The spectators who gather this weekend to watch the San Juan Skijoring competition in Ridgway likely have no idea how much work went into putting the event together. Skijoring is a somewhat new sport, combining the Western horseback riding culture from ranches and rodeos with skiers and snowboarders. A rider on horseback pulls the skier or snowboarder behind them through a series of jumps, gates and other features, with a goal of making the fastest time.

Each year, the course is a little differen...