Page 24 - Trending Magazine 2018 Winter

Dashing Through The Snow_Layout 1 18-12-04 5:32 PM Page 4

However, you can visit
the back country when
you skijor, as long as
you bring wider skis.
Skiing for
enjoyment, Ingram
and Spirit can
travel upwards of
25 kilometres in
a single outing,
with the duo
loving every trip.
“He gets to
really run, when
I’m skiing,” Ingram
laughed, “Especially
down the hill, it
would just be white
knuckles.”
While Westman does
not have a large skijoring
community, Ingram has seen
the community grow over the
years. There has also been a group
of kick sledders emerge in the area.
Kick sleds offer a family friendly
alternative to skijoring, allowing participants to
ride longer straighter trails with young kids. “She’s excited to go, she knows we’re going to go out
Waiting somewhat patiently for the weather to turn, on an adventure,” Fletcher laughed. “She loses her
Brandon mom Alyssa Fletcher is willing it to snow so mind, she’s pretty pumped.”
she can get out on the skijoring trails. Fletcher skijors with back country skis, giving her
Fletcher first began kick sledding three years ago, the ability to go off trail and ski closer to home.
getting her first pair of skis for skijoring last “It’s just a really good outdoor option,” Fletcher
Christmas. beamed, “I just love being outdoors with my dogs.”
“We just used the dogs that we had to figure out if it November, a three legged dog, is able to pull the sled
was a sport for us,” Fletcher said. using a special harness. This will be November’s last
A kick sled is significantly smaller then a traditional year as a kick sled dog.
dog sled, using one or two dogs instead of a team. Having always had an interest in skijoring, Fletcher
The sled is propelled forward by kicking, with the was inspired to pick up a pair of skis after watching
dog helping to provide a little extra speed. videos on YouTube.
Unlike skijoring, kick sledding is not as dependent on Researching skijoring, she learned about kick
snow. It can be used even on a slick sidewalk. sledding, and found it was the perfect fit for her
Kick sledding with her dog November, Fletcher family, so every member can get out in the snow.
enjoys the sport. November gets visibly excited when “It’s just a great time,” Fletcher said. “Getting to the
she sees the harness, knowing it’s time to hit the trails trail is the hard part.”
and work. Fletcher’s Border Collie puppy McCoy, is her new
When the Brandon Hills are in sight, November sled dog in training. She is excited to see what McCoy
bristles with excitement, knowing she is about to race can do on the trail.
around the trails.

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