Cowboys, Skiers, and a Thriving Crowd
Written and Photographed By: Mikayla Buckles
A team competing in a skijoring run, hitting jumps and collecting the needed rings for points
Action shot that displays the fast-paced environment of this race
A skier crouches low as the rope snaps tight. A horse lunges forward. The crowd roars as they race down a snow-packed course lined with jumps, rings, and cheering spectators. It’s a type of connection like no other, two people, one horse, moving in perfect sync through the thrill of a fast-paced course.
Skijoring has taken the country by storm. But what exactly is it? There are three participants, if you count the horse of course. One rider controls the horse while a skier trails behind, gripping a rope as they are pulled through a course of snow. Jumps scatter the track, and rings hang just within reach, daring skiers to grab them mid-run for extra points. Scoring combines speed, precision, and skill.
As skijoring continues to grow in popularity, events are spreading across the United States. States like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana and more. Colorado stands out as a major destination for competitors and spectators.
And nowhere is that energy more alive than in Leadville, Colorado, one of the highest incorporated cities in the United States, sitting at 10,200 feet. It’s home to one of the oldest skijoring competitions in the country, dating back to 1949.
People travel from all over to experience the event. From Snowflake, Arizona, Brett Schmitt made the journey with his wife, daughter, and grandkids. Despite flight delays and heavy snowfall causing traffic along the way, they were determined to make it.
“This is my second year coming up here to watch this event,” Brett said. “One of my daughters found out about it, and we thought we would check it out, and now we are back again.”
Always looking for an adventure, Brett said the trip to Leadville was well worth it. “No, I don’t ski,” he laughed, “but it sure is fun to watch.”
Inclusivity is a huge part of the event. In Leadville, competitors range from seasoned professionals to first-time amateurs. If you have a horse, a pair of skis, and an entry fee, you can compete.
The streets transform into a showcase of bold, avant-garde fashion. Spectators are draped in furs from head to toe, bright colors cut through the winter landscape, and cowboy hats top off elaborate outfits. Layers of thrifted finds, horse-themed gear, and mountain style create a look that is uniquely skijoring.
Elyse Garcia and her group of friends are visiting from Denver. “We just came for a quick weekend side quest,” she said, laughing, “because why not!”
Another friend shouts, “we needed an excuse to dress up and drink!” Laughing echoes the street as they all cheer for a good time.
Many wonder where this bold fashion comes from. With the classic glitz and glam of western rodeo culture and alpine style, a distinct western-alpine fusion has emerged turning the sporting event into a different type of cultural experience.
Although skijoring feels modern and fast growing, its roots trace back hundreds of years to Scandinavia, where it began as a form of winter transportation. Over time, it evolved into the adrenaline filled sport seen today. It even made a brief appearance at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The sport was altered where skiers were pulled by riderless horses across a frozen lake. Though it was only a non-medal event, the sport captured attention, but unfortunately never returned to the Olympic stage.
Today, conversations about bringing skijoring back to the Olympics continue.
But for those gathered in Leadville, the meaning of the sport goes beyond medals or recognition. Skijoring isn’t just about speed or competition, it’s about community, connection, and the shared thrill of something truly unique.
As the final riders cross the finish line and the crowd erupts once more, one thing is clear; skijoring isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving
Brett Schmitt enjoying the event with his wife and daughter
Here is Mary Newman sitting atop Champ waiting for their heat of the competion
Riding a rescue horse named Champ, Mary Newman competed in her second Leadville Skijoring event this year. With two years of experience, she has already begun entering competitions across Colorado, including Estes Park.
Champ, originally rescued from New Mexico, was competing in skijoring for the first time. Now, he’s adapted to Colorado’s terrain and proving himself on the course. “He is kicking butt and I couldn’t be prouder!”
Leadville posts time sheets online after the event, where Mary recorded an average run time of 23.42 seconds. Beginner times typically range from 24 to 40 seconds making her performance especially impressive for a first-time skijoring horse. She hopes to continue improving next season.
Beyond the competition itself, the event creates a unique sense of community by bringing together three distinct cultures: cowboys, skiers, and adventurers. That blend is visible everywhere.
Elyse Garcia pictured right posing with one of her friends
A group of friends sitting on top a van showcasing their variety of fashion
Purpose of this project:
I created this project for my senior capstone class to demonstrate skills that I have learned over the course of my degree. I used many abilities a successful journalist and media creator uses. These skills include:
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writing a feature story that communicates an engaging method using storytelling capabilities
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confident interviewing skills for a wide audience that I am trying to reach
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photography skills that truly capture an event with decisive moments, action shots, candid shots, and emotion
Thank you for viewing this project that means a lot to me and my growth as a journalism media comminutions major.