MARCH SKIJOR MADNESS
Photo courtesy of Skijor USA
Noah Gregory is on the right in Leadville, CO.
March 5, 2026
~ IN THIS NEWSLETTER ~
A feverish pace was set in February
and
now, as skijoring enters the month of March,
the jubilant madness continues!
This weekend four races will take place
one in France,
one in Alberta, Canada,
one in Central New York State
and
another just west of center in the
state of Colorado.
Beyond these,
new races in March have been popping up in
Wyoming, Quebec and Saskatchewan
which we will cover more fully in the next newsletter.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We are actively calculating points for
SkijorCup
and will be providing more updates on our social media
and website in the coming days.
We have added points for Day 1 in Grand Lake thus far.
In Open, rider, Richard Weber moves into 1st
ahead of Dennis Alverson and Rosie Rogers.
Skier, Lane Feldeisen gained more points to keep him in 1st,
but Jim Ryan, in 2nd, is owed points.
In Sport, rider, Patrick Smith moves into 1st Place
with Kimber Cook in 2nd and Phoebe Alverson in 3rd.
Sport skier, Brian Erhart remains in 1st,
but Madison Ostergren, in 2nd, is owed points.
In Novice, Kelsea Raymer added points to her 1st place lead.
and Richard Weber moved into 2nd as Novice Skier.
In Snowboard, rider, Bryan Nygard remains in 1st
and boarder, Charlie Tyler remains 2nd to Jakobe Chacon in 1st.
Points will continue to be updated as results and payouts come in.
Go to: https://www.skijorcup.com/ for a complete list.
Competitors with + signs are owed points.
If you would like your points added to or updated,
please contact, loren@skijorusa.com
Follow SkijorCup on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/skijor.cup/
and
Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@skijor.cup
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~ YOU HAD ME AT SWISH ~
(of a tail, that is. . . )
Our featured athlete posts
sponsored by JetHQ and CheChe
will expand to include horses this week.
We thought to include a little March Madness
play on words for all of the horse lovers out there!
(Wink)
Our equine athletes are always on the top of our list
when it comes to our fan favorites,
so please email us if you would like your horse profiled!
Contact: clare@skijorcup.com
https://www.instagram.com/skijor.cup/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijor Central
continues to move forward
with new episodes being launched very soon and
interviews booked for the coming weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/@SkijorCentral
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~ UPCOMING RACES ~
Skijoring for MS
Cold Lake, AB
Saturday, March 7
This same group put on the event in
Lac La Biche
earlier in the season.
Here they raised over $18,000 to combat MS!
In the four years that Skijoring for MS has been fundraising,
$100,000 has been raised for MS Canada all tolled.
Cold Lake is far enough north that snow and cold temperatures
are pretty much guaranteed, so the event is a go!
They happen to be close to the border of Saskatchewan
which also had a skijoring event this year.
We will be covering more about the growth of skijoring
throughout Canada in our next newsletter.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Skijoring-for-MS-100089847481412/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pole and Spur
Crowsnest, AB
Saturday, March 7
(Cancelled)
This race began in 2017 and is known as
Canada's first modern skijoring event.
It is held in Crowsnest Pass in the Southern Canadian Rockies
south of Blairmore, Alberta.
The Kananaskis Rodeo Association organizes the event,
and it is unique in that, besides skijoring, it includes a
Cowboy Curling Competition.
Yep, a horse pulls a person sitting in an inner tube
onto the curling "sheet",
in this case, a long snowy track,
and each competitor tries to knock each other
out of the "house" to get closest to the "button" in the center.
We will see you in 2027, Pole & Spur!
https://poleandspur.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Skijoring the Hill
Jamesville, NY
March 7 & 8
This first time event promises to help propel
the rich expansion of skijoring into more Northeastern states.
Hosted by Heritage Hill Brewery,
this Skijoring CNY event
will feature a Pro competition on Saturday
and Novice and Snowboard competitions on Sunday.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Skijoring-the-Hill-61587369601931/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Leadville Skijoring
Leadville, CO
March 7 & 8
This event needs no introduction
since it's reputation surely precedes itself.
Founded in 1949, by Jody Manly,
Leadville Skijoring
remains the Gold Standard of races in many ways.
Still, the event continues to evolve.
This year, there will be no draw,
and Open, Sport and Novice divisions will all compete
behind horses.
In the past, snowmobiles pulled Novice skiers.
For the first time in history,
Leadville has had to make snow,
and the weather looks favorable for the weekend
with cooler temperatures on the way.
Over 20,000 people craned their necks to catch
a glimpse of the action last year,
so bundle up and we'll
see you on Harrison Avenue!
Go to the link below for more information
especially if you are spectating due to important guidelines.
https://www.leadvilleskijoring.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For information on events on future 2026 weekends
or races planned for 2027,
go to https://www.skijorusa.com/
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~ ACROSS THE ATLANTIC ~
In Ceillac, France
on March 7 & 8
the Championnat de FRANCE
will be held in the Queyras / Haute-Alpes region.
The competitors will skijoer in the European style,
meaning they will be reining the horses from behind on skis.
There is no rider on the horse.
The competitors will be tested on agility, maneuverability and speed.
Skijoëring has been a tradition in France much longer than in
the United States or Canada,
so we are thrilled to see it experiencing a resurgence
in European countries as well.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
For more information on skijoring worldwide go to:
https://www.skijorinternational.com/
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LAST WEEKEND'S WINNERS
Grand Lake Skijoring
Grand Lake, CO
TOP FINISHERS
Saturday
Open
1st: Richard Weber / Lick Em For Luck / Lane Feldeisen
2nd:Richard Weber / Lick Em For Luck / Tyler McKnight
3rd: Jed Moore / Chugg / Reuel MacDonald
4th: Richard Weber / Franks & Beans / Tyler McKnight
Sport 1D
1st: Patrick Smith / Frankie Moon / Brian Erhart
2nd: Jed Moore / Zombie / Kolby Ward
3rd: Kimber Cook / Badger / Lang Schuler
4th: Robert Tingley / Sponge Bob / Malcolm Seamans
Sport 2D
1st: Patrick Smith / Miss Zena / Brian Erhart
2nd: Jed Moore / Zombie / Reuel MacDonald
3rd: Abilene Yurich / Peach / Justin Crumbaugh
4th: Janelle Urista / Randy / David Strickbine
Snowboard
1st: Olivia Holtzman / Cloud / Charlie Tyler
2nd: Patrick Smith / Izzy / Charlie Tyler
3rd: Holly Jones / Fish / Zane Mazer
4th: Grace Kennedy / Haven / Kelly Schuler
Novice
1st: Joseph Burtard / Apache / Tyler Moran
2nd: Kelsea Raymer / Ringo / Richard Weber
3rd: Kiley Hoyt / Ruskie / Austin Gardner
4th: Tim Batchelder / Freck / Maddy Pielage
Youth
1st: Berkeley Hughes / El Guapo / Weston Brehm
2nd: Berkeley Hughes / El Guapo / Gabriel Hay
3rd: Nick Ehlenfeldt / Pappy / Nicco Pestello
4th: Al Mikkelsen / Cotton / Jace Mikkelsen
Rowdy Town Relay
1st: Tim Batchelder / Austin Gardner / Maddy Pielage / Waylon
2nd: Steve Eytel / Joey Lane / Tyler Smedsrud / Smokey
3rd: Paul Wilcock / Hunter Baar / David Strickbine / ZZ
4th: Richard Weber / Leroy Maendel / Lane Feldeisen / Danny Girl
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bridger Brewskis and Spurs
Three Forks, MT
TOP FINISHERS
1D Overall
1st: Kevin Frueh / Ty Free
2nd: Kevin Frueh / Colter Fretwell
3rd: Jake Berger / Colter Fretwell
2D Overall
1st: Jake Berger / McKinley Keener
2nd: Mandy Erickson / Colter Fretwell
3rd: Isabelle Houseweart / Matt Jacobs
3D Overall
1st: Krista Menzel / Joe Prescott
2nd: Molly Marquis / Devon Voegele
3rd: Tana Brown / Asher Weinberg
4D Overall
1st: Morgan Owens / Taylor McVey
2nd: Mandy Erickson / JR Barnes
3rd: Alyssa Sylvia / Morgan Bills
Snowboard Overall
1st: Tamara Campbell / James McGraw
2nd: Jake Berger / Brooklyn Akers
3rd: Dan Currie / Amy Currence
Switcheroo Overall
1st: Ty Free / Josh Morrison
2nd: Tayler McVey / Haley Hodge
3rd: Anna Maronick / Dayton Stewart
Youth Overall
1st: Hayden Miller / Wyattt Woodring
2nd: Josey Woodring / Hayden Miller
3rd: Josey Woodring / Wyatt Woodring
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
High Star Ranch
Kamas, UT
TOP FINISHERS
Open Overall
1st: Josie Young / Smoke / KJ Savaria
2nd: Josie Young / Tres / Cam Fraser
3rd: Courtney Anderson / Gunner / John Anderson
4th: Katherine Licht / She's A Lethal One / John Anderson
Sport Overall
1st: Kevin Derzapf / Duii / Bryson Threatt
2nd: Dylanne Free / Snowman / Bryson Threatt
3rd: Tristam Hokenson / Callahan / Bryson Threatt
4th: Kylee Neilson / Moose / Jackie Nadel
Snowboard Overall
1st: Brandon Nygard / Nooney / Jakobe Chacon
2nd: Katherine Licht / Chromed Out Cowboy / Jakobe Chacon
3rd: Courtney Anderson / Romeo / Jakobe Chacon
4th: Dylanne Free / Widget / Max
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
At Melody Riders event in
Chewelah, Washington
1D
1st: Cody / Horse #1 / Hanna
2nd: Colin / Hoss / Stephanie
3rd: Dylan / Hoss / Stephanie
2D
1st: Dylan / Marge / Hedy
2nd: Colin / Lily / Nick
3rd: Joseph / Shotgun / Violet
3D
1st: Liam / Gunnar / Paula
2nd: Jordan / Runn / Autumn
3rd: Kutter / Dutchie / Novalee
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ IN THE NEWS ~
OH-NO, NO-AH! !
Serious injury is certainly no laughing matter,
but we know that
Noah Gregory
would want everyone to stay positive
and keep their own spirits up
as he recovers from a serious fall last weekend in Grand Lake.
Noah is staying upbeat and under excellent care.
He was LifeFlighted to a Denver hospital on Saturday,
and surgeons are now reconstructing his shattered pelvis.
Fortunately, Noah's spine and internal organs are not damaged
and Noah's horse was not injured in the accident.
We are praying for Noah's full and speedy recovery,
though it could take 9 months or more.
We will be donating to the fund set up to help with his medical care
and to assist his wife and children through this difficult time.
Noah runs Telluride Wranglers with his wife, Christina.
They have two small children.
https://www.telluridewranglers.com/
He is also a local firefighter in Cortez, Colorado.
Noah has been competing for many years
primarily at Colorado and events,
and has enjoyed much success in the Sport Division.
In 2024, on Saturday, Noah ran the fastest time in Sport in Leadville
with an 18.25 on his horse, Dev Gru, but his skier, Bryan Coll,
picked up a few penalties.
On Sunday, the team came back to clinch 1st Place
with an 18.75 clean!
The closest time to them was a 19.43.
Noah is now also running a horse named Shadowfax.
Noah ALWAYS brings light and laughter to his fellow competitors
and to spectators who adore him.
He has a distinct look and bright smile that wins over hearts immediately.
Noah, be well, my friend, and heal up fast.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
To donate to Noah's recovery fund, go to:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-noah-gregorys-long-road-to-recovery?attribution_id=sl:f4be8899-e3ed-4588-bc1a-04ca16d21a9f&lang=en_US&ts=1772499721&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_td-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Since Noah is well known in his community as a fire fighter,
business owner and family man,
several articles have been written since his accident.
All of them speak highly of Noah and of the Grand Lake Skijoring race.
https://www.the-journal.com/articles/cortez-firefighter-seriously-injured-in-skijoring-accident-in-grand-lake/
By now 4000+ teams have competed across North America
and Europe, and skijoring remains very low on the injury scale,
especially compared to downhill skiing or snowboarding
or many contact sports.
Most skijoring events remain injury free,
especially those that are curated with experienced teams
such as Skijor Canada's events in Banff and Calgary.
We praise our organizers and competitors
who adhere to the highest of standards to keep everyone
and every horse SAFE.
We also thank all of our local ambulance crews and EMTs
as well as our on-site veterinarians who are always standing by
if there is a need or concern.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We would also like to take the time to send well wishes to:
RJ Klotz
a skier, who broke his leg in Kamas, Utah.
RJ went to college at Montana State and earned a Masters at Louisiana State.
RJ is one of the founders of the Gallatin Valley Skijoring Association
and
co-organized the Gallatin Skijor Invitational in Bozeman this year.
He now works with Wildfire Defense Systems.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bryan Coll
a skier, who was injured in Bozeman earlier this season.
Bryan grew up in Bayville, New York and migrated westward living in
resort towns like Sun Valley, Breckenridge and Park City due to his love of skiing.
Bryan also wrestles at a very high level
and mostly on the beach!
As one post reads,
"This guy’s is all heart and one of the toughest competitors out there."
He has many fans at home. Check out this article in the Long Island Herald.
https://www.liherald.com/stories/from-wrestling-at-locust-valley-to-pro-skijoring,219828
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Megan Smith
a rider, who broke her wrist after being thrown from her horse
after finishing her run on Friday night in Novice in Estes Park, Colorado.
Megan and her skier, Austin Gardner, had the fastest run
of the night with horse, Ruskie.
They clocked an 18.92 clean, and the closest time to them was a 19.38.
Megan is doing well, and looks forward to competing next season.
For now, she is contented to cheer on her husband,
Patrick Smith,
who competes at a high level in the Sport Division.
He rides horses Frankie moon, Lady Porsche and Miss Zena.
He and his skier, Brian Erhart, have captured several first place wins
most recently in Grand Lake, Colorado
and both are at the top of the SkijorCup rankings in their class.
Patrick will be competing in Leadville this weekend.
Megan's spirit is unstoppable and No Fear is her motto.
Megan was interviewed by CNN earlier this season and said,
“It’s super risky. Anything to do with animals is risky.
You know, the horses really get into it, and they go really, really, really, really fast,
and the skiers sometimes get tangled up in the rope.
“So you have to be a certain kind of skier that’s willing to do some crazy things too.
Like I said, I don’t think the average person could do it.”
https://www.aol.com/articles/skijoring-wild-blend-horses-skis-181302982.html
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~ TO BE, OR KNOT TO BE ~
We thought it prudent to mention a subject
related to safety that is IMPERATIVE to address at this time.
Skijor USA remains committed to safety and education
within the sport of skijoring worldwide.
Most races state in their rules that ropes must be
of a certain length
(this depends on the design of the course)
and
have NO handles, loops or KNOTS.
Anyone who has organized, volunteered or competed
at a skijoring race knows the dangers of knots.
The weight at the end gives the rope a life of its own,
and it tends to whip around once released.
A knot can also cause the rope to get caught in a skier's bindings
or wrap around a body part like a leg, a waist or a neck
and catch rather than sliding free.
Many of us will recall the shocking video of
Shawn Gerber in Red Lodge
many years ago when the rope got wrapped around his legs
and slammed him to the ground.
He ended up with a concussion regardless of wearing a helmet.
Red Lodge still allows knots, but no loops or handles.
Ropes with knots can also be dangerous for spectators
if the buffer zone between the track and the barrier is not sufficient.
In Kamas, Utah last weekend, three spectators,
one holding a baby, were injured by a rope that was released by the skier.
Their rules state that ropes shall not have knots.
Thankfully, the injuries were not serious and the baby was untouched.
We IMPLORE both race organizers and competitors
to follow their rules or ADD rules regarding ropes and knots.
Our friends in the UK have designed a quick release
system which detaches the rope from the rigging once the rider
has completed the course.
This is mandatory to have and to do.
It can also avoid problems while in the midst of the run
should a horse or skier, in this case, boarder, get into trouble.
We will be doing a tutorial on ropes and safety on
Skijor Central in the near future.
As our President often says,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JOR ON!
Loren Zhimanskova,
Founder, Skijor USA & Skijor International