Skiers increase their horsepower

25/09/09

Cowboys meet ski-bunnies in a wild west-esque party at The Brown Pub Country Day proudly sponsored by Phillip Wareing Ltd.

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Cowboys meet ski-bunnies in a wild west-esque party at The Brown Pub Country Day proudly sponsored by Phillip Wareing Ltd. The traditional Scandinavian sport ski-joring involves skiers being towed across a snow laden landscape by husky dogs. This concept has been taken to a new level by ski-joring enthusiasts in the US who have developed Equine Ski-Joring – skiers and snow boarders towed across jumps and through an obstacle course by a horse. The North American Ski-Joring Association (NASJA) hold multiple sanctioned ski-joring races across America every year, with the most famous race in Leadville, Colorado which involves 250 truckloads of snow being dumped along the main street of town and converted into a course of jumps, hoops and obstacles that attracts a crowd of thousands.

A local skier saw the Leadville race on a snowboarding video and suggested to Brown Pub bar staff that it looked like fun. The Brown Management team had their doubts about the logistics of pulling something like that off, but after some investigation and getting in contact with Brooke Smith of NASJA, who offered the entire NASJA team’s assistance via email and phone, it began to look like a real possibility. The Brown Pub is starting on a smaller scale than the American events, with a single truck and trailer load of snow being driven down from Mt Hutt by major sponsor Phillip Wareing Ltd. and being spread along the fence line of the car park.

The “equine” element of the equation will be provided by local horseman Noel Stainger – who has his horses in training to get them used to the novel event. Dan McLaughlin of Methven Ski Express will be providing much needed technical ski and building expertise. Many daredevil local skiers have put their hand up to participate at the other end of the rope, and the Brown Pub are taking further registrations from all experienced skiers who want to give it a go. To register your interest please contact Kat at the Brown Pub on 03 3028045 or email kat@thebrownpub.co.nz.

The day is sure to attract a varied group of spectators with both horsey types and snow enthusiasts keen on witnessing the madness unfold. Plans are in place to make the event an annual one, if it proves to be popular amongst locals. The possibility of increasing the length of the course next year and hold the event as a race rather than a demonstration, have added to the excitement of preparing for this year’s run.

The day will also play host to the Mountain Gym Strong Man Competition, Tug of War, and live outdoor Country Music from Pete Henderson and the Diablos, from 8pm. For further information on the sport of ski-joring please contact Brooke Smith at NASJA on Brooke.Smith@nasja.com  and for more details about Brown Pub Country Day, Friday 2nd October from 4pm in the Brown Pub Car Park, please contact Kat at The Brown Pub on kat@thebrownpub.co.nz.

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