Dryland Mushing

Photo Credit: Joan Sheehan

Mushing or sledding is the archetypal sled dog activity that most people will think of when they see Nordic breeds and indeed it is their original and most primary function. Malamutes and Siberian Huskies are either end of the scale, with the formers function as a freighting dog meaning their ergonomic design is all geared towards the pulling of heavy weights over long distances. Our Greenlands on the otherhand occupy a more middle ground, still freighting dogs by definition but their more athletic builds enabling them faster speeds than their Malamute counterparts.

In the UK we only occasionally have enough snow to warrant the use of a sled, and so wheeled rigs / carts or two wheeled scooters specially designed for the function of being pulled by a team of dogs have been developed to allow the practice of dryland mushing in our dryland conditions.

Lucie and Kizzy set off. Photo Credit: Andy Scott

I actually started my "mushing" by building up to mid-distance treks of 10+ miles, which many recognise as most suited to the original freighting function, and this remains my preferred way of running my dogs, allowing them to set their own pace and cover a longer distance while I enjoy the landscape as much as the time with my canine companions.

Harry & friends Rebecca & Lula on their 11th mile.

Lucie earned her AMCA WTD title by undertaking ten plus mile treks as part of a team with friends dogs; her first was running with Amaqqut's 'Kizzy' & 'Womble', and her next two with Packice's 'Leader' & Blacksummit's 'Bear', and her final leg as a two dog team with Nordicwind's 'Falco'.

Lucie, Leader & Bear setting off on an 11 mile trek. Photo Credit: Andy Scott

When Harry joined my pack, he was quick to take up the role of primary team mate, and in February 2015 enjoyed eleven miles running with Lucie and friend Lula to earn his first WTD leg, his second with Lucie in March 2015 and his third with Lula - run by her owner Rebecca - in April 2015.

Harry & Lucie halfway through his 2nd WTD leg - Photo Credit: Marina Page / Denise Mason

The most commonly organised events in the UK, however, are in the form of rallies, where sprints are timed over a set course with distances averaging 3-5 miles. Siberian Husky teams are often the most competitive section of the entrants, their lighter build enabling them to hit faster speeds, however separate class exist for freighting breeds which allows them to be more competitive in their timing.

I was a late entrant to the rally scene, having my first competitive race in January 2017 with my newly formed Malamute-Greenland team of Harry & Dylan, who did me proud with a 1st in their MB2 class at the AMCUK Grizedale rally and both of whom have since gone on to run with a number of different rally partners.

The boys showing good teamwork. Photo credit: Team Waddell

Since then, we have dipped in and out of the rally scene enjoying successes (and if nothing else a change of scenery) at a number of events, but now focusing on our Greenlands.

Dylan & Alice at their first race at SHCGB Sherwood and on their way to a class win.

A special event for me in 2023 was seeing my first homebred Greenland at her competitive debut - she, her Mum and musher Kim with her boyWolvey formed a formidable three dog team and came away with a first place trophy at AMWA's Haughley Park rally.

It has also been great to see dog's we have bred taking part in monosport activities, with Elska (Fenrirkin Out Of The Black) pictured below at her first cani-cross event.