Skijoring fanatic Ping back in the saddle

Skijoring fanatic Scott Ping is back in the saddle and riding faster than ever. Riding his horse Kona Coffee, Ping picked up a win last month at the North American Championships in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

It was just two years ago that Ping broke his neck after being tossed to the ground during a training run at his ranch outside of Whitefish. Titanium screws were placed in his neck and Ping had to wear a halo to mend his C1 and C2 vertebrae.

Shortly after his recovery Ping took another bad spill while skijoring that sidelined him for another year.

It was an unlucky stretch for a man who arguably loves the sport more than anyone. He’s the guy who reintroduced skijoring to the Winter Carnival in 2003.

Ping climbed back onto Kona Coffee for the first time this winter at a race in Sun Valley, Idaho.

“At first, it was difficult to get my head back in the game,” Ping said. “But Kona is such a good horse. I just had to sit back, hold on, and he did the rest.”

Ping performed well enough on the straight course in Sun Valley that he signed up for the championships in Jackson Hole.

Riding Kona and pulling Jackson-skier Christian Cisco, the duo won the open division. For the victory, Ping was awarded a big belt buckle, but more importantly, he won back his confidence and spirit to compete.

“It feels good to win after the injury,” Ping said. “I was very tentative at first, then it was a breeze. Yep. I’m back in the saddle again.”

Ping and Kona will next compete in Leadville, Colo., then Red Lodge.