Page 22 - Trending Magazine 2018 Winter

Dashing Through The Snow_Layout 1 18-12-04 2:23 PM Page 2

ith a fresh dusting of snow on the
ground, paws crunching on the
Wtrail, tail wagging like crazy and his
best friend at his side one year old Husky
Spirit is ready to hit the skijoring trail with his
owner Di Ingram.
An avid cross country skier and lover of
dogs, Ingram was looking for an outdoor
activity that encompassed both.
“I had a dog and he had to come too,” Ingram
exclaimed, “I just want my dog with me.”
Finding skijouring to be the perfect fit she
embraced the art of the sport 12 years ago
and has not looked back since. Skijoring is
cross-country skiing with ones dog, with
both working together as a team to ride the
trail.
Skijoring offers the chance to get out in
nature, with a companion that enjoys the trip
it as much as she does.
“It’s being outside, it’s healthy for your dog
and it’s healthy for you,” Ingram explained,
“Winters a long time in Manitoba if you don’t
have something to look forward to… we just
wait for the snow.”
The biggest piece of advice Ingram
recommends to those looking to get into
skijoring, is to start cross country skiing first.
Taking the time to first learn the techniques
of cross country skiing builds skills and
confidence. One can then apply these
attributes to learn to ski with a dog.
“You gotta walk before you can run,” Ingram
said.
When ready to conquer the skijoring trails,
there are special skis available that are
similar to skate skis.
Getting started in Skijoring is easy. Ingram
uses a flexi leash, harness, safety skijoring
belt with a quick release and her cross
country skis.
“Huskies, they pull instinctively,” Ingram
added, “You put the harness on and they
want to go.”
Ingram has had some tumbles out on the
trail, but with the soft cushion of snow and
love of the great outdoors the activity is
addicting.
Di Ingram and her dog Spirit are ready to hit the skijoring trail Keeping her dog focused is the biggest
on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018. (Chelsea Kemp)
challenge Ingram faces on the trail. She
works to keep her dog from getting

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