Meeker Skijor Rules

 

Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible as preference will be awarded to those who sign up first.  All registration payments will be due at race sign in on Friday, December 29, 2023.  If you do not show up for registration, you will not be entered for the races, and your reserved spot will go to the next in line.

 

Race fees due at registration:

Open - $50/participant ($100/team)

Sport 2D - $50/participant ($100/team)

Novice (New to the Sport) - $50/participant ($100/team)

 

Rules are solely for the competitors’ safety, both horse and human, and to ensure a fair competition at the Meeker Skijoring Races.  All rules are required to be followed by Meeker Skijoring Race competitors.

 

In our races, the Track Boss has the ultimate say in determining participant and equine safety.  We reserve the right to disqualify any competitor in the event unsafe actions are observed.  We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the entire event should dangerous conditions arise.  Final authority in such matters lies solely on the Track Boss.

 

TEAMS

A team consists of a horse, rider, and skier and will get one run each day.  A skier cannot ski behind the same horse more than once per day, and a horse may only run two times per day.  

Local Team: Both rider and skier must reside in Rio Blanco County.

Sport Team = 2D: Considered intermediate skier/horse/rider. Pick your partner.

Novice Team: Both rider and skier are considered new to the sport.

Open Team: Both rider and skier are considered advanced. Pick your partner.

Youth Team: May be pulled by an advanced rider already entered in the event and will not count towards the horse’s two run limit.

 

SKIERS

A skier may have four runs.

All skiers must wear approved snow sport helmets.

Any skiers under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign parental consent forms, and parents/guardians must be on site during race. 

It is suggested that bindings be inspected by a professional prior to skiing.

 

RIDERS

If a rider has more than one horse, they may be entered in the same or different divisions, as long as they adhere to pulling a skier once a race.  The horse cannot cross divisions.

Riders have 4 minutes to begin the run. All riders must be on time for their runs.  Any rider that cannot be ready on time due to running too many horses or horse difficulty will be moved to the bottom of the order.  The second failure to be ready will result in a DQ for that run.

  

HORSE

A horse may not run more than twice per day.  

Horses cannot cross divisions, but riders can if they have more than one horse.

It is recommended that horses have leg protection. 

 

GENERAL COMPETITION

Each team gets one run per day.  The team’s day one time will be averaged with the day two time and ranked accordingly.  In the Sport 2D, there will be 1 second split to the 2D. A Do Not Finish (DNF) on any day will be ranked lower than a team with two qualifying times.  A run with penalties will be marked lower than a run without.

 

Ropes will be 33’ long with no boat handles at the end for the skier to hold.  Knots are accepted.

 

All participants must sign both the Meeker Skijor and Rio Blanco County liability waivers prior to the competition.  These will be available at registration.

 

NO DOGS will be allowed at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds/event location. 

 

A missed ring will result in a 2 second penalty, missed gate or jump will receive a 5 second penalty.  If a horse breaks the plane of a jump or hits ring stands, a 5 second penalty will result.  If a horse or skier knocks over timing equipment, the team will be a Do Not Finish (DNF).  If a rider ring is used, there will be a 2 second penalty if missed.

 

No aerial drones.

 

Races need to be vigilant about starting on time.  

 

If a horse, rider, skier, or any equipment is deemed unsafe, that individual will be asked to leave at any time by the Track Boss or any Meeker Skijor Official.  This includes anyone intoxicated/under the influence.

 

If a skier drops the rope before crossing the starting line, he/she will be allowed a restart immediately.  The four minute rule applies and restarts upon the judges determination of a clear course.  If a delay or the skier drops the rope a second time, the team will be disqualified for the run.   If the horse runs the course without stopping for the skier, the team will be disqualified.

 

The skier must finish in an upright position and on at least one ski, with rope in hand when crossing the finish line.  Both ski boots must cross the finish line.

 

Both ski tips and boots must go around a gate, or the gate is considered missed. 

 

Participants may use batons to spear rings.  Batons are not required, thus no penalty if the baton is dropped.

 

All competitors must be informed of their time at the end of their run before the start of the next run.  Times will be announced over the PA system. 

 

If there is a protest on time due to missing rings/gates, the protest must happen IMMEDIATELY before the next run or track inspection of the next division. Competitors must notify a race official. Once the next race rolls or inspection starts for the next division, you cannot protest the results.

 

All performance-enhancing drugs for humans/horses are prohibited and will not be tolerated.  

 

If a ring falls off the ring stand due to wind or other forces caused by mother nature, a deduction will NOT be taken.  The judgment of the presiding gate judge will be final.

​

The following will result in a No Time and Disqualification from the event:

1.  Infraction of any state or federal law which exists pertaining to the exhibition, care and custody of horses within the State of Colorado and Rio Blanco County.

2. Abuse of an animal on premises and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the event. 

3. Use of illegal equipment.

4. Failure to dismount and present horse equipment to the official if asked.

5. Participant under the influence.

 

SUBSTITUTIONS

Substitutions are only available Saturday by 9:00 a.m. and must be communicated to the track boss with applicable fees/waivers completed at the ticket booth.

​​

 

Please have responsible fun, and thank you for supporting our race!!!!

​

CALCUTTA

Should a bidder not pay at the closing of the Calcutta, the bidder will forfeit the bid(s) and will not own the purchased team(s). The Meeker Skijor Board will then purchase said team(s) for $10.00/team.

​