Tennessee Mushing

This blog began as an opportunity to share little glimpses of our wanderings and adventures with friends and family.  As Ian has grown, so has the scope of topics for discussion! While horses, hiking, and whitewater sports are still parts of our family culture, our focus these days has largely shifted to Ian’s dogs and his endeavor to become a musher.

Ian, son, homeschools while trying to manage his growing team of dogs. He enjoys kayaking and playing both violin and mandolin, but his overwhelming passion is to become a dogsled racer. He has three Siberian huskies and 3 Alaskan huskies.

Ashlee, me, mom and chief dog handler for Ian.

Balto, husky #1, moved in with out family on Easter day, 2019. Balto, born March 19, 2019, satisfied Ian’s conviction that life is not worth living without a husky. Since joining our family, Balto has become Ian’s ride or die partner, and has claimed permanent “shotgun” status as the co-passenger of Ian’s go-kart. So far Balto enjoys running in harness, but is in no hurry to go fast.

Jenna, husky #2, is half sister to Balto and was born May 11, 2021. She and Ian almost share a birthday! She is the cuddliest little girl, and needs her belly rubbed constantly. She loves to receive and give kisses, but her long aardvark tongue can be quite off putting.

You Shallot Pass, is a running line Siberian from Lunobe kennels. Her breeder, Stephanie Shick , picked Ian to train Shallot. She’s a spicy onion who loves to run fast!

Carly, a sweet Alaskan gifted to Ian by Chelsea, a sprint musher in Illinois, is a solid leader who loves to tap her paw on our legs to get our attention.

Colt, Ian’s powerhouse wheel dog, came from Larry and JoAnn in Michigan. Colt is a bold Alaskan with a short coat and big work ethic. He loves to run hard and give big hugs.

Uzi, Colt’s littermate, came home from Michigan as Ian’s token bonus dog. She’s a sweet lady who loves to run wherever Ian needs her, whether than be in wheel or lead. Uzi needs lots of reassurances that she is loved, or else she chews up anything she can get into her mouth.