Click here to download our 2012 Skijoring rules, or see the complete rules below:

I. Divisions
a. OPEN (PRO) CLASS – NASJA* sanctioned
b. SPORT (AMATEUR) CLASS – NASJA* sanctioned
c. NOVICE CLASS
d. PEEWEE CLASS *NASJA is the North American Skijoring Association

II. Division Criteria
a. OPEN CLASS teams are considered to be the highest skilled competitors with the fastest horses. A team consists of a horse, rider and skier. Entrants may be male or female. Payment of NASJA registration fees entitles the registrants to NASJA weekend points accumulation toward National Championship awards in this class.
b. SPORT CLASS teams are considered to be intermediate level skill participants riding horses that may not be fast enough to be in the open class. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entrants may be male or female. Payment of NASJA registration fees entitles registrants to NASJA weekend points accumulation toward National Championship awards in this class. Any horse winning 1st place in this class in 2011 must move up to the open class in the 2012 Teton Valley event. Any skier winning 1st place in this class must move up to the open class level for the 2012 Teton Valley event.
c. NOVICE CLASS teams are considered to be beginning level competitors riding horses that may not be fast enough to be in the open class or sport class. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entrants may be male or female. Any horse winning 1st place in this class in 2011 must move up to the sport class in the 2012 Teton Valley event. Any skier winning 1st place in this class must move up to the sport class level for the 2012 Teton Valley event.
d. PEEWEE CLASS teams consist of a skier that is 14 years of age or younger. The rider on this team may be of any age. It is recommended that only moderate speed horses race in this division for the safety of the young participants. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entrants may be male or female. All Peewee class entrants must have the consent of a parent of guardian to compete.
e. Minimum Age for Open, Sport, and Novice Classes: All competitors in the Open or Sport classes must be 18 as of January 1, 2012. Competitors in the Novice division must be at least 15 years of age as of January 1, 2012. All racers under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian to compete.

III. COMPETITION RULES
a. Rules are the same for Open, Sport, and Novice divisions.
b. All skiers must wear approved snow sport helmets. Eye protection is recommended.
c. A Horse can compete in only one division. A horse may not run more than two times in a day.
d. A Rider may compete in more than one division, but must compete on a different horse in each division entered. A rider may compete up to four times in a day.
e. A Skier can compete in only one division. A skier may compete up to three times in a day.
f. It is permissible on the 2nd run in any division for the rider to become the skier and the skier to become the rider. Keep in mind a horse can only run twice in a day and must stay in the same division.
g. Substitutions: No substitutions are allowed for any team member (horse, skier or rider). If any team member cannot compete for any reason, the team will be disqualified. No refunds will be given.
h. Staging between runs: Each team is allowed four minutes to complete staging and begin the race. After this allotted time has expired, the competitors will be asked to leave the staging area. The team will be allowed one more attempt to race at the end of the division. If the staging time is again exceeded, that team will be disqualified from that day’s competition. The allotted four-minute time period will begin at the declaration of a clear track.
i. Finishing the race: The skier must finish in an upright position and on at least one ski, with rope in hand when crossing the finish line. Both skier boots must cross the finish line.
j. Gates: Both ski tips and both boots must go around a gate, or the gate is considered missed.
k. Penalties:
i. A five second penalty is assessed for each missed jump or gate.
ii. A five second penalty is assessed for any horse breaking the plane of any jump, hitting a gate, or hitting a timing device.
iii. A two second penalty is assessed for each missed (or dropped) ring (if rings are included in race).
iv. A two second penalty is assessed for each ring knocked off by rider (if rings are included in race).

IV. SAFETY
a. Horses: The on-site veterinarian will have the authority to scratch a horse for health reasons or concerns pertaining to the safety of the horse and the image of the sport. Any board member of the organizing committee can require a horse to be examined by the veterinarian prior to racing.
b. Protective horse leg wear: It is highly recommended that all horses be outfitted with bell and splint boots on all four legs.
c. Ambulance crews for horses and people will be on site.

V. DISPUTES
a. If a team member has a concern regarding his run, that concern must be brought to the attention of the Chief Scorekeeper as soon as possible after the run but not later than the start of the next division. A Fairness Committee consisting of 3 non-competing members, experienced in the event, schooled in the rules and selected to have no conflict of interest, will consider the concern presented and make a decision not later than the start of the next division. A $20 fee must accompany any concern brought to the attention of the Chief Scorekeeper. If the concern is sustained by the Fairness Committee, the team will get its money back. If not sustained, the money will go to a charitable organization of the host’s choice. The decision of the committee is final and all involved are asked to accept that decision in the spirit of friendly competition and good sportsmanship.

VI. COURSE
a. Length: Approximately 750-850 feet from start to finish gates.
b. Gates (if any): Breakaway style where skier goes right of red gates and left of blue gates.
c. Jumps: Three jumps, approximately five feet in height.
d. Rings (if any): Rider must pick up and hold onto rings to get credit for them.

VII. EQUIPMENT
a. Ropes are to be 50ft in length and recommended to be 7/8 in diameter. Handles on ropes are not permitted. Any ropes not supplied by the Teton Valley Skijoring organizing committee must be inspected and approved by the Start Master or his designee prior to the start of racing.
b. Attachment is 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 non-elastic rope, so that pulling rope is within an approximate six inches of the cantle, carabineer included. Prior to the race the Start Master or his designee must approve any attachment to the saddle. Have this inspected prior to your start so that you do not delay the event, risk being disqualified for unsafe equipment or worse yet, having someone get hurt.

VIII. SPORTSMANSHIP
a. Good sportsmanship is important to the success of our event and the image of the community of Teton Valley. Your registration signature pledges your word to the humane treatment of your horse and respectful relationships to all fellow competitors and volunteers hosting this exciting competition. Failure to comply with the spirit of friendly competition at any of the scheduled events may result in the disqualification of your team or your banishment from future competitions. Remember you are in the great City of Victor and here to HAVE A GOOD TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

IX. RACE RESULTS
a. Race results will be announced and prize money awarded at the Awards Ceremony at 6pm on January 15 at the Driggs City Hall, immediately followed by the Great Snow Ball dance and celebration.