ST. PAUL - A unique winter activity is making its way back to the Lakeland.
On Feb. 19, the St. Paul Ag Society will host the Wild West Shiver Skijoring event. The sport - which see skiers or snowboarders pulled behind a horse in a bid to complete an obstacle course - has received plenty of interest and positive feedback in the past.
After taking a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be back and will compliment a host of events taking place in St. Paul over the Family Day long weekend.
Ray Suvak is one of the many volunteers with the Ag Society who help bring the event to life. He explains that there will be three different categories for participants this year - including a youth (12 years old and under) category; and adult (13 years and up) category; and a costume category. Each category is sponsored by a local business.
Prize money is based on the number of registrants, although all youth category participants do receive a price.
Of course, like many outdoor winter activities, there is a change Mother Nature could cause a cancellation. Suvak explains the decision to cancel will be left to those who know the animals best.
"We're not worried about the people, we're worried about the animals," says Suvak, when speaking to the effects of potentially extreme cold weather on the event.
“Let’s hope Mother Nature can work with us.”
Registration for the event will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the competition is scheduled to start at noon. A lunch concession and beer gardens will be available on site.
For those who would like to participate, there are a few ways to get involved. Participants can arrive with a complete team made up of the skier or snowboarder, along with a horse and rider. Or, if you want to ski but don't have a horse and rider, volunteers will help match you up. And the same goes for those with have a horse and rider, but no skier.
The 2022 event will be the third time skijoring is brought to St. Paul.
"It's growing every year," says Suvak. In the past, participants have travelled into the area from as far away as Crowsnet Pass, he adds.
Admission to watch the competition is free and there will be fire pits set up to help keep everyone warm.
“It’s a nice free, family fun event," says Suvak. He adds that the event is for all ages, and you don't have to be a horseman to take part.
"It's fun for everybody."
The event takes place just north of UFA, and to the east. Signage will be placed on Highway 881 to direct people to the location.
