Skijoring in Central NY: It’s Tug of War With a Horse
I first saw this sport roughly twenty years ago, never thinking that one day the sport might show up in Central New York, let alone that I might be patrolling at one. SKIJORING (Noun) – a winter sport in which a person wearing skis (or snowboard) is drawn over ice or snow as by a horse, dog team, or motor vehicle. It is derived from the Norwegian word skikjoring, which means “ski driving.”
On March 7, members of Song Mountain, Labrador Mountain, and Highland Forest Nordic Ski Patrols in the Central New York Region were asked to assist at Heritage Hill in Pompey, New York with safety and of course medical services as needed. What a Hoot! Both amateur and professional participants, female and male; young and old took part in the event. Additionally, EMTs were on hand with ALS on station. Fortunately, none of these services were required.
Our crew was comprised of patrollers from multiple patrols: Bob Tackman (as lead and organizer) from Song Mountain; Bill Albrecht, Cindy Hoalcraft, Chris McQueeney, and Scott Launt from Labrador; and Carolyn Henn from Song Mountain and Highland Forest Nordic.
The event started at noon and ran until 3:45 PM. The conditions of the track deteriorated as the wind and rising temperature took its toll. The winning time was 13 seconds, with two heats running on the track and the riders not wishing to take a header! Over 500 spectators truly enjoyed the event. Fortunately, our skills were not required!
The Paladino family, owners of Heritage Hill, were generous with our crew, providing food and refreshments. We stayed on hand for the awards ceremony and live music. We were asked by Dan Paladino, owner of Heritage Farms, to come back for this event next year. It will be a pleasure!
