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"Common
Knowledge usually gives the nod in speed to the
Alaskans over the more deliberate trot of the
Siberians, but she is erasing standards. At the
start line, her swifts were pounding their
harnesses, then descended the slope from the start,
disregarding resistance as the slight built Yeargain
stood on the brakes. A rooster tail of snow followed
the sled to the bottom." - By Joe Runyan, on
Karen's team at the Atta Boy '05 |
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ABOUT ME
Karen
Yeargain
I am a 50 year old Public Health Nurse who
discovered the sport of mushing in 1988.
In 1987, my first Siberian came into my life. Neka
was pet-bred, very pretty and out of control! In
taking her to obedience class, I met the woman who
would introduce the two of us to the sport of
mushing. Lin Neumann invited me and my 10 month old
pup out for a run "in harness". While Neka wasn't
too sure about that first run, I was hooked. Lin
surprised me with a smile and the words, "First
ride's free." I thought she was going to charge me
to go out again.
My next two dogs, Libby and Taska, were from
rescue situations. The three girls each gave me
their honest efforts in harness and allowed me to
explore and learn some mushing basics. This also
gave me time to find knowledgeable Siberian mushers and
become familiar with different running lines. |
Karen with Comet
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By the time I was
ready for my fourth dog, I was looking for a
sled-bred dog. My mentors, Judy & Phil Roger of
Spindrift Kennel (no longer active) referred me to a
top kennel in British Columbia who was retiring from
mushing and placing their best young dogs. After
visiting Chris & Jackie Marshall, I brought home
Meomar's Faux Pas, a two-year old leader, who
would become the foundation for my kennel. Two years
later, Judy & Phil sold me my foundation bitch,
Spindrift's Shulaces. The two breedings between
Foxxy & Shulaces produced sound, willing athletes
with strong lead tendencies. To that base, I have
factored in other key running lines, such as
Northome, Lokiboden and Anadyr, to produce a style
of athlete and companion that is well suited to the
tasks I ask of them.
As my team has evolved, so have my ideas on training
and expectations for my dogs. I want dogs who are
good companions, well behaved socially (in and out
of the kennel), eager to learn.....and dynamic in
harness. And I have found that I CAN have all of
this. I focus my training styles on getting each of
these factors; contrary to popular "rumors", I have
found that "cross-training" my dogs gets increased
responsiveness in harness, not decreased.
So now, after almost 20 years in mushing… raising,
training and racing the dogs who share this life
with me, I understand what Lin meant when she said,
“First ride’s free”. |
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