SKIJOR CUP: SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS
JetHQ, WRANGLER & THE SUPER BOWL
plus UPDATED POINTS
Image credits:
Josh Trudell Photography
February 10, 2026
~ IN THIS NEWSLETTER ~
Skijor Cup
is proud to announce a new sponsorship with global brand JetHQ.
JetHQ
is "Your Headquarters for Global Aircraft Sales".
Their talented team of experts is trusted world-wide to advise
clients on aircraft purchasing, aircraft selling
and sought-after consulting services.
With skijor's global expansion
in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia,
JetHQ is the perfect partner with whom to achieve new heights together.
Stay tuned later this week for a new YouTube podcast
Skijor Central
on which we and JetHQ will take you on
a remarkable journey through the history of skijoring
past, present and future!
Our focus will be on horses,
and primarily on snow, but also beaches!
We will also cover skiing behind reindeer, dogs,
motorcycles, automobiles, snowmobiles and yes, even airplanes!
https://jethq.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wrangler,
the iconic denim and Western wear company,
will be providing exclusive prizes for our
Skijor Cup Champions.
We are thrilled to welcome them to the world of skijoring!
Like skijoring in Leadville which began in 1949,
Wrangler's history goes back to 1947.
It's motto echoes that of our sport:
"Wrangler is enduring American freedom;
it's in the spirit of people who work hard, have fun and recognize
courageous individuality. . .
Most of all, we respect ourselves, each other, our Western heritage
and the environment in which we live."
https://www.wrangler.com/
Next week we will be announcing more brands
that will be donating prizes to support our 2026 Skijor Cup initiative.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Super Bowl Skijor!
In case you missed it, skijoring was featured in the
Michelob Ultra
commercial during the Super Bowl.
Actors,
Kurt Russell & Lewis Pullman
(Top Gun, Maverick)
starred in the ad and Olympic gold medalist snowboarder, Chloe Kim
and NHL star T.J. Oshie made cameo appearances.
The storyline
follows a young unexperienced skier on
his journey of becoming a "stud" on skis once he had skied behind a horse.
His coach is a lone cowboy whom he encounters by chance at a bar.
Once he is towed behind the cowboy's horse,
he is then seen speeding past everyone on skis in future downhill runs
and even doing a trick off a jump.
He is no longer obligated to buy his friends beer since
he is now not the last one down the hill.
The message is that once you have skijored, (faced your fears, "manned up")
you are transformed from "maverick" to "mogul"!
To view the Michelob Ultra commercial,
click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfLNpG7vW_w
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Updated Horse Points
We have updated the Pro, Open and Sport numbers
and also added more divisions
Novice, Snowboard, Switcheroo and Womens
in the new horse point series.
We have also updated the
Skijor Cup
points to include last weekend's races.
https://www.skijorcup.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Leadville 2.0 Reimagined
Leadville has changed it's look
and its format for 2026.
A "Double Match" will replace the Match/Draw format
&
there will be Open, Sport (2D) and Novice divisions.
No towing by snowmobile.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hail to the Chief Weekend
The most jam-packed weekend is ahead
over President's Day
with 6 events spanning thousands of miles
across North America.
From Fernie and Golden, British Columbia to
Craig and Silverton, Colorado
and Bellevue, Idaho to
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
More Snow Woes
The 20th Anniversary of
Whitefish Skijoring
has been postponed until 2027.
Even with snowmaking or snow hauling options,
the temperatures are just too warm to put on the quality of iconic
event that would be up to Whitefish's standards.
We respect this decision.
Refunds are being issued to all competitors and spectators
according to organizers.
For a full calendar and links go to https://www.skijorusa.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ UPDATED POINTS ~
TOP 10 SKIJOR CUP LEADERBOARD
PRO / EXPERT
Riders
Michael Miller 92.5
Marquise Young 55
Richard Weber 40.34
Harlee Manning 37.5
Josh Abbott 35
Dennis Alverson 25.65
Katherine Licht 20.39
Courtney Anderson 15
Trae McInroe 2.03
Skiers
KJ Savaria 77.5
Jim Ryan 64.66
RJ Klotz 50
Colin Cook 49.98
Jake Van Deursen 30
Jack Dale 25
Ty Free 9.15
Cody Smith 8.27
John Anderson 5
Horses
Lick Em For Luck 5.59
Babes Last Rascal 3.43
Franks & Beans 3.38
Jet Fuel Cowboy 2.78
Cocaine Bear 0.71
Yonnis 0.45
OPEN / ADVANCED
Riders
Rosie Rogers 42.15+
Richard Weber 37.8
Jed Moore 25.35
Dennis Alverson 23.75
Melissa Ostrander 11.84
Kristen Beck 9.27
Dylanne Free 9.11
Kristen Macasek 8.36
Kevin Derzapf 8.1
Tate Rogers 7.5
Skiers
Lane Feldeisen 68.6+
Jim Ryan 54.05
Max McKenzie 25.85
Ty Free 21.26
David Rizzolo 13.06
Joe Prescott 11.84
Tyler Smedsrud 8.65
Jack Plantz 7.85+
Tyler McKnight 7.5
Foster Kennedy 6.89
Horses
Lick Em For Luck 10.7
Cocaine Bear 8.35
Seven 6.1
War Pony 3.63
Moose Knuckle 3.49
Franks & Beans 2.6
Three 2.5
Snowman 2.03
Roxi 1.86
Levi 1.81
SPORT / INTERMEDIATE
Riders
Patrick Smith 37.59
Cole Youren 37.5
Elisha Burgener 26.25
Rosie Smith 19.75
Jed Moore 19.2
Kimber Cook 17.66
Kristen Beck 13.26
Dylanne Free 10
Colin Cook 9.86
Tate Rogers 8.5
Skiers
Brian Erhart 38.54
Levi Johnson 37.5
Malcolm Seamans 31.10
Colin Wolf 28.75
Bryson Threatt 27.72
Luke Kaschmitter 20
Madison Ostergren 17.73
Colter Fretwell 9.8
Joe Prescott 8.51
Riley Tubbs 6.39
Horses
Cheddar Bob 4.4
Badger 2.98
Zeva 2.3
Bam 2.2
Spanky 1.95
Eleanor Wood 1.4
Ozzie 1.25
Itchy 1.24
Lady Porsche 1.05
Texas 1
SWITCHEROO / ALL AROUND
Riders/Skiers
Colin Cook 37.91
RJ Klotz 37.91
Bryson Threatt 17.6
Jackie Nadel 16.25
Dennis Alverson 10
Phoebe Alverson 10
Rosie Smith 7.5
Carlie Malott 6.25
Joey Lane 4.05
Steve Eytel 4.05
Horses
Raven 3
Roy 1.65
Bam 1.48
Monte 1.4
Sugar 0.5
Roy (2) 0.35
Jackson 0.30
Tiger 0.30
Sherman 0.20
Thunder Lips 0.12
WOMENS
Riders
Kylee Nielson 56.25
Jackie Nadel 33.75
Ali Briggs 10
Jennifer Butler 9.89
Devon Peterson 8.75
Millie Berger 6.8
Harlee Manning 5
Haley Hodge 3.61
Phoebe Alverson 2.96
Skiers
Jackie Nadel 35
Hedy Seeber 19.65
Magnolia Neu 17.5
Lili Schibii 13.75
Ali Gutschow 8.75
Teagan Barasch 5
Julia Manus 3.61
Phoebe Alverson 2.55
Rosie Smith 2.5
Horses
Speedy 2.2
Thunder Lips 1.5
Ozzie 1.22
Dakota 0.80
Moose Knuckle 0.11
Since Snowboard and Novice was not paid in last weekend's races,
those points did not change.
We are waiting on results from Topsham and Millarville.
Go to https://www.skijorcup.com/ for complete rankings lists.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In contrast, you will see that
the formula used to figure the rankings shown below is more comprehensive.
It reflects all horse performances across all events
and is based on placement, not money.
We realize there will be some overlap since
divisions vary by event, but most with an intimate knowledge of the sport
will understand these nuances.
Congratulations to all who are in the lead!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
PRO / EXPERT
Jet Fuel Cowboy 23
Lick Em for Luck 19
Smoakem 16
Slim Shady 16
Franks & Beans 13
Babes Last Rascal 13
Smoakem 12
Elvis 12
Captain Speedy Dexter 10
Gunner (Courtney) 9
Annipe 8
She’s A Lethal One 5
Slim Shady 4
Captain Speedy Dexter 4
Levi 3
Yonnis 2
Cocaine Bear 2
GB 2
Toast 1
Warrior 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
OPEN / ADVANCED
Seven 33
War Pony 30
Lick Em For Luck 28
Cocaine Bear 25
Snowman 25
Levi 23
Moose Knuckle 21
Roxi 21
Franks & Beans 11
Cheddar Bob 11
Three 8
Jackson 8
Chugg 7
Bodacious 7
Bango Is Her Naymo 7
Dirty Money 6
Pop A Top 3
Chief 2
Tres 2
Warrior 2
Babes Last Rascal 1
Sirius 1
JJ 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SPORT / INTERMEDIATE
Badger 27
Spanky 23
Bam 22
Cheddar Bob 20
Eleanor Wood 19
Chief 18
Itchy 17
Ozzie 16
Texas 13
Zeva 12
Frankie Moon 9
Bacardi 9
Jess 9
Snickers 8
Lady Porsche 6
Chugg 6
Toast 6
Arrow 6
Morty the Mustang 6
Pop A Top 5
Snowman 4
Zig 4
Ben 4
Tesla 3
Tow & Flo Horse 3
Avery 3
Duii 3
Mesa 2
Zombie 2
Jetson 2
Dakota 2
Cutter 2
Ari 2
Moose 2
Pepper 2
Oliver 1
Gunner (Piper) 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NOVICE / BEGINNER
Boomer 21
Ruskie 16
Tank 16
Jojo 15
Echo 11
JR 10
Cutter 10
Millie 9
Itchy 6
Buster 6
Booty 6
Kaiser 5
Junior 5
Sassy 4
Gus 4
Bango Is Her Naymo 4
Easy 4
Mouse 4
Freight Train 4
Georgie 3
Odie 3
Moon 3
Tess 3
Jaxon 3
Bubba 3
Dixie 2
Shifty 2
Rausch 2
Satchi 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SNOWBOARD
Nooney 29
Morty the Mustang 15
Jezebel 14
Shaw 13
Modoc 12
Buck 12
Pipes 9
Mator 8
Ennis 8
Hittin Valley Horse (1) 7
Junior 7
EZ 5
Jojo 5
Turbo 4
Cloud 4
Jax 2
Slim Jim 2
Bird 2
Chamoy 2
Hittin Valley Horse (2) 2
Mouse 2
Dali 2
Romeo 2
Sonny 2
Bugs 1
Cacahouate 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SWITCHEROO
Bam 33
Raven 18
Callihan 15
Bobcat 10
Mator 9
Moose 6
Monte 5
Roy (Leroy) 5
Tiger 4
Seamus 4
Roy (Tyler) 3
Jackson 3
Ty 3
Honey 2
JR 2
Sugar 2
Sherman 2
Luke 1
Thunder Lips 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
WOMENS
Speedy 15
Ice Man 12
Thunder Lips 11
Ozzie 9
Captain Speedy Dexter 9
Moose 8
Dakota 6
Cheddar 6
Tonto 6
Usari 4
Tilly 3
Moose Knuckle 1
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ REMINDER ~
How it works:
If horses place on Day 1 or Day 2 (and in some cases Day 3),
points are earned according to how many places were paid out to riders/skiers.
For example, if 3 places were paid, the horse in 1st place gets 3 points,
the horse in 2nd gets 2 and the horse in 3rd gets 1.
If 6 places were paid, horse in 1st gets 6 and horse in 6th gets 1.
For the Overall, the points are doubled,
but they are still calculated according to how many slots got paid in Overall.
For example, if 3 places were paid, the horse in 1st gets 6,
the horse in 2nd gets 4 and the horse in 3rd gets 2.
In some divisions, such as Snowboard, Women's and Novice,
we still counted 1st, 2nd and 3rd placements in Day Finishes
and Overalls even if money was not paid.
It doesn't seem fair to exclude these horses
when they have performed so well, and it makes for a larger field.
In only a few random cases were we unable to determine a horse's name.
Please contact us with any questions or possible errors.
Spreadsheets are available upon request.
Email: loren@skijorusa.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
TEENS / JUNIORS / YOUTH / PEE WEE
We would like to acknowledge each and every
gentle. well trained and trusted horse that pulls our youthful
competitors down the track.
Avery, Badger, Black Ice, Boxer, Buggs, Cachaute, Camaro,
Charlie, Clover, Crusader, Dawson, Deception, Evangeline, Flash,
Freckles, GB, GW, Georgie, Happy Hour ,Haven, I'm Your Huckleberry,
Izzy, Jax, Jaxon, Jaxon the Wonder Horse, Jessie, Jezebel, Jonesy Steed,
Laramie, Lemon, Leo the Lion, Monte, Porkchop, Rein, Ruskie, Sassy,
Serge, Serious, Sherman, Shifty, Siren, Solo, Stella, Tacoda, Tater,
Tater Chip, Toby, Tooley.
We apologize if we have missed any horses, but some races
are only listing team names which is unfortunate.
If you have any to add, email:
loren@skijorusa.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Traditionally,
the 3-day President's weekend ahead
has been packed with events,
many of them recurrent.
Silverton, CO and Bellevue ID
are prime examples.
Sliverton Skijoring
was established in 2010.
Crowds will line both sides of Notorious Blair Street
on Saturday & Sunday, February 14 & 15.
Silverton offers a quintessential Rocky Mountain setting with colorful Victorian homes
or "painted ladies" lining the skijoring course and ragged peaks as a backdrop.
The energy is electric and genuine as locals gather
to welcome loyal fans as well as newcomers to their town.
Vendors and shop welcome shoppers
who come to check out the fun street-fair atmosphere.
Registration for competitors will take place
on Friday night from 6 pm to 8 pm
at El Bandito's below the Bent Elbow.
Volunteers are still needed, so go to their Facebook page to sign up.
https://www.facebook.com/silvertoncoskijoring
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wood River Extreme Skijoring
has been racing for over 25 years and
embraces the true spirit of skijoring historically.
Bellevue serves as a gateway to the beautiful Sun Valley
resort area, but maintains its small town charm.
This year,
WRESJA has been outspoken in their heartfelt acknowledgment of
Clearwater Landscaping,
a business without whose support their event would not be possible this season.
Snow making and snow hauling was key.
Wood River is a prime example of how skijoring brings
community together in so many positive ways and gives back as much as it receives.
WRESJA is also heavily invested in promoting the future generation
or Pee Wee Division
of the sport as is evidenced in their recent
Facebook post which announces a fund raising effort
in partnership with Rotarun, a local charity whose motto is:
"The little mountain with a big heart" – a community driven ski hill in Hailey that provides locals with affordable access to winter sports."
If you are going to Bellevue, please support the Rota-ring effort
at the event site located at 81 Browning Lane.
"Every lap, cheer, and dollar helps keep local kids on snow
and
growing into the riders and skiers who will carry this sport forward."
https://woodriveresja.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In addition,
Coal Mountain Skijoring
in Craig, Colorado
on February 14 & 15
is holding its 4th annual event and is determined
to find enough snow given that the temperatures are finally cooperating.
This town is dear to our hearts.
It is just west of Steamboat Springs, arguably the birth place of Western skijoring,
and Hayden, a place we once called home.
Craig's residents are being hit particularly hard by the
reduction in coal mining jobs and funding for the skijoring event was reduced,
but they are staying strong given the true Western ranching spirit
that courses through their blood.
In addition to cash,
saddles by Corriente Saddle Company of New Mexico are
being awarded to winning riders of 1D, 2D and 3D,
and skis will be awarded to top skiers.
Please support Kaley McLean and her race by following it online
and attending if you are in the area.
Better yet, sponsorship opportunities are still available!
Email: craigskijoring@gmail.com
https://coalmountainskijoring.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Fernie and Golden, BC and Waterville Valley, NH
have thrown their hats in the ring this President's Day weekend.
Montanan's may travel the 100 miles north across the border
to Fernie's Ponies and Planks
on Saturday, February 14th
since the Whitefish event was sadly cancelled.
Hosted by Freedom Equine Association, a therapeutic horse back riding
and equine assisted learning programs organization,
this event deserves everyone's support!
Both a Pre and After Party will bookend the race.
https://www.freeequine.com/skijoringfernie
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Golden, BC,
registration is still open for all classes,
Open, Amateur and Junior
will be capped at 60 teams.
https://spursandskis.ca/registration/
The Golden event on
Saturday, February 14th
has already had to cut off ticket sales
since their venue can only accommodate a certain number of spectators.
They DO have a few sponsorship opportunities remaining, however,
that INCLUDE tickets!
Email spursandskisgolden@gmail.com
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
New England skijorers are looking to expand beyond Maine
so New Hampshire will host an event
called Skijor Galore
at Waterville Valley Golf Course
on Sunday, February 15th.
There is an Après Ski Party at the Freestyle Lounge
following the race.
https://www.waterville.com/event-calendar/2026-skijor-galore
Skijor USA is planning to attend
and capture the action with professional photographer,
Josh Trudell
who attended the Topsham Skijoring event last weekend.
To view his gallery of images, go to
https://www.joshtrudell.com/2026-topsham
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN' ~
Having to meet higher demands,
from an increase in competitors and spectators to expectations to defy Mother Nature,
races are under increasing pressure to "execute" effectively.
This is changing the face of the sport.
This year,
Leadville Skijoring
has begun to make snow for the first time in its 78 year history.
On March 7 & 8
race organizers will be going from the old One Match/One Draw format
to a Double Match format.
They will also move to a 3-tier divisional race,
offering Open, Sport (2D), and Novice Divisions.
In the past, only two divisions were offered
with newcomers being pulled by snowmobiles at day's end.
Pre-registration was by invitation this year
rather than relying exclusively on the traditional Friday night sign up at the Elks.
Riders are limited to one horse and may only enter one division.
While most spots have been filled,
some do remain in each division, so, if interested, contact
duffycounsell@gmail.com
For general information go to:
https://www.leadvilleskijoring.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In Nampa, Idaho
this past Friday and Saturday,
horses ran on dirt and a dam of haybales
separated the skier track from the horse track.
As temperatures rose into the mid-to-high 50s,
spectators and competitors stripped down to tee-shirts,
(with one skier even in shorts),
and indulged in local favorites like corn dogs and loaded tots
as they drank beer and watched team after team pass by the bleachers.
Here are the results:
We feel that proper names are more meaningful than team names,
so we went through the long process of determining them.
Congratulations to all competitors.
Pro / Expert
1st: Marquise Young / Slim Shady / RJ Klotz
2nd: Harlee Manning / Captain Speedy Dexter / Jake Van Deursen
3rd: Michael Miller / Smoakem / KJ Savaria
4th: Marquise Young / Slim Shady / Jake Van Deursen
Sport / Advanced
1st: Elisha Burgener / Snickers / Colin Wolf
2nd: Rosie Smith / Toast / Luke Kaschmitter
3rd: Dylanne Free / Snowman / Bryson Threatt
4th: Gina Weymiller / Pepper / Colin Wolf
Womens
1st: Kylee Nielson / Moose / Jackie Nadel
2nd: Ali Briggs / Tonto / Jackie Nadel
3rd: Devon Peterson / Usari / Ali Gutschow
All Around
1st: RJ Klotz/ Bam / Colin Cook
2nd: Jackie Nadel / Callihan / Bryson Threatt
3rd: Carlie Malott / Seamus / Rosie Smith
Snowboard
1st: Brandon Nygard / Nooney / Jakobe Chacon
2nd: Olivia / Cloud / Charlie Tyler
3rd: Justin Jennings / Sonny / Scott Hoover
Novice
1st: Team Snow Bunnies
2nd: Caroline Potter / Freight Train / McKinley Keener
3rd: Anika Sadler / Roush / McKinley Keener
* We were unable to identify names for Lil Buckaroos and Century.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ IN THE NEWS ~
Poland
The farm parades and skijoring
continue in the southern mountains of Poland.
While the next event in Koscielisko is cancelled due to rain
expected with temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s,
the local Highlanders anticipate the race in Bialy Dunajec
on February 22nd.
We do not have the rights to show the photos,
but you CAN click on the link below to view directly!
Photo #1 Young couple in traditional dress in sled with reins
Photo #2 Man with two magnificent black draft horses
Photo #3 Young boy in sled with snow blowing in face
Photo #4 Two young women in traditional dress with broad smiles skijoring
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=KumoterkiPL&set=a.1305646921599743
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Switzerland
The first weekend of racing at
White Turf
was exciting and the thickness of the ice is better than in recent years.
Nearly 10,000 spectators graced the pristine setting
sipping champagne while placing 95,000 Swiss Francs in bets.
That is nearly $125,000 US dollars!
The winners in skijoring from the first weekend were:
1st Valeria Selina Walther with horse, Almacado Gree,
a gelding only purchased in mid-December.
He finished five lengths ahead of the other 6 horses.
This was Valeria's first victory after finishing second in the last four races.
2nd: Silvio Staub with Hasta la Vista.
3rd: Erich Bottlang with Ispahan.
The second day of racing resumes
on Sunday, February 15th.
The event can be viewed live on their YouTube Channel.
So for any early risers, or if you are having a sleepless night,
tune in around 4 am MST or 6 am EST.
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteTurfStMoritz
Check out photos and videos of the incomparable venue and skijoring
on their Facebook page below!
https://www.facebook.com/100081497347577/videos/pcb.893567313369839/1535624070854602
For more information on skijoring around the world go to:
https://www.skijorinternational.com/
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JOR ON!
Loren Zhimanskova,
Founder, Skijor USA & Skijor International