Skiijoring Setup

[CWNSF]

For those who do skijoring, what is your tack setup?

The Percheron mare I ride had shown great aptitude for it (I’ve walked/trotted on her while holding a lunge line attached to a weighted sled with no issue, other than my left arm wanted to fall off lol). Our dressage saddle has front d rings but no rear ones. My main concern is the tow line getting caught up in her legs when doing downwards transitions- fortunately she’s smart and tolerant and doesn’t freak out but I haven’t found (via google) a great setup for what I’d like to do.

Thank you in advance!

[RMJacobs]

I don’t understand your reference to your dressage saddle. Wouldn’t you need a harness for this? I would never want to pull any weight with a saddle.

Rebecca

[GoodTimes]

We did it for fun once. My mom has an old western saddle that she trail rides in when she’s by herself. We also used a breastplate. Basically you need a set up that will distribute the weight and pull of the skier, while keeping the saddle situated on the horse.

If the skier is just getting pulled in a straight line then it isn’t too bad. But if they start doing any “turns” you can feel the horse getting pulled a little to each side.

[Mango20]

When I did it as a kid, before ever hearing the word “skijoring”, I made a pulling collar out of one or two of my dad’s old belts. I had one longe line going in a loop from the collar, and one going to the horse’s bit. I held one line in each hand, one for steering and one for pulling (no rider on the horse). I would not really recommend this setup to anyone.

[Mallard]

Yes…Use a 5-point breastplate with the saddle, and attach your line to it.

[Beck]

@Mango20

When I did it as a kid, before ever hearing the word “skijoring”, I made a pulling collar out of one or two of my dad’s old belts. I had one longe line going in a loop from the collar, and one going to the horse’s bit. I held one line in each hand, one for steering and one for pulling (no rider on the horse). I would not really recommend this setup to anyone.

It seems more common to have a person riding (and controlling) the horse as well as a person being ‘towed’.

[CWNSF]

Thanks everyone! We have a western saddle that we might be able to use (will have to see if it fits her). That makes sense about the flexible tree- definitely didn’t think of that!