Nothing fancy here!

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This musher uses all breeds plus mixed rescue dogs on his team.

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From Sled Dog Race

A vet checks out one of the sled dogs from Rachel Courtney Grand Racing Kennels.

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Rachel is from Manitoba, Canada. This is her first time competing at the Pedigree Stage Stop Race. With her are 17 dogs and a puppy.

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Rachel has an 8 year competition history. She started learning the art of sled dog racing as a child with a harness and a husky who needed an outlet for his energy. This week she competing with her 10 dog team.

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Rachel Courtney from Manitoba, Canada with her lead dog.

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Pre-race dinner is prepared for the Magnusson Racing Team. These dogs are fed a prescribed diet with nutrition formulated for pre-race energy and post-race recovery.

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A peek inside the huge trailer of the Magnusson Racing Team.

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This team is from Michigan.

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The trailer can carry up to 32 dogs.

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Rigs of all sizes and descriptions from the United States and Canada have congregated for the pre-race vetting.

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These dogs are quite friendly as are their owners. Visitors are welcome to walk about the trailers, meet the dogs and their mushers.

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A sled stationed out of the way but near the trailer. Tonight the race begins in the town square of Jackson.

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It's early morning in Alpine, WY, and the dogs are terribly excited to get on the trail.

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It starts in Jackson, WY and winds through Wyoming and Idaho.

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It starts in Jackson, WY and winds through 4 states and covers over 300 miles in the course of one week.

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From Sled Dog Race

This lead dog is beside himself with energy.

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This lead dog is beside himself with enthusiasm. It is not uncommon for the dogs to jump over one another while in harness. Sometimes they manage to untangle themselves - sometimes the handler has to intervene.

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The noise is deafening with the barking dogs. The excitement is tangible. Total chaos to the uninitiated visitor.

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Settling the dogs.

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Settling down to business.

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The starting gate.

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Ready, Set.....

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and they are off and running!

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The first stretch of open trail.

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Mushers and dogs look happy to be out in their element.

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This musher has stopped to fix something amiss. Observe the lead dog. He is watching intently for the signal to start the team again as the musher releases the brake.

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I'm amazed that snowmobiles don't appear to distract the teams even a little bit.

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Look at this view! Makes me wish I were a musher.

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The lead dog has all 4 off the ground and a smile on his face. Does he look happy enough?

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And here comes Rachel Courtney! Her team appears to be working well.

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All it takes is.....

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one second for a surprise to happen. These guys are all out of kilter - but they straightened themselves out without a problem.

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How about trying this on for a little fresh air on a winter day. Looks easy enough....but I can just imagine the trouble I would get into if I attempted this.

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