The UK sport is comparatively recent and stems from the establishment of the Siberian Husky during the 1970s.
Using dogs to pull sleds in competition started in an organised way during the early 20th century. Teams were the only way for people and supplies to get into developing regions of North America during the 'gold rush'. Drivers, or 'mushers' were equivalent to modern lorry drivers and teams were vital as a means of earning an income and ensuring survival as conditions were sometimes harsh and inhospitable.
Discussions possibly took place in camp where comparisons and boasts were made regarding the ability and performance of individual teams leading to impromptu, then organised races. The competition soon developed into annual races, the All Alaskan Sweepstakes being the most prestigious. Racing became an interest and sport with drivers and dogs being chosen for ability to race rather than pull freight. Siberia dogs were introduced into Alaska for this sole purpose being lighter in build and more athletic than freighting dogs.
During the 20th century, racing became established as the national sport in Alaska. When the first people began to breed and develop the Siberian Husky in the UK, they naturally wished to continue with the sport that had been the reason for the breed's development in North America. Their ability to pull sleds at speed was improved and this was an important aspect when deciding to own and breed these charismatic creatures.
In summer North American 'mushers' exercised their dogs with wheeled carts, examples of which were available to copy. These had wheels usually derived from motor cars or mopeds. Initially, races were quite slow as dogs were untrained, carts heavy and drivers inexperienced. Racing continued and the breed club spearheaded the organisation of many during the early years and as participants increased, number of dogs grew, things changed.
First attempts to work sled dogs in the UK were based on information and guidance from North America. Conditions were unique and these forced the sport to evolve. The first problem encountered was our natural lack of snow to train on regularly. The need to book race venues up to a year in advance, unsympathetically warm temperatures and general lack of space were problems faced by organisers. These difficulties in the main have been addressed and define what takes place today. Participants are happy to continue with a more relaxed approach to running dogs in harness. Various forms of freighting and 'outdoor' activities continue successfully together with races along traditional North American lines.
A group of enthusiasts decided to push forward with a race series that would, in their opinion, better suit UK conditions. Rapid development took place on 'rigs' as the racing carts are known. Average weight fell from around 150 lbs to under 30lbs. Material changed from mild steel to stainless and wheels and brakes utilised latest developments made in the world of mountain bikes. Harnesses and lines were sourced from leading suppliers and racing rules developed to better suit local conditions. A number of people looked to North America as a source of better racing dogs and good stock was imported from Alaska and Canada. Training techniques improved leading to greater aspirations and achievements in the new race series. This series became the British Championship and over recent years created gold medal winners and top performances by highly trained athletic dogs.
Races are organised in a highly professional manner with five regular classes, start position seeding, rig and equipment inspections. Team sizes range from one dog to six.
The scooter class is a recent addition to the race calendar with drivers using a two wheeled scooter. They put in as much effort as a single dog and it runs over an average 1½ miles.
The 2 dog (D) class started in the UK during the early days. It recognised the difficulty faced by many of keeping a large number of dogs, but still wishing to compete in the sport. Successful entrants need to make great efforts during the race, especially on uphill gradients and rough trails. Average 'D' class races are run over 2-3 mile courses.
The 3 dog (C3) class is a fairly recent addition. Some competitors have in the region of 5-6 dogs, but due to their varied ages and ability they can only match three dogs of status for a competitive team. This class is highly contested and runs over a course 3-4 miles.
The 4 dog (C4) class is the staple of larger kennels and though only four dogs are required, most top level competitors own and train more dogs. This allows them to race their four best dogs while keeping one or two in reserve should an injury cause problems during the race season. Trail distances are normally 4-5 miles.
The 6 dog (B) class is the 'Grand Prix' of UK Husky racing. This class is the most difficult to compete in as the team needs six dogs all running at the same speed. The speeds are now so fast and corners at times so acute, leaders must not only make and maintain pace, they must turn instantly when the turn call is made by the driver. The trail length for this class, as in all the others, is controlled by the weather conditions and can range from 4-6 miles. To be competitive dogs need to run at an average of over 18 miles per hour.
Races are now so close in finishing times many, including championships, have been won or lost by split seconds. Most UK races are run on Forestry Commission land where the trails are set on a grid system. Surfaces tend to be grass and soil as shale and stone are obviously a serious danger to a dog's feet with risk of cut pads ever present. The level of fitness expected for racing dogs requires a rigid and continued regime of training. Most top racing teams will be out in the forest early morning, running in harness three or four times a week throughout the year. Training distances during the warm summer months are obviously reduced and water stops are part of the programme which increases during the build-up to the race season lasting from November until March.
Races are run using pre-determined start times at two minute intervals. An electronic beam across the finish line is linked to a computerised monitor giving instant finishing positions to excited spectators. The British Championship series consists of 16 races over eight race weekends and twelve best results give the final winning positions at the season's end.
The sport has progressed as a result of a serious attitude to development and improvement of related equipment, a realistic approach to trail surface, local weather conditions and most importantly, sympathetic and dedicated attitudes to training the Siberian Husky. Breeding programmes involving other breeds and cross breeds have been used in many countries but this dog, more than any other, has contributed to the development and success of the sport worldwide. Reigning supreme in the UK, it will remain synonymous with sled racing and the reason for the sport.
