Equestrian Skijoring in Maine: My First Time Photographing This Extreme Winter Sport
This was my first time ever seeing an equestrian skijoring event, and it was an absolute blast to photograph. If you have never heard of this extreme winter sport, skijoring is a fast-paced team competition that combines horses, riders, and skiers or snowboarders.
Each team includes three participants: a horse, a rider, and a skier (or snowboarder). The rider controls the horse as it gallops down the track. Behind them, the skier holds a tow rope and is pulled at high speed. Unlike traditional skiing, the skier uses no poles while navigating jumps and slalom-style gates along the course.
To complete a successful run, the skier must cross the finish line upright. They also must remain on at least one ski and keep the tow rope in hand.
What a Typical Skijoring Run Looks Like
As a photographer, watching each run unfold was incredible. The speed, teamwork, and precision required from all three participants make equestrian skijoring exciting to photograph.
I am currently working through all of the photos from the event. In the meantime, I wanted to share a short series that shows what a typical run looks like from start to finish. These images capture the moment the horse accelerates, the skier hits the jumps, and the team pushes toward the finish line.
There were more than 30 teams competing throughout the day. A large crowd gathered to cheer them on despite the cold winter weather. Several other photographers were also there documenting the action, which made the atmosphere even more fun.
Skijor Skowhegan: Maine’s Equestrian Skijoring Regionals
This event was part of Skijor Skowhegan, the Northeast’s Equestrian Skijoring Regionals. The competition took place on February 26, 2022 at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds in Skowhegan.
Competitors raced down a 1,000-foot course filled with jumps and gates. Fast horses teamed up with fearless alpine skiers and snowboarders, creating one of the most unique winter sporting events you will find in Maine.
The combination of speed, skill, and teamwork makes equestrian skijoring a thrilling sport to watch and photograph. It was my first time experiencing it, and I loved every minute of it.
Crazy fun, incredible energy, and definitely an event I hope to photograph again.
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