November 2013

November saw our first rally of the season at the New Forest. It was the 30th anniversary of the event and the final New Forest event to be held under the ABSA Sled Dog organisation. Thankyou to Mike and Lyn Harrison for all their hard work over the last thirty years. Training wise the dogs have just over 40 miles under their belt, ideally we would like this at least doubled before we start racing but warm temps and Matthew having an operation and recovery time has meant we haven't been out on the trails as much as we would like to. The training has mostly been in small teams on a rig on hilly trails with the odd quad training with large teams courtesy of good friends on flat grassy surfaces. Matthew entered the three dog class and came a very respectable sixth out of a very competitive class. This was the first race for Snik as a lead dog who for the last six years has been a wheel dog, he has been training in lead for the last few months and he was great in lead with Laika and we are absolutely delighted with his performance and look forward to the future season with him in lead. Lou came seventh in the two dog with pocket rockets Kara and Cassidy which was Kara's second rally and Cassidy's first, Kara has been a natural from day one but Cass who was very poorly as a pup suffers a little from a lack of confidence but we have been gently working with her so she feels confident running and now she is a focused little girl when she is harness. Out of harness she is still a Squibly highly strung sibey who loves kisses but this just makes her extra lovable. Dependable strong boys, Huxley and Tonrar got a nice run out in the recreational class so all the dogs were happy and we were very pleased with the dogs performance and we are excited for the future of our teams. Our next rally Great Wood, is on the 30th November and 1st December which we are organising for the Alaskan Malamute Working Association.  This rally is a night and day stage along the Quantocks Hills in Somerset, watch this space for how we get on!