Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Joan griffin [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ski-joering is a blast! I have been doing this with my gelding, Jock for about 6yrs now. My husband, Raymond doesn't ride, but he loves to ski and I love to ride, so with ski-joering we can do something together with my horse. I made my own rigging for ski-joering. Someone else asked about this a month or so ago and I posted it, but I will repeat it here. I purchased a long, soft, lunge line and cut it in two. I put quick releases on one end and loops on the other ends. These are the tow lines. I use a western cinch across my horse's chest and I anchor it with a fleece covered strap across the withers and run this through the large metal buckles on either end of the cinch. Then I clip the quick releases to the cinch buckles. I also use two narrow leather straps to attach the cinch to the front of the saddle. If this is confusing, I could send you a photo or if you have old issues of the Fjord Herald, I did have an article with photos in there about two years ago. I'm thinking about making up a couple of these riggings and selling them. E-mail me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] if interested. This version of ski-joering is with a rider and a person being towed. If you are enquiring about the version where you ski behind your horse, I believe Dave McWethey does that. Someone can correct me if I am wrong about that. Joni Griffin in Menomonee Falls, WI where we are supposed to get SNOW for the next three days!!! Time to ski-joer! The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
1st time ski-joering was a success!
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] It was a beautiful sunny, 40 deg. winter day here in southeastern Wisconsin. We only have about 4inches of recently fallen snow, but this is the day we chose to hook up our gelding, Green Briar Jock and see how he likes ski-joering. We made the mistake of first trying to introduce him to a snow tube. He sniffed it, we rubbed it all over his body. My husband, Ray attached a lunge line to it and pulled it along as I rode, and Jock kept his head tilted just enough to keep an eye on this horse-eating air bag. I took the line with the tube and pulled it along slowly, Jock scooted a little, and then he blew-jumped and hopped, so I let get of the line and calmed him down. Tried it again and then he blew again so we put it away and decided to take a trail ride while Ray followed on skis. We returned to the out-door arena and put the breast plate and lines on Jock and Ray, on his skiis took the lines and away we went! Walked, trotted no problem, Jock handled it like the good Norwegian he is! I guess they don't have snow tubes in Norway! LOL! The best thing about the ski-joering is that my husband is not a rider and now we found a way for us to both enjoy Jock together! Ray said it is just like water-skiing-same thing the other ski-joerer said. We have to make a few adjustments yet to make it even better-like get some wider skiis to make the turns easier, but it sure went well for our first time :) Joni P.S. My gelding has never pulled anything before, but the many hours of ground driving were very helpful.
Re: Ski Joering
This message is from: Alison Bakken [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Dave, The sj sounds like fun. I would really like to see some pictures of you skiing. Alison Bakken in snowy Alberta
Ski Joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] I wasn't sure if it was just me. What I have been finding is that the ski joering is a little more demanding than falling off a log. Actually, falling wouldn't be all that hard. Standing up has been a bit more challenge. But still, after 6 tries, I haven't fallen. With new snow, I called the Greenalls this morning to see if they wanted to sj at their house with their horses today. They had fitted the harness but not tried skiing because of snow conditions. As freezing rain was forecast, we agreed I would come over in the morning. A half hour later, it had started to sleet, but we, my wife Pam and I, headed out. Pam has assisted every time, and has been indespensible help. What we found with John and Sue's horses, like all the others I have used so far (3), was that the horses had some misgivings about the equipment. The solution was to just get moving and let them go to work, on the theory that when a horse has worked off a little energy, it starts to get a little more sensible. John and I started. I was behind his tall warmblood cross horse, and he used Sue's Arab. Both have lots of experience and miles. Also lots of energy and want-to-go. The new snow was ideal where the road had been plowed earlier. We headed down the drive and in a big circle in the neighborhood. Going up the hills we got the horses to trot, which is what they were really wanting to do. Both horses were reluctant to walk, so when we did that, it took careful rein handling to restrain but not overpower them at the mouth. When you are going straight, on the level or up a shallow hill, it starts to feel easy. The horse settles into the work, and everything is more relaxing. Back at the barn, Sue took the Arab and we went out again. Sue did fine, but acknowledged that a bit of skill was needed to make it look simple. Both she and John said skiing behind a horse with a rider was easier (but also lots of fun, especially at a gallop). It was fun doing the sj with them, because their horses have lots of experience, and the two of them are great with horses. We could all see that more practice will get the horses accustomed and used to the task. Same thing here at home. My goal for the day, I told Sue, was to have a picture with me holding on with one hand, hat held up in the air, while yelling YAAHOOO!, in the classic pose of a bronc rider, looking casual. I think we pulled it off, but I might have forgotten to yell. It all went well, and was a good time. I think we agreed this is a sport that ain't for weenies. Camptown Dave http://www.horseharness.com
Re: ski joering equipment
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dave: That's too steep a price for me-I'll stick with my made up version. It looks like I will get a chance to try some ski-joering out this week-end as we are expected to end up with 5-8 inches of snow in the next couple of days. I'll let you know how it goes.Joni
ski joering equipment
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dave, sure sounds like an interesting set-up. What does one of these French imports cost?Joni We paid Laurie Neely $525 for them, which included shipping and tarriffs. This was cost or close to it. If there is interest for next year, I think we can make this stuff ourselves for less money, maybe even with some improvements. If I am involved in it, I think Laurie will be the one to sell them, though. Dave
Re: ski joering
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dave, sure sounds like an interesting set-up. What does one of these French imports cost?Joni
ski joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] I plan on doing the ski-joering with a mounted rider pulling a skier, or someone on a snow tube. How do you do that with no rider? Do you have a tow rope and reins? Must be hard to do both. I have equipment that has two shafts of flexible plastic tubing which hook to a bracket on the girth. At the back, they have a cross bar of the same material, with two levers that swivel fore and aft. You attach lines to these, which go forward to the bit. The whole thing allows you to drive the horse and ski at the same time. A friend, Laurie Neely, imported five of these from France, where I guess they are in common use. We are hoping to generate some interest around this area, and who knows? even events at some point. Alls I know is there is snow from Maine to Washington, and lots of horses standing around. Driving the horse while skiing is definitely a challenge to me. The horse has no idea what the plan is, so she doesn't help by being an automatic participant. When the horse is seasoned to this, and I have regained some ability to stand on skis, it gets easier, lots easier. I think to do the skiing behind the horse on a rope, with rider on horse, is good too. There, instead of driving the horse, you probably spend some time yelling at the rider to slow down! Or go faster. With a rope, you could swing wider in the corners, and that is definitely fun. Doing it with a rope and breast collar is a quick and inexpensive choice. I would recommend it. I have seen video of people racing in Europe, and others doing some form of ski ballet. Maybe we'll get to that next week. Or next lifetime. My problem now, like in WI, is poor snow. We have some icy snow, but the paths I had plowed have bare spots. I welcome the next snow. Dave
Re: Ski Joering
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jan, at the speed our dogs take us down a hill, I would not want to be attached to them! And I can't see someone trying to pull a quick release with winter gloves on while flying down a hill, but as you say this sounds kind of dangerous. No, I wouldn't try it with a horse, though Dave M. on the list has a website you can look at with him driving and skiing behind a horse. I asked him the same thing-how do you hold on to a tow rope and reins at the same time? I'm just about ready to try mounted ski-joering-all I need is SNOW! I can't complain, though since we had 55 degrees and sunny today and warmer temp.s expected tomarrow! I was able to wash some of the manure/urine stains off my gelding-YES! How do you stand those -30 or more winters? And I remember last year you said you had to dig tunnels to get from house to barn to pature! How much snow do you have this year? Joni in Wisconsin where we are breakin' records nearly every day this Jan.
Re: Ski Joering
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] They ski joer with dogs here in Alaska, with a special padded belt around the skier's waist hooked directly to the dog or dogs...With a quick release shackle at the skier's belt I think. Then the skier uses ski poles to help balance, and , with just one dog, to get up hills, etc. Now that might be just a bit risky with a horse, and how could you use ski poles and handle the reins as well..but the belt and the quick release on the tow rope would be a good idea. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, still clear and cold, -30. One more night of cold (-40) then will warm up once more to above zero. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Ski Joering
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dave: Thanks for the info. on Ski-joering. The web-sites are fascinating! I'd love to see those races in person! Now that I know what a carabiner is,(thanks to Peg K.(?)) I realize my son has one of those. I plan on doing the ski-joering with a mounted rider pulling a skier, or someone on a snow tube. How do you do that with no rider? Do you have a tow rope and reins? Must be hard to do both. I figured out a way to rig my horse by using a padded western cinch that I place across my gelding's chest and I attach a nylon cinch strap over his withers and to the large cinch buckles, then I will try attaching two lunge lines as a tow rope for the skier to hold onto. My biggest problem now is our snow is gone. It's supposed to reach 60 for the next two days! I can't remember a winter like this in Wisconsin! I plan on giving my Fjordie a bath and taking him for a nice long trail ride tomarrow. Joni in balmy Wisconsin
Ski Joering Version 3.0 and 4.0
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'll keep writing about this till I get a deafening request to shut up. I can't help myself. Scroll away. Yesterday was attempt three. I used a third horse that hadn't done it before, my mare Mari. Part way through I started to think it was criminal of the French to send such a thing without an owner's manual. Here I was, as is my habit, trying to learn something that any sensible person would realize would be way easier to do if learned from someone who already knew how. If the horse knew how, she could help me. If I knew how, I could train her. This was not the way to do it, but it was what I had. I bulldozed a large circle and then backdragged to get the snow smooth. I started out walking, and then did a tentative trot. Being a bit nervous about what was following her, she wanted to go fast. It was obvious to her I didn't know what I was doing, and best to get away. With a little of the frisk worked out of her, she slowed and I was able to do a couple of flawless trots around. I progressed to bigger challenges. We went back, away from the other horses to go into my larger field, where I had plowed the perimeter. Just before the field she did a quick U turn, leaving me in disarray, one ski off, but standing and not letting her go (cardinal sin). Then she danced around making it impossible for me to step on the binding and get going. We walked back to the barn, started over, went back to circles, and concluded in success at that. I decided ski joering is harder to learn than four in hand, which you can at least do sitting down. When I came into the house my first three layers of shirt were soaked in sweat, though I hadn't been aware I'd worked that hard. Version 4.0. Used Mari again, now an experienced horse. I read an article last night in the New Yorker about the training of surgeons. The writer, one himself, says as a rule surgeons have no particular genius or gifts, they just practice a lot till they get it right. Ignoring the implications of people dying along the way, I went back to ski joering with the belief that practice would get me through. It probably will. We started with circles, which went way better, rewarding us with actual pleasure and a boost of confidence. I tried a bit of swinging out to the side and across her path, like crossing the wake water skiing. With this success, I started for the other field. Crossing our driveway she spun on me, catching me not responding quickly enough. I lost a ski and had to step back in. Fortunately my wife was there to hold Mari's head. I got going again, and trotted her slowly. My theory is that with her head bouncing she can't think up mischief as easily, and goes straight. That plan worked about a third of the way around the field, then she veered off into the deep snow. I thought Aha!, now she'll have to work harder. I very quickly realized I have to work exactly equal to her, since I am attached by my arms. I was able to stay standing and moving in the deep snow. Only laziness saved me. I didn't want to have to walk or ground drive her through the heavy going, and made a special effort to stay up. I had muscles screaming in the area of my hips, muscles never used for anything but skiiing. Almost dumped several times, but kept going. We headed back after we got back on the plowed trail. Then did some more circles at a trot and signed off. Going in the deep snow showed me how I got so sweaty yesterday. It's me pulling me around. The horse just happens to be going my way. My big immediate goal is to ski at a canter. I inadvertently did that for a few steps today, and lived to tell. It will only count when I do it intentionally. By now I am learning a few tricks, and Mari is getting accustomed. When she does it right, it gets way easier. My goal is to be ready for a sleigh rally in VT (GMHA) on Feb 2, and to be safe. John Greenall got his equipment tonight, and hopefully he will do it to. Maybe we can do formations, like the Blue Angels. No sj for the next couple days. Camptown Dave
More ski-joering
This message is from: M Korose [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List In Alaska, when I got my first Fjoird, I saw all the folks dog-joering. I kept looking at the Fjord and saying, shouldn't I be able to do this?(Never looked at the Thorobred and said that!)It is a goal of mine to try someday (Not in VA, where we get NO snow worth a plugged nickel, but we will move to W VA within a couple years). In Norway, we saw a demo of the kids at the Fjordhest school doing ski-joering , inside their arena, seemed to work just as well there for them as anywhere. Their skis were VERY short, seemed between 2-3 feet to me. I would be very interested in a simple horse harness set up to ski joer without a rider (but Marcy, I may just try your way too). Every winter, I keep sighing. Marsha in VA who has person-skiied for all my life.
more ski joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] I made a second go today, using one of our own horses, the particularly steady one. It went well in the sense that I didn't do what someone (Laurie?) described as a snow angel landing. I am prepared to accept the fact that this isn't as easy as seeing it on the video. I'm sure as the horses are more accustomed, that will help. The main issue, though is my limitation as a skier. I don't have a problem with the driving part, but my feet are further from my brain, and they need some guidance. Maybe this is why sleighs were invented. Camptown Dave
Ski Joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] I was directed this morning to the North American Ski Joring Association, based in Montana. Apparently there is a racing circuit. Their website is: http://www.nasja.com/ There are some wild yahoo pictures there, skiiers with air! It looks like the racing is all done with riders steering the horses. It must be fun to watch. Saturday we had a great time down at Jeff Morse's party. Laurie Neely and I used his horse to launch this form of folly. His choice of horse was his 23 year old Morgan, a gelding whose eye said he'd seen just about everything. I kidded Jeff about giving us his geriatric horse, to keep us out of trouble. Garmisch stood well for us to hitch and adjust. The equipment consists of a saddle, breast plate and rods going back to the skier, with a bar across the back with two vertical rods that swivel back and forth. They have the lines attached. Your steering is essentially the same as a bulldozer! I started off at a walk, which was dead simple. When I went to a trot, I learned Jeff's horse still had some real life in him, and wanted to go faster than my skiing ability might allow at this point. He was throwing his legs out like a racehorse, for a big stride-y trot. One benefit of the equipment, we realized, is that if you fall and the horse is free, the handle drops and effectively pulls the horse in, or so it looks. Laurie soon was on the back, and drove him also on her own. She was totally successful, but realized she needed shorter skis to go faster safely. All the time we were doing this, the snow was falling in the late afternoon. It was an altogether lovely day. Jeff took some pictures and posted them on his website. Go to: http://www.green.meads.com/default.htm Click on the ski-joering link below the picture I'm home today and about to go out and see how it goes with Fjord horses. I'd like to believe they are genetically predisposed to do this work.
ski-joering
This message is from: Steve and Mary [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the dog world we spell it skjoring. Mary Dixon and the incredible australian cattle snow dogs! Who wish they could pull a sled only so they could crash me into a tree and laugh!
Re: ski joering
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dave, Can you post pictures of this ski-joering harness set up on your website? I remember seeing a diagram of the set-up somewhere on the CD-L but it sure would be interesting to see picture of it in use, on a horse , etc. Any chance you could make copies of the harness itwself in your shop? Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, with hardly enough snow to do anything like ski-joering with dogs, except on lakes. I'll meet Laurie and Ray Neely and go with them to Jeff Morse's winter extravaganza in Massachussetts this afternoon. Laurie has imported several sj outfits from France, and she has mine, which we'll take with us and try out there. Winter is starting to seem like a great season all of a sudden! Dave http://www.horseharness.com Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: ski joering
This message is from: Karen Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please remember -- PHOTOS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS! Hope you have a great time, but do take a digital camera along so the rest of us can live vicariously through your experience. I am jealous! Cheers! Karen I'll meet Laurie and Ray Neely and go with them to Jeff Morse's winter extravaganza in Massachussetts this afternoon. Laurie has imported several sj outfits from France, and she has mine, which we'll take with us and try out there. Winter is starting to seem like a great season all of a sudden! Dave http://www.horseharness.com _ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
ski joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Several of us in New England have been getting ourselves equipped for ski joering. Pam and I practiced yesterday in anticipation of the first round of ski joering today. We went horseless. We have about a foot and a half of snow, so I fired up the dozer and plowed a path around one of our pastures. Plowing snow with a dozer might seem like overkill, but the dozer is a key part of my winter feeding plan. I use it to plow roads to where I am penning the horses, down at the end of a field. I can then take the horses hay and water with a Gator, which makes things easy. So after the road was made, we tied a rope to the Gator and took turns being pulled behind. If it is any clue on how much fun actual ski joering is, we're in for some good times. I skied with very short downhill skis, probably intended for a ten year old, and Pam used some wide cross country skis. Even though we have been told the cross country skis won't work, they did fine for this. The experience was very much like waterskiing. I was able to glide back and forth, and veer out to the side on turns. We definitely got up to trot speed, with no problems. We also went by where the horses are penned. I like to give them previews of future human folly. One out of seven spooked at us going by, so we know who not to start with. I'll meet Laurie and Ray Neely and go with them to Jeff Morse's winter extravaganza in Massachussetts this afternoon. Laurie has imported several sj outfits from France, and she has mine, which we'll take with us and try out there. Winter is starting to seem like a great season all of a sudden! Dave http://www.horseharness.com
ski joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean, thanks for posting the ski joering sites. I knew of this clinic but wasn't there, and I hadn't seen the sites before. Laurie Neely is working to get Nathalie to do another this winter if we ever get real snow. Dave
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Well said Becky re more control of life. Jean Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of The Colonel's Daughter Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes Noble Book Stores
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Rebecca Mayer [EMAIL PROTECTED] We used to put the breastplate of the harness on the horse with ropes added to the end of the tugs. Then we saddled the horse running the harness tugs under the riders legs and back to the skier. The skier just held on--letting go whenever it was necessary, as when the he/she caught up with the horse(going downhill). It seemed really important not to attach the skier to the horse as I have seen people dragged when they couldn't let go of a longe line fast enough. The horse needs to be tested for it's reaction to dragging tugs first. I like the dog stuff. Love my dogperson. Sorry about the horse that had to be put down. Everyone feels guilty when people die too--They always feel badly about something they did or said or might have done or said. I guess it's partly that we wish we had more control over life. Becky Becky
Re: ski-joering a la southwest
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/18/99 5:50:53 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Can you do it in sand? Gail in Las Cruces Hmmm, now what kind of question is this??? ;-) Ooops
Re: Ski-joering!
This message is from: Cheryl Beillard [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sign me up! I have a number of XC ski fanatic friends, who might find this an interesting variation .. but I guess the steering might me minimal? And double looks like even more fun. I'm game to try and I'll bet there's a market for it up here in the Ottawa valley where we get a lot of snow .. Let me know if I can buy shares or become a franchise when you've got this figured out!
Re: ski-joering a la southwest
This message is from: Mike May [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 03:29 PM 12/17/99 -0500, you wrote: Can you do it in sand? Gail in Las Cruces Hmmm, now what kind of question is this??? ;-)
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Karen McCarthy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dave: I would be interested in the ski joering equipment.Guess you can forward my name to Laurie. A couple of winters ago, I went sled-joering! Had someone ride Sven whilst I held onto a rope off of the trace ends. Works great! My sled' was a cheapo little plastic kiddie one. I actually got it to train with, as I was doing allot of ground driving with a mare,and then it started snowing. I still wanted something for her to pull, so I got the little sled - and yup, I succombed to the urge to hop on, and whata blast! we only used the arena and part of the pasture. I agree that it is much easier to have someone riding and steering, but it was still kinda fun. __ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Jean Ernest [EMAIL PROTECTED] There are a bunch of folks here who ski-joer with their sled dogs, one to three dogs up front, using a special padded belt and a quick release snap. They use ski poles also. I could get these belts for those interested, or at least find out more about them, maybe take a picture with my digital camera and get you a price. As for the horse end, sounds like Dave's harness might be the thing. Wheat sort of rig besides breast collar are you talking about Dave? some sort of handle like shafts? or what? Got a picture? Lots of snow time to ski-joer up here! Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where the Temperature has dropped to -30 this afternoonCome one clouds, we need you to hold the heat in! At 07:04 AM 12/18/1999 -0500, you wrote: This message is from: Joanna Crell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Dave and everyone looking for MORE fun with a Fjord in the snow, I've done a bunch of ski-joering over the years, every which way but loose. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Joanna Crell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Dave and everyone looking for MORE fun with a Fjord in the snow, I've done a bunch of ski-joering over the years, every which way but loose. I've come to the conclusion that I like turning people on to it, the raucous laughter the wildly funny falls, face-plants and grown people giggling like children. children giggling like wild uh donkeys. But really, i like to be the rider, steering the unsuspecting skier through wild swooping turns and hazards, jumping tiny ditches . My friend James who doesn't ride, (no-way!) is a snow board freak and brought over an old snurfer type plank with eASY access foot/boot-toe loops. Like a windsurfer. I wonder if water skis would work? Any way many hours of funny fun have happened and he has prototyped a few different designs of human harness. what he's done is make a hipsling that you can really lean back into so that your arms aren't trashed. He of course is pretty balanced so that when the horse moves out and the board slides he goes schussing back and forth just havin' a blast. He swears that snow board is the way to go,(1person 1 vehicle) I like the independent suspension of 2 legs, (2 chances to mess up.) Most important we've found, is a QUICK release device to get seperate. we've tried putting one hand out front on a safety pull back buckle (like you use on crossties,) uhh it has its moments. suffice it to say we've each logged some time dragging on our backs like mutant ninja turtles. This is all because we thought there had to be a better way than a tow bar. But, balance is everything. All in all, its always fun, nomatter what. Some snow is better that others, some snow is better than no snow at all! I don't know about sand but, mud and puckerbrush, eh they slow you down . we started years ago by having a rider on a blanketed horse with the webbing going back from the first surcincle or belly band. The blanket front acted like a breast collar and it was comfy, warm and fun to fall off. My childhood experiences of tieing Christmas trees to my stirrups(in the dark) and forgeting to put up the safety latches has made me smarter, but I still feel like wiley coyote with Acme inventions from time to time. If Dave McWethy and Laurie Neeley join forces to produce Ski-joering equipage I'm behind them,ALL THE WAY! Come to Acadia this winter to field test your ideas!! Just think, LLBeans would jump at the photo opportunity to play dress up. Fjords just happen to love the game of it all, and the possibility that some ski-candy snack food might come their way.. === Joanna Crell - David Folger Willowind Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center Phone FAX (207) 288-9506
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sounds like fun - I love being out in the snow with my Fjord!! Linda in MN - cold but sunny and no wind -- horses are all fuzzy and so cute!!
Re: ski-joering a la southwest
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 12/17/99 10:27:25 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: cross country ski-joering, slalom races and ballet type events. Can you do it in sand? Gail in Las Cruces
Re: ski-joering
This message is from: Denise Delgado [EMAIL PROTECTED] dear dave, i'm not sure what ski-joering is, but it sounds like fun. are there photos of what it is anywhere? i live close to snow country and would love to have snow fun with my guys. denise
ski-joering
This message is from: Dave McWethy [EMAIL PROTECTED] First the disclaimer: I don't know much about ski-joering and am just learning. Last week I watched a video from France showing cross country ski-joering, slalom races and ballet type events. I have some good friends, Laurie Neely and her son Sandy Wise, in northern MA who are very enthusiastic about it, and are developing the equipment to do it. Currently I believe that if you want to buy the equipment, what is available from Europe costs over $700, needlessly expensive. She asked me if I would produce the harness (Camptown Harness www.horseharness.com ), and they would produce the frame, to make a complete package. Their prototype is a good design and functional, but they are working to improve it. Their goal is to have a package that will sell for between $300-400, and will be equivalent or better than the European equipment used in competition there. Laurie is just in the process of buying a tack store which she will run. My preference is for her to sell the package. I think ski-joering is a sport that could give a lot of us reason to get our horses out in the winter. It looks like great fitness work for the horse, and for us more fun than should be allowed. And a price to get into it equaling a few lift tickets. Is there interest on the list in this sport? I should note that to try it, you can cob together equipment, or have a second person in a saddle. I will admit I have not done it yet myself. The closest I have come is when I have had runners on my cart, I have had the most fun standing on the runner ends at the back, with my elbows on the seat back, which turns out to be very much like ski-joering. More to report when we have some snow! If anyone wants to talk directly with Laurie, I'll give you her email address.
