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International Federation Of Sleddog Sports: Mushing And Dogsled Teams
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Published: June 29, 2007
The world of Sled Dog Sports is fast, exciting, and grueling. Overseen by the International Federation of Sleddog Sports, trainers and their dogsled teams may travel all over the world to race or simply participate in diverse landscapes while mushing. Mushing is a broad term that refers to any sport that involves a dog sled team pulling a rider, whether it be racing, skijoring, or weight pulling.
Sled Dog Sports are practiced in North and South America, as well as Europe and the Netherlands. Under the umbrella of the International Federation of Sleddog Sports, riders and teams alike can keep abreast of upcoming events as well as training tactics and tips. As the Sled Dog Sports community is sparsely sprinkled around the world, organizations like the International Federation of Sleddog Sports or the International Sled Dog Racing Association help sustain a global community of like-minded enthusiasts.
As Sled Dog Sports tackle the snow covered treacherous terrain of the wild, trainers must ensure that their dogs are physically and psychologically fit for mushing. Traditionally, a dogsled team is composed of 6-8 dogs, each with a specific role and position in the line-up. The lead dogs set the pace for the rest of the pack, monitoring trail direction and keeping an eye out for breaks in the eyes or obstacles blocking the trail. Behind the lead dogs are the swing dogs. In tuned to the lead dogs, the swing dogs help transmit the message to the dogs in the rear in terms of turning, speed, or halting. Bringing up the rear of the pack are the wheel dogs. These dogs are the power house of the pack, pulling the rider with out fear of their proximity to the sled. It is through this understanding of position that the dogsled team creates a powerhouse of uniformity and wordless communication. Therefore, Sled Dog Sports not only require supreme physical strength and endurance, but strong mental capabilities.
Mushing is not a new phenomenon, as archaeologists calculate the practice to originate some 4,000 years ago. As for giving Sled Dog Sports worldwide attention, the first race occurred in the 1932 Lake Placid Olympic Games, where Canadian Emile St. Goddard took the Gold medal. The International Federation of Sleddog Sports was founded soon there after, allowing worldwide participants a common ground of laws and regulations to base their training and community upon. Sled Dog Sports have since flourished as a way for those residents of snow filled landscape to pass the time.
To an advocate of Sled Dog Sports snowmobiles are passé and environmentally unconscious, for it is the thrill and dedication of riding high behind a pack of dogs that spells true enjoyment. Sled Dog sports are certainly not a relaxing pastime, like elderly golfers wandering around the greens. Sled Dog sports require strict training, attention to the diet of the dogs, endurance, and a good pair of snow shoes and jacket.
Sources:
White, Tim. "First International Mushing History Conference. "International Federation of Sleddog Sports. 2 June 2007. 20 June 2007. http://sleddogsport.com/index.php?option=com_conte nt&task=view&id=65&Itemid=2
Sled Dog Racing. 42Explore.com. May 2005. Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson. 20 June 2007.
http://www.42explore2.com/sleddog.htm
ISDRA: Introduction. Webheads.co.uk. 20 June 2007.
http://www.webheads.co.uk/sdcom/press/info/info1 .htm
Two Headed Dog. Dogs in Alaska. 1 Dec. 2000. University of Fairbanks Alaska. 20 June 2007. http://www.uaf.edu/museum/journeys/dogs/two2-1.htm l
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As Sled Dog Sports tackle the snow covered treacherous terrain of the wild, trainers must ensure that their dogs are physically and psychologically fit for mushing. Traditionally, a dogsled team is composed of 6-8 dogs, each with a specific role and position in the line-up. The lead dogs set the pace for the rest of the pack, monitoring trail direction and keeping an eye out for breaks in the eyes or obstacles blocking the trail. Behind the lead dogs are the swing dogs. In tuned to the lead dogs, the swing dogs help transmit the message to the dogs in the rear in terms of turning, speed, or halting. Bringing up the rear of the pack are the wheel dogs. These dogs are the power house of the pack, pulling the rider with out fear of their proximity to the sled. It is through this understanding of position that the dogsled team creates a powerhouse of uniformity and wordless communication. Therefore, Sled Dog Sports not only require supreme physical strength and endurance, but strong mental capabilities.
Mushing is not a new phenomenon, as archaeologists calculate the practice to originate some 4,000 years ago. As for giving Sled Dog Sports worldwide attention, the first race occurred in the 1932 Lake Placid Olympic Games, where Canadian Emile St. Goddard took the Gold medal. The International Federation of Sleddog Sports was founded soon there after, allowing worldwide participants a common ground of laws and regulations to base their training and community upon. Sled Dog Sports have since flourished as a way for those residents of snow filled landscape to pass the time.
To an advocate of Sled Dog Sports snowmobiles are passé and environmentally unconscious, for it is the thrill and dedication of riding high behind a pack of dogs that spells true enjoyment. Sled Dog sports are certainly not a relaxing pastime, like elderly golfers wandering around the greens. Sled Dog sports require strict training, attention to the diet of the dogs, endurance, and a good pair of snow shoes and jacket.
Sources:
White, Tim. "First International Mushing History Conference. "International Federation of Sleddog Sports. 2 June 2007. 20 June 2007. http://sleddogsport.com/index.php?option=com_conte nt&task=view&id=65&Itemid=2
Sled Dog Racing. 42Explore.com. May 2005. Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson. 20 June 2007.
http://www.42explore2.com/sleddog.htm
ISDRA: Introduction. Webheads.co.uk. 20 June 2007.
http://www.webheads.co.uk/sdcom/press/info/info1 .htm
Two Headed Dog. Dogs in Alaska. 1 Dec. 2000. University of Fairbanks Alaska. 20 June 2007. http://www.uaf.edu/museum/journeys/dogs/two2-1.htm l
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