Riding Hard, Pulling Fast, Loving Every Second
Modern skijoring is where cowboy tough meets winter daredevils—and the outcome is pure adrenaline. This high-energy winter sport has become one of the most exciting equestrian events in Minnesota but for Amber Mielke of Mielke Farm, it’s second nature. Amber has a natural edge from her barrel racing background. There’s nothing she loves more than running full out on horseback down a snow-covered course towing a skier or snowboarder who’s taking jumps, grabbing rings, and weaving through gates. But for Amber, skijoring isn’t just about the rush, it’s also about family.
Where It All Started, Still Going Strong
Amber was drawn to skijoring for the rush—the speed, the adrenaline, and the challenge—but also for the need to keep her horses in shape through the winter months. When she first started, her kids were just 2 and 4 years old. With her husband working long hours, winter conditioning often meant bundling up the kids and pulling them on a sled behind the horses. Many times, she rode at night with a headlamp, circling the hay fields.
Before long, skijoring became an all out full family affair, including Amber’s kids and her niece. Whyatt began practicing when he was only 7 years old, riding and pulling a friend on skis or a snowboard, and when Amber exercised horses, she would tow Whyatt behind. Today, all three kids are competing in skijoring—Adalynn and Cali in the saddle and Whyatt on the snowboard. They can all ride and snowboard, but these roles are their favorites.
Every Run a Lesson, Every Win a Milestone
Early on, Amber teamed up with her brother, a snowboarder, who helped her ease her horses into the idea of pulling someone on a board, no small challenge, as any horse person knows. While that first year of competing didn’t land them in the top placings, it was key in developing her skills and building confidence in her horses. She had no idea that skijoring would become her thing and it didn’t take long for her competitive streak to kick in.
During the second year of competition, Amber partnered with a ski instructor and together this rein-and-run duo made it all the way to the finals. After that, the ski instructor introduced Amber to a few of his friends, fellow skiers and snowboarders wanting to get in on the excitement. Over the next several years those partnerships paid off and together Amber and her run partners racked up multiple top-five placings across the Open, Snowboard, and Freestyle divisions.
Amber’s First Place Highlights:
- 2020 – 1st Place, Freestyle
- 2021 – Season paused due to COVID
- 2022 – 1st Place, Freestyle
- 2023 – 1st Place, Snowboard & Freestyle
- 2024 – 1st Place, Freestyle
- 2025 – 1st Place, Open
Her son, Whyatt, also a spirited competitor, snowboarded his way to a 4th-place finish in the Youth Division in 2024. He also designed a rigging for pulling skiers and snowboarders, keeping tension centered for the horse and rider. Early on, Amber would hook the tow rope to her saddle horn and, during one run, nearly got pulled off her horse. Her son’s design hooks to the cinch and centers behind the saddle to attach to the tow rope, keeping rope tension balanced and making each run much safer for both horse and rider.
Looking Ahead to Sheridan, Wyoming
Amber’s skijoring journey is going strong. In early February she’ll be heading to Sheridan, Wyoming to take part in the skijoring event on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, during the WYO Winter Rodeo. She’ll be teaming up with a skier from New Hampshire who she’ll be meeting for the very first time.
Amber is grateful for those supporting her road to Sheridan and would like to send out a big thanks to this year’s sponsors.
2026 Sponsors:
- Seasonal Property Services LLC
- Patty’s Daycare
- Paradox Chiropractic
- Latigo Saddle Shop
- The Punchy Backroad Boutique
- Aries Farm
- Yahweh Ranch
- Mielke Oil Company, Inc
- Smoke my Butt BBQ
- Red River Valley CDL Training
- Rusty Spur Arena
- All Creatures Chiropractic LLC
- Skijoring Clinic at Mielke Farm
If you’re ready to experience Skijoring firsthand, don’t miss Amber’s next Clinic and Practice run at the Mielke Farm. The clinic provides a safe environment where beginners can gain confidence and learn tips from a seasoned competitor.
- Date: January 24th | Time: 1 PM | Fee: $100
- Location: Mielke Farm, 10692 Cable Rd, Little Falls, MN 56345
Bring your horse—or your skis/board— and don’t forget to ask about the special skijoring rigging system designed for pulling skiers and snowboarders.
Mielke Farm also offers a variety of other riding opportunities for riders of all levels, from guided trail rides and obstacle practice to group and private lessons. For more information, visit the Mielke Farm Facebook Page.
Mid Western Spirit would like to thank Amber for sharing her story with us and we wish her and her run partner the best of luck in Sheridan, Wyoming.