RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules are solely for the safety of the competitors, both horse and human and to ensure fair competition at the Saratoga Skijoring Races. All rules are required to be followed by Saratoga Skijoring Race competitors. In our races the Starting Gate Judge has ultimate say in determining participant and equine safety. We reserve the right to disqualify any individual, team or competitor in the event unsafe actions are observed. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the entire event should unsafe conditions arise. Final authority in such matters lies solely with the Starting Gate Judge.
GENERAL RACE DESCRIPTION DIVISION AND COMPETITION CRITERIA
*** NEW FOR 2020 - A team consists of a horse, rider and skier and will get 1 run each day. i.e. a skier can not ski behind the same horse more than one time per day, a horse may only run 2 times per day and a skier can only run a maximum of 4 times per day***
OPEN 3-D All teams that do not consist of Novice and Youth. A team consists of horse, rider and skier, a skier can not ski behind the same horse more than once.
NOVICE/EXHIBITION CLASS (Beginners) Teams are considered to be, new to the sport, beginning level competitors riding horses that may not have speed enough to be competitive in the Open 3-D. A team consists of horse, rider and skier, a skier can not ski behind the same horse more than once.
Youth - Non competitive fun run, one participant must be under the age of 18.
SKIER –OPEN & SPORT RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Rules:
A skier can choose their division of competition.
A skier may compete in only one Division, unless assisting with the youth division.
A skier may compete up to four times in a day.
All skiers must wear approved snow sport helmets.
Any Skiers under 18, must have parent/guardian sign parental consent forms.
Proof of insurance for minors is mandatory.
Protective Eyewear and helmet must be worn during competition.
Recommendations:
It is strongly suggested that bindings be tested by a professional prior to skiing.
TIMING
We utilize a 1.5 second split between divisions. All divisions are based on raw times (no penalty assessed) and thus ranked accordingly, penalties are then assessed, but only after the divisions are established. Team day one raw time is averaged with day two raw time, division splits set, then total penalties added to get the weekend overall time.
Electronic timing via kick boards will determine the official time, if a skier fails to trigger the kick board, i.e. jumps the board, the result will be a no time. In the event of timing system failure, we have backup timing place, both hand and electronic. The timing judge's and starting judge's call is final.
RIDER –OPEN 3-D RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Rules:
A rider may compete in more than one division, but must compete on a different horse in each Division entered. i.e. if a rider has 2 horses they may be entered in the same or different divisions, a horse may not cross divisions.
All riders must be on time for their runs. Any rider that cannot be ready on time due to running to many horses or horse difficulty will be moved to the back of the order. Second failure to be ready on time will result in a DQ for that run.
Riders have three minutes to begin their run, time starts when the race is called by the Starting Gate Judge. If the rider has not started their run (forward progression towing the skier to the start line) by the four minute mark then the team will be moved to the back of the order. Second failure to be ready on time will result in a DQ for that run.
Riders can only enter 2 horses per division - ***2021 RULE DUE TO COVID***
Recommendations:
Helmets and protective vests are recommended for all riders.
Any Riders under 18, must have parent/guardian sign parental consent forms.
Proof of insurance for minors is mandatory.
Helmet and protective vests must be worn during competition.
HORSE – OPEN 3D RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Rules:
A Horse can compete in only one Division.
A horse may not run more than two times in a day. Unless competing in the novice division, which is non competitive by nature and design, race organizers have final say here.
Use a standard western bit includes: 1. 8 1⁄2” maximum length shank. Shanks may be fixed or loose. If curb bit is used it must be free of mechanical device and should be considered a standard western bit. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required, which must be at least ½” in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of barbs, wire, and/or twists.
Recommendations:
Leg protection (boots or polo wraps) and bell boots are recommended.
Horses are encouraged to have a shoe that will increase traction (borium, calks, etc) but not required.
RULES OF COMPETITION – GENERAL Rules:
Timing, each team gets one run per day. The teams day one will be averaged with the day two time, and ranked accordingly to the 3-D format using 1.5 second splits between divisions. A DNF on any one day will be ranked lower than a team with two daily qualifying times.
All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to competition. These will be available at the race registration prior to race day.
Rope length cannot exceed 33 feet in length. Handles are prohibited. Overhand knot on skiers end of rope is acceptable, a loop on the skier end of rope is also acceptable, teams may use their own ropes, so long as they have been inspected by the starting gate judge.
No dogs are allowed outside of vehicles at the race venue. Pets must remain inside the cab of vehicles.
A missed ring will result in a 2 second time penalty, a missed gate / jump will result in a 5 second penalty. If a horse breaks the plane of a jump or knocks over timing equipment a 5 second penalty will be assessed.
No aerial done(s).
Races need to be vigilant about starting on time. Each team has a maximum of 4 minutes to start their run once called up. If a team goes beyond the 4 minute mark they will be rolled. If two no starts occur that team will receive a DNF.
Rules should be clearly posted and accessible to all competitors two weeks prior to the race.
If a horse, rider, or equipment are deemed unsafe the rider and horse can be asked to leave at any time by the starting gate judge or other Saratoga Skijoring official. This includes intoxicated / under-the-influence participants.
If the Skier drops the rope BEFORE crossing the start line, he/she will be allowed a restart immediately after the team’s fault start. The three-minute rule restarts upon the Arena Judge's determination of a clear course. If a delay or the skier drops the rope on the second attempt to start, that team is disqualified for that run. If the Horse runs the course, the team should be dropped down (In the order at the official's discretion) a few racers to allow for reasonable recovery time. If it is the last of the division, they should be scheduled to run 1st prior to the start of the next division.
The skier must finish in an upright position and on at least one ski, with rope in hand when crossing the finish line. Both skier boots must cross the finish line.
Both ski tips and both boots must go around a gate, or the gate is considered missed.
Participants may use batons for ring spearing, batons are not required, thus no penalty will be assessed for a drop baton.
All competitors must be informed of their time at the end of their run prior to the start of the competitive run. Times will be announced over the PA system.
All performance-enhancing drugs are prohibited and will not be tolerated. The Starting Gate Judge and the event organizers have the final say in related matters.
If a racer wants to protest, s/he will contact the nearest race official (Horse Gate Official, Timing Judge, Flag Judge or Saratoga Skijoring Race Organizer) and let them know they want to protest. Via radio course and starting gate judges will examine the situation, with consultation with the timing judge. After consultation with this three person committee the ultimate decision rest with the Horse Gate Judge and will be final. Races must be protested immediately following the run, the race will stop until the protest is settled. Once the next race rolls, you can not protest the results
Wyoming is windy, so deal with it! If a ring falls off of the ring standard due to wind or other forces caused by mother nature or caldera eruption, a deduction will NOT be taken, the judgment of the presiding gate judge will be final.
Horses must stay on the dirt race track, if a horse completely enters the snow track (all four feet) a DNF will result. Determination will be at the discretion of the Starting Gate Judge and Timing Judge.
The following will result in no time and disqualification from the event:
(a) Infraction of any state or federal law which exists pertaining to the exhibition, care, and custody of horses within the State of Wyoming, Carbon County. (b) Abuse of an animal on the track and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the exhibition of a horse in competition. (c) Use of illegal equipment, including added wire on bits or curb chains. (d) Failure to dismount and/or present horse and equipment to the horse official if asked. (e) Participation under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances is prohibited.
Recommendation:
Rules should be reviewed verbally with all competitors prior to the start of the race.
Horses will be randomly checked for equipment. The Horse Gate Official will check all tack and how the rope is attached to the saddle. If requested by the Horse Gate Official, a rider may be asked to drop their bit.
Gates getting hit and popping off are not reason for a flag from officials. If the rope pulls a gate out of the ground, no gate penalty will be assessed.
Substitutions
Substitutions in any class are allowed for any team member (horse, skier or rider), ONLY under the following circumstances: A) That the team member being substituted is unable to compete due to injury, family emergency, or other reason acceptable to the Starting Gate Judge, Race Director and Arena Judge, with final say being the Starting Judge Official. B) That substitute team member (horse, skier or rider) is eligible to compete in that class. C) No refunds will be given. D) Teams with substitutions will be considered an exhibition run and be considered out of the money with regards to the Saratoga Skijoring Race final prize, but can win day money.