Riders, skiers, and spectators gathered at the Confluence Historic Site in downtown Calgary in late February for the return of SkijorDue, a two-day skijoring showcase that blends together western horsemanship and winter sports.
The event, organized by Skijor Canada, drew crowds eager to watch horses pull skiers through a specialty-built snow course in the heart of Calgary.
Video: Calgary Journal reporter Emma Voeelpel reports on the two-day skikoring event
About 20 teams took part in the invitational exhibition, where riders on horseback tow skiers to perform various jumps, tricks, and obstacles.
Performances were held throughout the day, turning the normally grassy riverside site into a temporary racecourse.
Beyond the show and the races, the festival also included food trucks, communal fireplaces, craft beverages, and a makers market, with attendees encouraged to dress up in western-themed outfits.
Organizers say the event aims to celebrate Calgary’s mix of cowboy culture and mountain sports, bringing a unique winter spectacle to the downtown core.