Getting started in ski joëring

For riding enthusiasts, there's always a way to have fun in winter. All you need to do is pick out your skis and bring out your horse. You'll be taking up a rather unusual sport: ski joëring. For the rules and the various techniques involved, read on.

The preliminaries

As with any activity, the first stage in ski joëring is the preliminaries. At this point, you need to make sure the conditions are right, that the proper arrangements have been made and that you yourself are ready.

To begin with, you have to wait for a decent snowfall. There must be enough of it to carry the weight of the skis and the skiers. Only then will the horse be able to pull all that weight along behind it. The glide will also be smoother, with the feeling of wind on your face.

Next, you should make sure the horse is in good condition. It must have the right posture and the right build to go straight forward. As for the feet, the farrier's work needs to be spot on to keep the horse comfortable. That way it will make the effort to move forward without stumbling or hesitating.

Finally, the choice of venue matters a great deal. Normally, you simply need enough strength in your arms to hold the lead rope in order to practise in complete peace of mind. However, you will need to check that the route is safe. You could inadvertently hit a stone and injure yourself. At the same time, the horse may find itself on ground that is hard to cover, which could cause it injury. To avoid such extremes, the venue should have a very good reputation and comply with the standards in force in the region.

The kit

The kit for ski joëring is generally the same as for ordinary skiing. To start with, the skier needs gloves and a hat so as not to get cold. Leather or synthetic gloves are best because they give a firm, secure grip. If you can add a helmet, you'll have, as a good skier, the perfect set-up for a ski joëring professional. Don't forget that you also need ski goggles and very warm clothing. That will stop you slipping into hypothermia.

At the same time, the horse must be kept warm, but without being overloaded. It already has a weight to pull along and its clothing shouldn't become an extra effort. The lead rope, the halter or the sidepull must be strong to prevent accidents while you're out.

Tips

Looked at closely, ski joëring is a very dangerous sport. You're setting off behind a horse at a mad pace across the snow. The only link between you and your mount is that lead rope. The risk of an accident is very high. That's why, when you're out, the best position is to bend your knees slightly while holding the rope firmly. Above all, never attach yourself to it.