Skijoring - Chiropractor, Billings Montana

Imagine being dragged on skis around a 900 foot course from a tow- rope attached to a galloping horse at 25 miles an hour. All the while screaming tailgaters cheering you on. Congratulations. You’ve just been indoctrinated into the sport of skijoring. Originally developed in the Scandinavian countries as a form of transportation, skijoring has morphed into a popular western sport. It is an unusual combination of western and Norwegian traditions, often blending teams of ‘old-time western cowboys’ with ‘modish’ skiers, negotiating through an outer snow-covered slalom course with gates and jumps on skies, and an often muddy inner course by the horse. The race is timed. The horse gallops around the inside of the track, pulling the skier who grabs onto a rope. The fastest times go home with the trophy. As a chiropractor, it quickly became difficult not to recognize the absolute necessity of my professional skills, for both the skier and the HORSE! Two horses went down trying to navigate a particularly muddy turn at very high speeds. However, despite the wipe-outs, it was definitely a winter adventure sport unlike any other. The skijoring circuit passes through communities throughout the west, including Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, and Red Lodge Montana hosts the national championships. So, if you’re looking for some winter excitement combining athletic skills with sheer strength, be sure to check out next year’s competition. But chiropractors beware…it’s subluxation city!!! Have a comment? Join the conversation!