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Most
dog owners' pet exercise regime extends little further than a leisurely
plod around the local recreation ground, allowing pooch to relieve
itself and bark at some shiny things.
Gloucestershire's
Sean Thompson, however, has a rather more gruelling routine.
He's
the proud owner of a trio of huskies, and is currently training
his canine compadres in preparation for one of the world's foremost
sled races - the 2005 Aviemore Sled Dog Rally.
Sean
has been granted special permission to practise in two areas of
the Forest of Dean and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Naomi Wordley joined
him for his final session prior to the big race.
Barking
Despite
the antisocial 6am start, the dogs were keen to go, expressing their
excitement in typical fashion - barking a lot.
During
a race they can reach speeds of up to 20mph, and the sport requires
not only considerable bravery but a high level of fitness.
"When you reach a steep uphill section you need to get off
and give the dogs a hand," said Sean.
He
explained that there is also the risk of falling off or the dogs
becoming tangled, so racers need to be physically tough.
LEARN
TO SPEAK HUSKY
Gee
- Right
Haw - Left
Hike - Let's go!
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Mush
Nicky
Hutchinson, Simon's friend and fellow husky owner (she has eight)
came along to lend a hand.
As
Sean and team set off on a 2.5km circuit through the Forest, she
discussed the practicalities of sled racing.
Nicky
explained that the dogs' welfare was paramount for any good 'musher':
"During the race he will be looking at their condition, how
they're running, whether any of them are limping."
She
maintains that most of the dogs are more than happy spend their
time dragging noisy humans up steep hills: "They love it, anyone
who's seen the dogs can't say that the barking is anything other
than excitement.
"We
do have one who's not so keen but we don't make her do it.
"Our
lives revolve around them - it's very rare that we get to just go
off on holiday."
Commitment
With
this level of commitment required, it seems unlikely that husky
racing will be the nation's next big hobby craze.
But
when Sean and the team emerge breathless from the woods, his pleasure
is evident.
"That,"
he panted, "was a really good session."
While
pleased with his team's progress, Sean is realistic in his expectations
of the Aveimore event.
"'I'm
not hopeful of doing extremely well in terms of results," he
said, "I just hope that the dogs run to their potential, (if)
they do that then I'm happy really.
If
you would like to comment on this story get in touch at gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
or have your say on our
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Sean
Thompson is popping out with his dogs...to Scotland. The keen 'musher'
is taking his team of huskies to compete in the 2005 Aviemore Sled
Dog Rally.
