Chapman Springs Skijoring FAQs

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERAL ADMISSION AND VIP?

Seating will be provided for VIPs as well as a private heating area. If you are General Admission, please bring your own seating such as lawn chairs, blankets, and layer up!  🙂

WILL YOU BE SELLING TICKETS ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT?

No. All spectators need to buy tickets in advance. Teams need to be registered before January 28th and need to attend the competitors’ meeting in the afternoon of the 28th.

WHICH DIVISION SHOULD I PICK?

Skijoring is open to any and everyone who has a love for horses or skiing or both. If you are a beginner, you can enter our beginner division, and if you are ready for the challenge sign up for our Pro/Open division! 

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO COMPETE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED?  Please email us at booking@chapmansprings.com to get involved! 

AS A RIDER, DO I NEED A SPECIFIC TACK TO COMPETE? 

Many riders use a western saddle. A breast collar is a good idea to stabilize your saddle during the initial start. 

Ropes are to be 50 feet in length for curved courses or 33 feet in length for straight courses and 3/8 inches or larger in diameter. Handles on ropes are not permitted.

HOW DO I ATTACH THE ROPE TO MY SADDLE?

The rope is attached to the saddle horn or behind the saddle. If the attachment is behind the saddle it must be secured to the primary rigging rings of the saddle via a narrow diameter, nonelastic rope so that pulling rope is within an approximate four (4) inches of the cantle, carabineer included. 

AS A SKIER, WHAT KIND OF SKIS SHOULD I USE?

Some of the top skiers in the sport have years of ski-racing under their belt, so a sharp-edged ski that can make slalom-type turns on icy conditions is probably preferred.

AM I ALLOWED TO PRACTICE ONCE WE ARRIVE?

We have no formal practices. Some chose to build small courses in their pastures but it is more important to get your horse comfortable with towing a skier behind them. The more practice the better!  

WHAT IS THE COURSE LIKE?

We will have a curved course for the pro division and a straight course for the beginner/open division.

HOW IS THE EVENT SCORED?

Scoring is timing based and the times from each run are combined for an overall score. Time penalties are added for missed gates (five seconds added) or dropped/missed rings (two seconds added) to the total score. 

WHERE SHOULD I BOARD MY HORSE?

We have boarding partners available, please email or reach out to us on social media for more information! Horse boarding will need to be established prior to the event.

WHERE SHOULD WE STAY?

Check out our Lodging page for more information!

ARE DOGS ALLOWED?

Unfortunately, due to the safety of the horses, spectators, and competitors, we are unable to have any pets on the property.

WILL FOOD BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?

Yes! We will have food and hot drinks available for purchase. Please bring cash and a card.