Skijor Triple Crown Returns to Maine with Topsham Stop Feb. 7

The Maine Skijor Triple Crown is back for 2026, and Topsham will host the series' second Maine stop on Saturday, Feb. 7. The three-stop circuit brings skijoring competition to local venues and revives a seasonal points race that will name a triple-crown winner at the end of the circuit.

Skijoring is defined as “skijoring (skiers or snowboarders towed by horses),” a spectator-ready equestrian sport that combines mounted horsemanship and winter sliding sports. Organizers position the series as both a competitive circuit and a community event, noting their broader mission of “Supporting and promoting the sport of equestrian skijoring in the Northeast.”

The 2026 Maine schedule features Skijor Bangor on Saturday, Jan. 31, Skijor Topsham on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Skijor Skowhegan on Saturday, Feb. 21. Local scheduling lists a 10 a.m. start for the Bangor and Topsham events; the Bangor venue appears under both the branded name Hollywood Casino & Raceway and the local label Bangor Raceway, while Topsham will take place at the Topsham Fairgrounds. Skowhegan is scheduled for the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds with timing to be confirmed.

The circuit championship returns as a season-long competition. Organizers stated: “The Circuit Awards are back for 2026 to award seasonal winner based on combined scores at Skijor Bangor, Topsham Skijoring, and Skijor Skowhegan. Award party to be announced. In partnership with the three Maine equestrian skijoring races, the Circuit Awards will name a triple-crown winner among competitors who compete in Maine races.” That combined-score format creates an incentive for riders and skiers to travel across the three stops and for local venues to coordinate scheduling and scoring.

Local broadcasters have promoted the circuit as accessible to families, using promotional language that the Triple Crown is “a full winter tour for all to see! It's a family-friendly event that you won't want to” attend. Organizers have said the series highlights schedule and safety guidance for spectators and competitors; however, detailed safety protocols, competitor divisions, entry fees and scoring rubrics have not been published in event materials available publicly at this time.

For Sagadahoc County, the Topsham Fairgrounds event on Feb. 7 represents both a winter attraction and a logistical item for municipal partners. The fairgrounds will host visiting competitors and spectators, which typically requires coordination on parking, signage and public-safety presence. The circuit's return also restores a seasonal competition economy that benefits local vendors and hospitality providers when attendees travel between Bangor, Topsham and Skowhegan.

The series continues through Feb. 21, with the Circuit Awards and an award party to be announced. Residents interested in attending Topsham on Feb. 7 should note the 10 a.m. start time listed on local schedules and watch for organizer updates on venue naming, safety guidance and event logistics.