STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Orlando may be hosting the Daytona 500 this weekend. But you don’t have to head to Florida to see some hotshot racing.

Right here in the Wood River Valley we have the annual Wood River Extreme SkiJoring Races. And some would contend they’re way more exciting than watching cars spin around as they show off the brute muscle power of horses with the excitement of a skier or snowboarder hanging on from behind.

Pure and simple, it’s a throwback to the Wild West.

The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16, at 81 Browning Lane in Bellevue. The races start at noon each day.

Cowboys will be racing their horses down a race track at speeds up to 40 miles per hour with brave skiers and snowboarders weaving in and out and over jumps as they try to spear rings off poles with their arms.

The 600- to 900-foot course features one to three jumps ranging from three to six feet high. There’ll be between three and nine rings for the skiers—and horse riders—to grab. Points are deducted for missed or dropped rings and missed jumps.

The winners will be determined from a combined overall score for both days.

This year’s races will also feature a couple’s division and stick horse races for children 10 and under.

Admission is $10 for those 13 and older; children 12 and under will be admitted free. A portion of the fees will be donated to the Wood River High School Rodeo Team.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs but leave Fido at home. There will be concessions available, as well as a raffle to support a local non-profit.

Evening events include a pre-race party and team check-in at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Mahoney’s Bar & Grill in Bellevue. A team auction and party will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Cutthroat Club in Bellevue.

Those wishing to compete may sign up online at https://woodriveresja.com. A team-up page for those needing race partners is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/wresja.teamup/.