2012 World Skijoring Championship Montana: Pulled by Horses, Skiers Compete to Reach Finish Line

Hundred of spectators turned up to see participants being pulled by horses to reach the finish line during the 2012 World Skijoring Championship held over the weekend in Whitefish, Montana. The championship consists of Open Division, Sport Division and Novice Division competitions. Mule races are also a part of Skijoring championships.

Skijoring, which originated in Scandinavia about 700 years ago as a means of transport during the winter months, is a specialized competitive sport where competitors on skis are pulled by a horse, dog or motor vehicle. It’s a common winter sport held in many countries when there is snow in winter. Only horses and mules are used in the championships.

Marc Quest is pulled off a jump by Veron Kiser and horse Chance during the World Skijoring Championships in Whitefish, Montana, Jan. 28, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt McKnight)

Brady Smedsrud is pulled over a jump by Will James and horse Cash, during the sport division competition at the World Skijoring Championships in Whitefish, Montana, Jan. 28, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt McKnight)

Kristen House and her horse Gypsy pull Connor Brown toward the finish line during the sport division competition at the World Skijoring Championships in Whitefish, Montana, Jan. 29, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt McKnight)

Jamie Tripp and her horse Playboy prepare for their final run during the open division competition at the World Skijoring Championships in Whitefish, Montana, Jan. 29, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt McKnight)

The Whitefish Winter Carnival Viking Divas salute the competitors during the opening ceremony at the World Skijoring Championships in Whitefish, Montana, Jan. 28, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt McKnight)

Megan Hargrave, 2011 Northwest Montana Rodeo Queen, carries the American flag atop her horse during the opening ceremony at the World Skijoring Championships in Whitefish, Montana, Jan. 28, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt McKnight)