Husky racing? In Canberra? Yes. Meet our passionate dog-sledding community

Posted on 18 July, 2024

If you went for a walk one weekend in one of Canberra’s picturesque pine forests and heard the howling of a pack of Siberian huskies, you might be a tad alarmed.

But don’t worry, it’s likely just the friendly and passionate Siberian Husky Club holding a race – a dog sledding race. Because despite Canberra’s lack of deep snow in winter, this sport has a dedicated events roster and training meets – and they’re always looking for new members.

Aaron Coventry, a Club member who races with gorgeous huskies Alexis and Dexter walks us through this unique sport.

“It’s often referred to as Dry Land Sledding, and in Canberra, we are really fortunate because Kowen Forest is perfect and quite close. Dry Land Sledding mechanics are that people are usually grouped into Teams (three or more Dogs) that use what’s called a ‘Rig’, which is basically a Chariot. They come in different sizes and styles, but they add an element of engineering to the races, the same way that car engineers impact a car race. The other vehicle is a kickbike, which is used for one or two dog teams. The difference between 1 Dog and 2 Dogs is chalk and cheese; for example, a race can be won or lost based on the rider’s fitness in a 1 Dog, but for 2 Dogs, there is far less kicking and a lot more speed.”

“The dog wears a harness, which is a specialised harness that makes it comfortable for the Dog to pull but sort of wraps its way around the Dog’s body and has a ‘tow rope’ near their tail which the lead is clipped on to.”

“Distances for events will vary from race to race as they require planning and are dependent on the track that’s available, but fundamentally, the bigger teams with multiple dogs will cover more distances; this is similar to rowing as the pulling working load is divided by the number of dogs so they can go longer distance.”

Aaron racing with Dexter.

As to how someone from a non-alpine city gets into husky racing, Sam Patrikka, fellow Club member who races with huskies Luna, River and Logan, says it’s all in the name.

“It all started in 2001 when we decided to get our first husky, as we had seen them around and had done a lot of research of the breed. The breeder that we had contacted about the pup also raced their dogs and advised us that they would be at Belanglo State Forest and to come up there to meet them and the dogs. Up to the forest we go, and as we got out of the car, we heard to song of the huskies – awesome.” Needless to say, Sam was hooked.

Racer Samantha Hartwig, however, took her time coming to the sport as a long-time husky owner – but was glad she did.

“I have owned Siberian Huskies for over 15 years and during that time friends who raced their Siberians told me I should try sledding. So eventually I did. In 2019 I began sled dog racing and instantly loved the sport.”

Samantha racing.

Now racing with Rogue, Stella and Sage, Samantha says attending a race day is a must for dog-lovers.

“Dry land sledding in Australia is a lot different than what you see on TV, or in Alaska and Canada, but it is nothing short of spectacular. Seeing the excitement in the dogs when they’re in the start chute, their concentration and their desire to run is an amazing experience.”

“There are dogs of various breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Hounds, German Short Haired Pointers and others who compete, and the happiness it brings them is a sight to be seen.”

“Sledding showcases the bond between a musher and their dogs. It is trust, and it is that connection of trust that gets each of us around the trail. Many people don’t even know sledding exists here. Creating awareness will assist in the continuation of our sport and hopefully introduce new members to our sledding community.”

All photography: Supplied