PRO SkiJor brings horses and skiers to Cache County Fairgrounds

Horses sprinted down a snow-packed course at the Cache County Fairgrounds on Jan. 30-31, pulling skiers and snowboarders behind them as spectators gathered to watch PRO SkiJor bring competition to Cache Valley. 

The Logan event was part of the PRO SkiJor Frontier Tour, a professional skijoring series that blends Western rodeo culture with winter sports. Skijoring teams consist of a horse and rider, paired with a skier or snowboarder who holds onto a tow rope while navigating gates and jumps along a flat course. Teams are timed, with penalties added for missed obstacles. 

For many spectators, the event marked their first time seeing the sport in person. 

“I totally just saw this on Instagram,” said Cassidy Bingham, who traveled from Salt Lake City to attend. “[I] was like, ‘This looks sick. We have to come check it out.’” 

Bingham said she and her partner were drawn to the event because of their interest in rodeo culture. 

“Yeah, we’re big rodeo fans,” Bingham said. “He used to work on a ranch when we met, so we’re, like, into the Western world.” 

Although she arrived with little knowledge on skijoring, Bingham said the experience was easy to enjoy. 

“We don’t have any idea,” Bingham said. “We’ve kind of grasped a couple things, but yeah, we had no idea how it works and how they’re scored.” 

Bingham said watching the horses charge down the course was one of the most memorable parts of the event. 

“I thought the girls were so cool. Their horses were fun,” Bingham said. “They look like the horses are having the most fun because they just get to freaking sprint in a straight line, you know.” 

Bingham said the coordination required between the skier, rider and horse stood out as the competition continued. 

“It looks like everybody’s got — you have to have all the skills, skier, you’ve got to figure out how it works, the riders and the horses, and it’s really cool,” Bingham said. 

Other spectators said returning for a second event helped them better understand the technical demands of the sport. Hanna Mather, who previously attended a skijoring event in Heber City, said a background in snowboarding helped with understanding the competition.  

“I think so,” Mather said when asked if she had a better understanding of the sport this time. “I’m a snowboarder, or at least I used to when I was younger, and I know I admire what they’re doing on air.” 

Mather said maintaining speed and balance on the flat course can be challenging for competitors. 

“See how flat it is — it really helps to have a bit of a slope at the beginning,” Mather said.  

Beyond the races, spectators described the event as a social experience that extended into the evening. 

“I’m having fun,” Mather said. “Having fun so far — made some friends last night at the party.” 

Weather conditions affected the schedule earlier in the weekend, but attendees said the atmosphere and competition still made the event worthwhile. Several spectators said they plan to attend future skijoring events. 

“Yeah, I’m going to the one up in Driggs [Idaho], for sure,” Mather said. 

Bingham also said she hopes to return. 

“Oh yeah,” Bingham said. “We’ll definitely be back next year.” 

As professional skijoring continues to grow, events like the Logan stop are introducing new audiences to a fast-paced sport that combines winter athletics with Western tradition.