Musher Terms ---
       A Mushers' Dictionary

These are some terms that you will hear mushers, handlers, and anyone else associated with mushing say.

Booties: Usually soft mitten-like apparel fitted to the dogs' feet by a velcro sash to protect them from injury.
Brake: A claw-type piece of metal that the musher steps on to dig in the snow and stop the dog team.
Checkpoint Officials: Volunteers handling all aspects of the checkpoints, including checking mushers, locating vets, monitoring food, handlers, and spectators.
Dropped Dog: A term for a dog running the race that has been pulled from the race for various reasons, usually because the dog is getting tired or may have received an injury. The dog is marked and boxed in its home on the truck (dog box) and cannot be added back to the team for this race. Dropping a dog is a positive option in injury prevention.
Gangline: The nylon cords that individual harnesses are attached to in order to form team.
Gee (jee): A command for the lead dog to go right.
Ham Radio Operators: People specially trained to operate ham radio communications with other checkpoints and help in maintaining the safety and whereabouts of the mushers.
Handler: The musher's assistant in checkpoints. A handler helps take care of the dogs, change runners on the sleds, take care of the musher, drive the truck, and clean up the musher's assigned areas in checkpoints.
Haw: A command for the lead dog to go left.
Layover: Required resting time in checkpoints for all mushers during a race to ensure safety.
Mukluk: Boot made in early soft boot-style by Alaskan natives.
Musher: The person who pedals and/or runs behind the sled to assist the dogs in negotiating the sled and trail (also called the dog driver).
Parka: Coat pulled over head originally made of animal skins now made of fabric.
Pedaling: A musher will push the sled with one leg to help the dogs negotiate the trail.
Race Headquarters: The central location for information, located in Helena at the Park Plaza Hotel in Helena. It is staffed 24 hours a day during the race by ham radio operators and other race volunteers. Information is sent all over the country.
Race Officials: People chosen by the Race to the Sky Board of Directors for their expertise and are in charge of the race once it starts.
Race Time: Total race time, including layovers and resting on the trail.
Runners: Two long wood or metal extensions to the back of the sled for the musher to stand on.
Sled: There are many types of sleds, toboggans are used for long distance or a lighter sprint for shorter distances. They are made of hardwood with lattice-work on the back and sides or sometimes metal.
Sled Bag: A cloth, weather-resistant bag to hold mandatory gear in the sled.
Snow Hook: A sharp hook, used by a musher, to anchor the sled in the snow to help stop the dog team.
Team: The musher, dogs, handler, and truck driver consist of the entire crew.
Trail Crew: Snowmobilers who find, pack, and groom the trail so that the teams navigate safely.
Trail Time: Total time on the trail, not including mandatory layovers.
Vet Check: A pre-race event where trained veterinarians give all competing dogs a physical exam. All dogs running the race receive a special marking to show officials they are in top physical condition. No dogs may be added or substituted to the team after examination at the vet check