British Sleddog Activities BSA - THRUXTON 2014

Thruxton was the first rally to be held under the BSA banner and had over eighty entries and lots of classes for nordic and open breeds and was a hugely successful weekend. Matt and I walked the trail as we usually do before races as Thruxton is notorious for it's muddy trails and we had considerable rainfall the previous days. The trails were 3 miles in length and the rally consisted of a night and day stage and the trails as expected were very muddy but luckily we didn't suffer any rain on either day so that helped proceedings. We don't mind running dogs in the rain, in this country we do not get alot of choice but if it can be avoided it makes for an easier life. Night stage I had a good run with the boys which was their first race as a two dog together and about their fourth actual run as a two including training. This was there first time at Thruxton where some of the trails are by the side of the race track. The start is very open and the brothers did want to have a run on the race track but were very good listening to me and they took their turns beautifully and are very focused which was good as we were all negotiating the mud and puddles. Snak particulary is very good at finding the best route on a trail and he stepped up magnificently. Due to temperatures over the last few months we have only maybe trained at 3 miles a handful of times and I was mindful of this fact and that we had another three miles in the morning so I took it as steady as the boys would let me. I did have a light malfunction on the rig which meant no rig lights but luckily I had my helmet light as a back up and this didn't seem to affect the boys who came second in the first stage. After all the classes were out in the evening the trails were even more churned up and muddy in the morning and the rig experienced some slipping and sliding which around the sharp corners was fun if a bit scary. The boys worked really hard and we finished second place which we were delighted with. A good result for my recently turned veteran boys!

Matt with the girls in the three dog came second place a mere 21 seconds behind first place. Again, this was their first team up as a three and there fourth time out was a three dog and we are very pleased. This is a very balanced team and their movement was lovely to watch and they are so pretty! Aside from the actual racing part this was a very fun and friendly rally and it was great to see everyone again after a long summer. The lovely trophies were hand made by organiser Kevin Aiston (Moonfrost), gorgeous 'Show Rosettes' made by Zara Wooliscroft (Zarchenski) and we won goodies from CSJ feeds. Now we are looking towards our next rally which is with BSA again at the New Forest one of my favourite trails! Please no more mud!

For more pictures please see https://www.facebook.com/demoneira.sleddogs/media_set?set=a.617797264993333.1073741863.100002891968307&&uploaded=4