Animal cruelty concerns raised around Calgary skijoring event

Skijoring is a growing winter sport, with people packing venues like Banff to catch it, but not everyone is a fan.

The Calgary Humane Society has received an animal cruelty complaint about the fast-paced sport.

As well, animal-rights group Animal Justice says an upcoming skijoring event in Calgary might violate Alberta’s Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

Documented incidents in North America show horses have been seriously injured or died during similar events.

“We’re concerned this event inherently puts horses at risk,” said Alexandra Pester, Animal Justice lawyer.

“In addition to the risk it puts horses in, when they suffer catastrophic injuries and even death as a result, this can also be dangerous to participants and crowds.”

Skijoring involves pulling people on skis behind horses.

Skijoring courses often include tight turns, jumps and obstacles.

“These events are relatively new to Alberta,” said Pester.

“There’s no regulations that provide for how you must participate in these events, and they can hardly be considered reasonable given the risks they put horses in for pure entertainment.”

Skijor Canada says the horses are carefully trained for the events, and the organization welcomes questions about animal welfare.

Skijor Canada also says the courses are professionally designed and all precautions are taken.

“I ride every course we build on my horse—first slowly to check it out,” said Sam Mitchell, Skijor Canada founder.

“I pull stops, I pull turns, and I make sure that footing’s solid. If I have any concerns, we fix it, or we don’t run.”

Calgary’s skijoring event takes place Feb. 21 and 22 at The Confluence.