Page 23 - Trending Magazine 2018 Winter

Dashing Through The Snow_Layout 1 18-12-04 2:23 PM Page 3

distracted, listening to her directions and
commands.
“They can stop and change direction on a
dime and when you are skiing behind them –
they do that very quickly,” Ingram chuckled.
With time the two work as well oiled
machine, Ingram said, with the two learning
to work together.
An experienced outdoors woman and dog
owner, Ingram has a good idea on what could
distract her furry companion. Her aim is to
anticipate what may distract her dog first.
Although at times, she can end up in a big
heap.
Her craziest story involves her old dog
Scotty. The duo were out for a ride at dusk
when they encountered a herd of deer. The
deer, spooked by Ingram and Scotty, took
flight away from the duo.
Scotty took off right after them.
“I’m attached so I go too,” Ingram laughed,
“We had a bit of white knuckle ride.”
The adrenaline-filled ride left Ingram
unharmed, but inspired her to get a quick
release for the harness so she can free
herself in case of a similar event.
“You have to be safe for yourself and your
dog,” Ingram said.
Skijoring offers the chance to let out your
inner adrenaline junkie, with the opportunity
to go on more curvy trails and twisty turns.
The more a person rides with their dog the
easier it gets, as the canines learn to follow
the trails.
A frequent visitor of the many trails in the
Turtle Mountains, Sprucewoods, the
Brandon Hills, Riding Mountain National
Park and down by Wheat City Gold Course,
Ingram said there are a variety of places to
visit and skijor.
Trails are similar to ones that would be
found cross-country skiing. They are tracked
and packed; having the packed trails helps to
prevent build up of snow in dogs paws.
Skijorers avoid riding cross country ski trails
out of respect, because the dogs paws can
break down the grooves designed for cross
country skiers.
“We respect where they say no dogs for
skijoring,” Ingram explained.
Alyssa Fletcher and her dog November go for a kick sled ride on
Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. (Chelsea Kemp)
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