What is Sled Dog Racing?
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Sled dog racing has a long and proud history with formal
races dating back to 1908 with the running of the first All Alaska Sweepstakes.
The sport involves timed races between dog teams handled by drivers known
as Mushers. These teams can vary from a single dog to teams of around twenty
highly trained animals. Distances vary from just a few kilometres to over
1700 km for the world�s most famous race, The Iditarod. Sled Dog Racing
in Australia is rapidly increasing in popularity - with the racing season
including more than 20 meetings for teams from 1 dog up to 8 dogs held from
May to August at locations throughout Australia.
But don�t you need snow?
Sled Dog Racing in Australia is normally run as a time
trial over a trail of dirt or snow, more often on dirt, with start and finish
lines not necessarily at the same location. Heats can be held over a one,
two or three day period, with the best overall time determining the winner.
The drivers draw for starting positions on the first day and race against
the clock, leaving the start line at a set interval. A top team will average
25 to 35 kilometers an hour depending upon the terrain and weather conditions.
A team overtaking another team has the right of way and the overtaken team
and driver must give way to provide a clean pass.
Most importantly, if the temperature reaches 15 degrees
Celsius at any time (or the humidity becomes too high) prior to or during
the race, racing will be postponed.
Who can compete?
Almost any dog (or person for that matter) can take
part in Sled Dog racing, with the most popular breeds being Siberian Huskies,
Alaskan Malamutes, as well as Akitas, Samoyeds, Setters, Pointers, Weimaraners,
German Shepherds and mixed breeds of all sorts.
All sled dogs should be as fit as possible, and must
be gentle and reliable in temperament. A dog that is difficult to handle
or cannot get along with his mates renders him unsuitable as a racing team
dog. Race teams are subject to vet checks.
Sled Dog Racing is truly a sport for the whole family,
with the Kid �n� Mutt event an important race of the meeting.
What equipment do you need?
For the majority of sled
dog racers the equipment required is fairly simple and not very expensive.
Basic equipment includes:
*Harness
*First Aid Kit
*Gig/Scooter or sled
*Warm Clothing |
*Gang Line/Bungee
*Neck Line
*Helmet
*Stake out chain
*Water bowl & supply
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Scooters, BMX bikes or Gigs are used for track racing,
with sleds used for all snow events. A full set of equipment for a first
year musher will cost no more than $200 to $300. For more information on
equipment, contact a Wild Dog Musher.
What about training?
Sled Dogs are working dogs, and a team requires a fair
amount of training to perform at its best. Of course, runs are few and far
between during the summer months, but in the autumn, runs become more serious
and regular in anticipation of the forthcoming racing season. Remember,
becoming a good sled dog team takes time, and don�t forget, always water
your dogs 2 to 3 hours before a run. The most important thing is to make
sure that you and your pooch are having the time of your lives.
Are there spectators?
Spectators are welcome to enjoy the action and excitement
at Sled Dog Races, and some meetings are beginning to attract quite a crowd,
but remember, dogs and Mushers are serious competitors. Please co-operate
with race officials at all times - they only have everyone�s safety in mind.
Do the dogs enjoy it?
There is nothing they like better, like all working
dogs, sled dogs have been specifically bred over many decades to fulfil
their main function in life - pulling sleds!
Just as a cattle dog certainly enjoys a round-up, sled
dogs are at their happiest in harness, as anyone who has seen the excitement
at the start line before a race can attest. These dogs were born to run!
Most importantly the great outdoors is where they are meant to be, and it
can�t hurt us either.
Responsible dog care is an important part of sled dog
racing, and veterinary surgeons regularly attend races. There have been
no major serious injuries in the history of South Australian sledding.
I would like to give it a try
Sled dog racing is one of Australia�s fastest growing
sports, with more and more people getting involved all the time. Simply
coming along to race meetings or training days will introduce you to many
people who can set you in the right direction. But if you have any question
or enquiries about any aspect of the sport, or if you wish to become a member
of the Wild Dog Mushers Association, email us at
samushing@yahoogroups.com
The
2007 "Eagle Pack" Wild Dog Derby
will be held on the 7th & 8th July in the Mount Crawford Forest.
The race site is located at the Western end of Cricks Mill Rd, near the
intersection with Warren Rd � look for signs.
Contact us for details of other races and sled
dog events held in South Australia.
Get your paws into it!
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