"Mushing? What is mushing?". Those were the first words I uttered upon hearing the term. Later, I learned it referred to a snow-based activity where dogs pull a sled carrying a person. Immediately, an image formed in my mind - this unfamiliar word described something I actually knew quite well without realising it.
Now that winter approaches and the first snowflakes are brewing in November's chill, I've decided to explore what's now considered a sport but has historically been - and still remains in many places - a vital transport method across snowbound landscapes where travel would otherwise be impossible.
"Mushing" means "to go" or "move on", a French-derived command to start the team pulling. The person giving commands and steering the sled is called the musher.
The dogs are typically huskies, though other breeds with similar characteristics can be used. The speeds achieved make crossing vast distances possible in mere minutes.
Though unfamiliar to me initially, mushing actually has several competitive disciplines, generally divided into two categories: races for pure Nordic breeds and those for other dog types. Disciplines vary by the musher's transport method and number of dogs. The main categories are:
- Sled and Cart: The sport's premier discipline where 6-12 dogs pull the musher aboard a sled with either runners or four wheels.
- Canicross: The musher runs assisted by just one dog.
- BikeJöring: One or two dogs (sometimes more) assist a musher on a scooter or bicycle.
- Trike: The musher rides a three-wheeled vehicle pulled by 3-4 dogs.
- Skijöring: Cross-country skis are used while one or two dogs guide the musher.
Personally, I've always admired these wolf-mix breeds - strikingly beautiful animals with remarkable nobility, as evidenced throughout history in legends exploring the mystical wolf-human bond. Discovering they're ideal for this sport felt both fascinating and heartwarming. It's definitely inspired me to try it someday.
I initially worried about potential harm to the dogs, but research confirmed it's excellent exercise and the animals genuinely enjoy running. It represents the perfect human-animal partnership, allowing mushers to deeply understand their dogs while fostering camaraderie, loyalty and a profound connection with nature.
I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone passionate about sports and the outdoors - a flawless combination of both worlds.
I'll certainly try it when opportunity arises - will you? Explore mushing experiences and dare to enjoy a sport that's endured for centuries.
