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Frequently asked questions
General1
General13
Nordic Ski + Fat Bike Races
Contestants are required to register in person at Black Tooth Brewery between 12:00PM and 7:00PM on Friday, February 6. Teams will be asked to sign waivers and release forms and pay their entry fees. Skiers/snowboarders and riders MUST register in person.
HOWEVER - we do know that situations arise that cannot be controlled, and we don't want to turn away a team that traveled to attend the event. If for some reason you are running late and don't think you can make it before 7pm, please contact Shawn Parker at shawn@sheridanwyoming.org (shawn@sheridanwyoming.org)or 307-683-6585 for a copy of the waiver and release; you will still be required to pay PRIOR to racing on Saturday.
See DIVISIONS for information on entry fees for 2026.
PROFESSIONAL/OPEN DIVISION: (Pro): Teams are considered to be the highest skilled competitors with the fastest horses. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entry fee: $200 per team.
SPORT DIVISION: (Amateur): Teams are considered to be intermediate level skill participants riding horses that may not be fast enough or experienced enough to be in the Pro/Open Class. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entry fee: $150 per team.
NOVICE DIVISION: (Beginners): Teams are considered to be new to the sport, beginning level competitors riding horses that may not be fast enough or experienced enough to be competitive in the Pro/Open Class or the Sport Class. Entry fee: $100 per team.
YOUTH DIVISION: (15 and under): Teams are considered to be new to the sport, beginning level competitors riding horses that may not be fast enough or experienced enough to be competitive in the Pro/Open Class or the Sport Class. Rider and Skier in the Youth division must wear a helmet. BOTH THE RIDER AND SKIER/SNOWBOARDER MUST BE UNDER 15 TO ENTER THIS DIVISION. Entry fee: $50 per team.
SNOWBOARD: Open to pro, amateur and novices. A team consists of horse, rider and snowboarder. Entry fee: $100 per team.
We do not have a CENTURY division this year, however, we will provide a $500 prize to the fastest qualifying CENTURY team - that is, the rider and skier/snowboarder has a combined age over 100. Horse age does not count :)
1. No identical teams can be entered more than twice at a specific race. Each team consists of a horse, rider, and skier.
a. A skier may race as many as four times, but they will have to register with different teams.
b. A rider may race as many as four times, but they will have to register with different teams.
c. A horse may race ONLY TWO TIMES - no exceptions.
2. A skier, rider or horse can choose their division of competition and is not required to advance to the next class if they win their division.
3. The Sparby Rule: Each team is allowed 4 minutes to complete staging and begin the race after a clear track is called. After the allotted time has expired the team will be asked to leave the staging area and will be moved to end of that division. They will have one more chance to start successfully or they will be disqualified for that run.
4. Substitutions are allowed for any team member (horse, skier or rider) prior to the competitor meeting on Saturday. After the competitor meeting on Saturday there will be NO substitutions for Pro/Open and Sport divisions. Substitutions throughout the event are allowed in the Novice, Snowboard, and Youth classes, but they must be approved by the field judges.
5. If a horse, rider, or equipment is deemed unsafe the rider and horse can be asked to leave at any time by the Start Gate Official.
6. If the Skier drops the rope BEFORE crossing the start line, he/she will be allowed a restart as soon as possible. If the skier drops the rope on the second attempt to start, that team is disqualified for that run.
7. 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.
8. Both ski tips and both boots must go around a gate, or the gate is considered missed.
9. Penalties will be added to a teams time for the following:
a. 5 second penalty added for every missed gate.
b. 2 second penalty added for every missed or dropped ring.
c. 5 second penalty for any horse breaking the plane of a jump, hitting a gate, or hitting a timing device.
d. There are NO RINGS on the snowboard course.
10. Protests must be voiced by the skier or rider to the Finish Judge or Arena Judge before the start of the next run. The Arena Judge will have the final ruling before the start of the next run.
Division winners will receive a Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo buckle.
Division winners will receive a Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo Jacket.
Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes, with additional payouts in the Open (4th, 5th, 6th), Sport (4th, 5th,) and Novice (4th) divisions.
Purse will be announced prior to the first race on Saturday, February 7th.
Sheridan’s skijoring course will be located at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. The building of the course is a labor-intensive effort that requires hauling vast quantities of snow from strategically placed catchment areas in Sheridan. A map of the fairgrounds is available under the documents tab on this website.
1. All performance-enhancing drugs are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Please refer to the race handbook for a list of performance-enhancing drugs and consequences if your horse test positive.
2. No person may abuse a Horse during an Event or at any other time. “Abuse” means an action or omission, which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a Horse. Competitors will be disqualified upon adequate verification.
a. Abuse can include, but is not limited to:
i. Whipping or beating a Horse excessively.
ii. Subjecting a Horse to any kind of electric shock device.
iii. Jabbing the Horse in the mouth with the bit or any other device.
iv. Abnormally sensitize or desensitize any part of a Horse.
v. Leaving a Horse without adequate food, drink or exercise.
b. Any person witnessing an Abuse must report it immediately. If an Abuse is witnessed during or in direct connection with an Event, it should be reported to an Official.
3. If a horse, rider, or equipment are deemed unsafe the rider and horse can be asked to leave at any time by the Horse Gate Official or Ambassador.
4. Leg protection (boots or polo wraps) and bell boots are strongly recommended.
5. Horses should have a shoe that will increase traction (borium, calks, etc).
INFO PROVIDED BY THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
BOARDING:
- $50 if stalls are left clean
- $100 if Fairgrounds Staff are required to clean
- Fairgrounds accepts cash or check; payments via card can be made with Sheridan County Travel & Tourism during registration or on race day.
- If competitors prefer to house horses in the open pens they are $30 for the event and it’s on a FCFS basis.
- Payment can be made upon arrival
- Bagged shavings available for purchase at $7/bag.
For more information call the Sheridan County Fairgrounds at 307-672-2079.
1. A skier may compete in only one Division.
2. All skiers must wear approved snow sport helmets.
a. Protective Eyewear is recommended.
3. Any Skiers under 18 must have parent/guardian sign parental consent forms.
a. Parent or Guardian must be present during signup.
b. Skiers under the age of 18 must wear protective eyewear.
1. Ropes will be provided for competitors, though anyone is allowed to bring their own ropes.
a. Any rope not supplied by the individual race must be inspected and approved by a Starter or his designee prior to the start of the race.
b. Ropes cannot exceed 33 feet in length on our track.
c. Ropes must be 3/8” or larger in diameter.
d. Handles are not permitted on ropes.
g. Rope attachment must be to the saddle horn or behind the saddle. If the attachment is behind the saddle it must be secured to the primary rigging rings of the saddle by a non-elastic attachment so that the pulling rope is within 6 inches of the cantle, carabineer not included. Prior to the race, the Starter, or his designee may inspect any attachment to the saddle. Quick release shackles are highly recommended.
2. 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 1⁄2” in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of barbs, wire, and/or twists.
3. Failure to dismount and/or present horse and equipment to the horse official and/or veterinarian, if asked, will result in disqualification for that race.
Good sportsmanship is important to the success of every event. Registration signature pledges a competitor’s word to the humane treatment of their horse and respectful relationships to all fellow competitors and volunteers hosting this exciting competition. Failure to comply with the spirit of friendly competition at any of the scheduled events may result in the disqualification of your team or banishment from future competitions.
We are unable to accommodate requests to have our announcer recognize any outside sponsors, or entities or individuals who may pay for a team's registration fees. Please understand that our sponsorship program is critical to the success of this event and we cannot diminish sponsorship contributions by furnishing last-minute requests.
This is a family-friendly event and safety is our top priority; drug or alcohol use by competitors will not be tolerated.
Sportsmanship is integral to the celebratory atmosphere of this event.
Frequently asked questions
Contestants are required to register in person at Black Tooth Brewery between 12:00PM and 7:00PM on Friday, February 6. Teams will be asked to sign waivers and release forms and pay their entry fees. Skiers/snowboarders and riders MUST register in person.
HOWEVER - we do know that situations arise that cannot be controlled, and we don't want to turn away a team that traveled to attend the event. If for some reason you are running late and don't think you can make it before 7pm, please contact Shawn Parker at shawn@sheridanwyoming.org (shawn@sheridanwyoming.org)or 307-683-6585 for a copy of the waiver and release; you will still be required to pay PRIOR to racing on Saturday.
See DIVISIONS for information on entry fees for 2026.
PROFESSIONAL/OPEN DIVISION: (Pro): Teams are considered to be the highest skilled competitors with the fastest horses. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entry fee: $200 per team.
SPORT DIVISION: (Amateur): Teams are considered to be intermediate level skill participants riding horses that may not be fast enough or experienced enough to be in the Pro/Open Class. A team consists of horse, rider and skier. Entry fee: $150 per team.
NOVICE DIVISION: (Beginners): Teams are considered to be new to the sport, beginning level competitors riding horses that may not be fast enough or experienced enough to be competitive in the Pro/Open Class or the Sport Class. Entry fee: $100 per team.
YOUTH DIVISION: (15 and under): Teams are considered to be new to the sport, beginning level competitors riding horses that may not be fast enough or experienced enough to be competitive in the Pro/Open Class or the Sport Class. Rider and Skier in the Youth division must wear a helmet. BOTH THE RIDER AND SKIER/SNOWBOARDER MUST BE UNDER 15 TO ENTER THIS DIVISION. Entry fee: $50 per team.
SNOWBOARD: Open to pro, amateur and novices. A team consists of horse, rider and snowboarder. Entry fee: $100 per team.
We do not have a CENTURY division this year, however, we will provide a $500 prize to the fastest qualifying CENTURY team - that is, the rider and skier/snowboarder has a combined age over 100. Horse age does not count :)
1. No identical teams can be entered more than twice at a specific race. Each team consists of a horse, rider, and skier.
a. A skier may race as many as four times, but they will have to register with different teams.
b. A rider may race as many as four times, but they will have to register with different teams.
c. A horse may race ONLY TWO TIMES - no exceptions.
2. A skier, rider or horse can choose their division of competition and is not required to advance to the next class if they win their division.
3. The Sparby Rule: Each team is allowed 4 minutes to complete staging and begin the race after a clear track is called. After the allotted time has expired the team will be asked to leave the staging area and will be moved to end of that division. They will have one more chance to start successfully or they will be disqualified for that run.
4. Substitutions are allowed for any team member (horse, skier or rider) prior to the competitor meeting on Saturday. After the competitor meeting on Saturday there will be NO substitutions for Pro/Open and Sport divisions. Substitutions throughout the event are allowed in the Novice, Snowboard, and Youth classes, but they must be approved by the field judges.
5. If a horse, rider, or equipment is deemed unsafe the rider and horse can be asked to leave at any time by the Start Gate Official.
6. If the Skier drops the rope BEFORE crossing the start line, he/she will be allowed a restart as soon as possible. If the skier drops the rope on the second attempt to start, that team is disqualified for that run.
7. 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.
8. Both ski tips and both boots must go around a gate, or the gate is considered missed.
9. Penalties will be added to a teams time for the following:
a. 5 second penalty added for every missed gate.
b. 2 second penalty added for every missed or dropped ring.
c. 5 second penalty for any horse breaking the plane of a jump, hitting a gate, or hitting a timing device.
d. There are NO RINGS on the snowboard course.
10. Protests must be voiced by the skier or rider to the Finish Judge or Arena Judge before the start of the next run. The Arena Judge will have the final ruling before the start of the next run.
Division winners will receive a Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo buckle.
Division winners will receive a Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo Jacket.
Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes, with additional payouts in the Open (4th, 5th, 6th), Sport (4th, 5th,) and Novice (4th) divisions.
Purse will be announced prior to the first race on Saturday, February 7th.
Sheridan’s skijoring course will be located at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. The building of the course is a labor-intensive effort that requires hauling vast quantities of snow from strategically placed catchment areas in Sheridan. A map of the fairgrounds is available under the documents tab on this website.
1. All performance-enhancing drugs are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Please refer to the race handbook for a list of performance-enhancing drugs and consequences if your horse test positive.
2. No person may abuse a Horse during an Event or at any other time. “Abuse” means an action or omission, which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a Horse. Competitors will be disqualified upon adequate verification.
a. Abuse can include, but is not limited to:
i. Whipping or beating a Horse excessively.
ii. Subjecting a Horse to any kind of electric shock device.
iii. Jabbing the Horse in the mouth with the bit or any other device.
iv. Abnormally sensitize or desensitize any part of a Horse.
v. Leaving a Horse without adequate food, drink or exercise.
b. Any person witnessing an Abuse must report it immediately. If an Abuse is witnessed during or in direct connection with an Event, it should be reported to an Official.
3. If a horse, rider, or equipment are deemed unsafe the rider and horse can be asked to leave at any time by the Horse Gate Official or Ambassador.
4. Leg protection (boots or polo wraps) and bell boots are strongly recommended.
5. Horses should have a shoe that will increase traction (borium, calks, etc).
INFO PROVIDED BY THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
BOARDING:
- $50 if stalls are left clean
- $100 if Fairgrounds Staff are required to clean
- Fairgrounds accepts cash or check; payments via card can be made with Sheridan County Travel & Tourism during registration or on race day.
- If competitors prefer to house horses in the open pens they are $30 for the event and it’s on a FCFS basis.
- Payment can be made upon arrival
- Bagged shavings available for purchase at $7/bag.
For more information call the Sheridan County Fairgrounds at 307-672-2079.
1. A skier may compete in only one Division.
2. All skiers must wear approved snow sport helmets.
a. Protective Eyewear is recommended.
3. Any Skiers under 18 must have parent/guardian sign parental consent forms.
a. Parent or Guardian must be present during signup.
b. Skiers under the age of 18 must wear protective eyewear.
1. Ropes will be provided for competitors, though anyone is allowed to bring their own ropes.
a. Any rope not supplied by the individual race must be inspected and approved by a Starter or his designee prior to the start of the race.
b. Ropes cannot exceed 33 feet in length on our track.
c. Ropes must be 3/8” or larger in diameter.
d. Handles are not permitted on ropes.
g. Rope attachment must be to the saddle horn or behind the saddle. If the attachment is behind the saddle it must be secured to the primary rigging rings of the saddle by a non-elastic attachment so that the pulling rope is within 6 inches of the cantle, carabineer not included. Prior to the race, the Starter, or his designee may inspect any attachment to the saddle. Quick release shackles are highly recommended.
2. 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 1⁄2” in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of barbs, wire, and/or twists.
3. Failure to dismount and/or present horse and equipment to the horse official and/or veterinarian, if asked, will result in disqualification for that race.
Good sportsmanship is important to the success of every event. Registration signature pledges a competitor’s word to the humane treatment of their horse and respectful relationships to all fellow competitors and volunteers hosting this exciting competition. Failure to comply with the spirit of friendly competition at any of the scheduled events may result in the disqualification of your team or banishment from future competitions.
We are unable to accommodate requests to have our announcer recognize any outside sponsors, or entities or individuals who may pay for a team's registration fees. Please understand that our sponsorship program is critical to the success of this event and we cannot diminish sponsorship contributions by furnishing last-minute requests.
This is a family-friendly event and safety is our top priority; drug or alcohol use by competitors will not be tolerated.
Sportsmanship is integral to the celebratory atmosphere of this event.
IMPORTANT!
We regret to announce that the February 15th, 2020 Nordic Ski + Fat Bike Races have been cancelled. Weather conditions at Kendrick Park Golf Course are not adequate for racing. The safety of participants, and the integrity of our public facilities, are our main priorities.
This cancellation will NOT affect any other WYO Winter Rodeo events.
NORDIC SKI +
FAT BIKE RACES
New to the 2020 Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo is our Nordic Ski + Fat Bike Race Series.
The races will be held on Saturday, February 15th at Sheridan's Kendrick Golf Course. Registration and packet pickup for participants will be on February 14th at Luminous Brewhouse. Spectators are welcome to attend free of charge.
For complete details, please see the drop down menu below.
CANCELLED
Here you'll find everything you need to know about Sheridan's WYO Winter Rodeo Nordic ski + fat bike races, including information on registration, divisions, prizes, rules, and more. Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter, or contact us with questions by filing out the form below. For information on becoming a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, please follow the appropriate link at the top of the page.
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