Skijor Skowhegan 2026

Skijor Skowhegan is one of the most thrilling competitions in New England. A horse and rider pull an alpine skier or snowboarder at speeds of up to 30 MPH down a 1,000-foot course of jumps and gates.

The race will be held on February 21, 2026, at the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds (33 Constitution Ave).

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: YOU MUST REGISTER AS A HORSE RIDER / SKIER TEAM.

Many local businesses are interested in sponsoring teams. If you would like to volunteer as a sponsored team and receive 50% of your registration fee back on race day, register as usual and select “Yes” in the additional questions. Sponsorships cannot be guaranteed and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsored Team Commitment: The horse rider will wear a paper bib with the sponsor’s logo pinned to their back for the entirety of the race. The team agrees to be announced as a sponsored team by the sponsoring business during their runs.

Sign-Up Rules: A horse may not compete on more than one team (maximum of two runs). The same team (horse, rider, skier) may only compete in one division. Skiers may not compete in more than one division. Riders may compete in both divisions; however, novice horses may not have previously competed in a pro division. All competitors will have the opportunity to inspect the course.

Timing and Ranking: Skijor Skowhegan will use chip timing to ensure accuracy. Final placement is based on the best time of two runs. Age groups and division heats will be run consecutively.

Divisions: Pro Division — highest-skilled competitors with the fastest horses; skiers/snowboarders are expected to utilize jumps. Novice Division — beginner-level competitors and/or horses not yet competitive at pro speed; jumps are optional.

Snowboard Division — will be held if a minimum of five snowboarders register.
Competitors race in two age groups: Junior (ages 10–17) and Adult (18+). Race officials will assign competitors to their age group based on the skier’s age. A minimum of three junior competitors is required to create a junior division.

Rules and Regulations: Horses traveling out-of-state must provide a 1-year Coggins test and health certificate per state regulations. Horses traveling in-state must provide a 3-year Coggins test. You must upload your most recent Coggins paperwork to complete registration. Due to insurance requirements, horse riders must be a minimum of 14 years old and skiers/snowboarders a minimum of 10 years old. For the full list of rules and regulations, please visit SkijorSkowhegan.org.
Registration fees are nonrefundable. $10 from every registration is added to the prize purse. All proceeds benefit Main Street Skowhegan.

NEW EHV & VACCINATION PROTOCOLS: Due to recent Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) activity reported in multiple U.S. states, and in alignment with precautions being taken across the equine industry and at other skijor events this season, Skijor Skowhegan is implementing a vaccination documentation requirement for all participating horses. While there have been no reported EHV cases in New England, this proactive measure is intended to help safeguard the health of all horses on site and reflects standard veterinary recommendations for equine events in Maine.

Participating horses must be vaccinated within 12 months of the event for Rabies, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Tetanus, and Influenza/Rhinovirus. These vaccinations are commonly administered as a rabies vaccine plus a standard five-way vaccine and can typically be given in two injections.

Vaccination records must be submitted by February 20th. Records may be emailed to riley@mainstreetskowhegan.org. Competitors who have already registered and are unable or unwilling to provide vaccination documentation may request a full refund, as this is a newly implemented requirement.