Husky dog sled rides have come to Gloucestershire. Julie Andrews joins Arctic Quest to try out the sport.
From Able Magazine #109 (January/February 2014), by Julie Andrews.
On a rainy, cold, winter’s morning, I arrived at Arctic Quest to the barking chorus of 13 excited huskies. No amount of rain could possibly have dampened the thrill of meeting the entire team, up so close and very intimately.
Owners, Vickie and Chantelle have visitors meet and greet the dogs in person, each dog’s character and nature is explained, making bonding easy and immediate. It is an extraordinary way to start your day, getting lost in the hugs and soul-searching depth of their azure patterned eyes. I can see why huskies inimitable beauty so instantly has people falling for them and why some of the dogs here have been chosen to work with autistic children and adults. The calm bestowed upon you as the huskies accept you into their fold is gently mesmerizing and you feel soothed simply being in their midst.
Huskies have been bred for centuries to work and if anyone is under any illusion that these canine beauties are easy-going, cuddly pets that don’t need much exercise, please think again. Adult huskies can potentially run up to 80 miles a day. They make fantastic pets, but first and foremost, they are workers.
Mushing and Me
My dog sledding run was to be very different. Instead of the usual standing rigs that are only suitable for people that are steady on their feet, I got to join in on a training day where the dogs pull a golf buggy. Vickie and Chantelle are preparing for accessible husky runs and I was here to Guinea pig a safe fun option for the future.
Our dogs were duly harnessed to the buggy and Vickie gave me a quick briefing. Finally we were ready. One tug of the reigns and we were off. The line pulled tight and the huskies accelerated in an explosion of mud and grass.
I had for a moment, wondered if running the dogs this way would be as exciting as a standing rig, I need not have worried, for it was instantly furiously fast and fun. We may have had the aid of an engine on our vehicle but as far as the dogs were concerned, ‘they’ were doing all the work and the pulling power of four working dogs out front, was mighty.
The first lap was so fast that our sturdy golf buggy was bouncing us girls about like space hoppers on a trampoline. We laughed so hard we could barely breathe as muddy water from the up-spray was freckling our faces. The dogs were in their element too, the sound of determination emanating from their steaming mouths, and their excitement obvious with every happy stride they took.
Driving the Dogs
Just as we were about to complete the first lap, I was warned with seconds to spare that a deep dip in the field might just require a more determined hand hold from me. As the buggy slammed down into the deep grass trench, down went the wheels and up went us girls. Landing with my face slammed in Vickie’s shoulder our mirth was now at exploding point, but ever the professional with her eyes firmly on the dogs, Vickie spotted something in front and had to pull for all she was worth, commanding the dogs away from their bunny distractions.
Our next circuit showed just how much respect the dogs have for their owners. Vickie was proudly extolling how well the dogs were running when an argument broke out between two of them. The rest of the pack carried on running but were becoming entangled. Vickie stopped and quietly took the argumentative dog out of the harness. Her quiet demeanour calmed the dogs instantly and the rest of the run was raced without a hitch.
Later we changed dogs. Having been used to the bump and grind of four huskies, I was a lot more blasé about this next session, assuming that with only two dogs up front, the going would be calmer. I hadn’t accounted for a 10 month old husky puppy’s determination. The first leg of the sprint was smooth and easy, the puppy matching its mother easily for stamina and speed. It was astonishing that the youngster could keep pace so well. Then in a split second of distraction, the puppy headed sharp right to chase some unseen furry creature in its midst. The top half of me catapulted so far out of the buggy that Vickie had to grab me quick and throw me back against the seat.
“Sorry about that” she said, as dogs and direction were tamed back onto a straight path. “That’s alright” I laughed, spitting out a clump of grass and clasping my startled heart tight. The remainder of the mush went seamlessly and to the credit of the little one, never once did she falter again and once the dogs realised that home was in sight, they raced with a speed that had me pinned to the back of my seat.
The final part of my dog day was spent in blissful puppy cuddle time. Two little beauties settled into my arms and delightedly sucked at my fingers and nose with contented abandon.
More: Arctic Quest is now offering the chance for everyone to experience a husky run. Their fast and steady dogs are compatible with all levels of rider. I do suggest you wear the seat belt on the buggy run and have someone with you to help get you up into the seat.
Arctic Quest
Croft Farm, Bredon’s Hardwicke,
Bredon,
Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire,
GL20 7EE
Telephone: 07968 794758
Email: vickie@arcticquest.co.uk
