necessity. The term Skijoring comes from the Norwegian for "Ski Driving." The activity evolved into a competitive sport featuring slalom gates, ring collection on a 30-foot rope, gap jumps, and teams of horse, rider, and skier traveling over 45 mph. The sport gained popularity in early 1900s Europe and reached the United States by 1915, becoming part of several winter carnivals. Skijoring appeared in early Winter Games and as a 1928 Olympic exhibition.
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