Musher Profiles!

What sparked your initial interest in sled dogs?

Ross: Well I guess years off going to see the Aviemore Rally since I was a wee lad! Then years later I was old enough to put time & effort into such a special breed and it is now a huge enjoyable part of my life.
Ian: The attraction was the look of the husky, along with visiting the Aviemore Rally for the past 15 years, fully enjoying the atmosphere. Late in life we decided to obtain our first Siberian and over the last 6 years like many others our pack has grown. The working side was from the inspiration of an old friend Ian Grant.
Kevin: It was an unusual outdoor sport that I had never had the chance or opportunity to try until meeting Kerry. (Ross' sister).

How long have you been involved with sled dogs?

Ross: Going on six years now. How time fly’s when you’re having so much fun!
Ian: Since we got our first sibes Sascka & Meiscka but just started competing myself with Fizz & Freckle last season.
Kevin: Had the odd occasion to compete since last season more often this but have been helping out all along.

How many dogs do the Webb family own, what breed and what are their names?

Ross: We now own seven Siberian Huskies, 3 boys 4 girls. First was Sascka who is the cute fluffy one who hates to get dirty, then came Meiscka my lead dog, then Jazz the show man, and our wonder boy Keebo was 4th in line, re-homed Fizz & Freckle last year who are my dads team, and last but not least is little Shadow who will hopefully be running round the forests next season.
Ian: Their names were a family decision apart from Fizz & Freckle named by the Thain Family who bred them.

What is your affix and how did you choose this name?

Ian: It was a film Ross had watched years ago and we changed the spelling to suit the sled dog scene.
Ross: A hard task trying to think of an affix we thought appropriate for our kennel but a good choice we think.

Tell us about your very first time behind a team of dogs:

Ross: My first time what a feeling, we were out with friends 'The Ludwig’s' Mike telling me the ins & outs and to enjoy myself, I was shaking all over!
Hat, Gloves, Ski goggles and a set of brakes to save me, what a laugh after that I was hooked and couldn’t wait for my next run.
Ian: My first experience was along an old railway line with Mike Ludwig at Carberry Estate and I loved every minute of it. Just a pity it was Mikes rear I had to follow as I could think of plenty others I'd prefer to chase round the trails!! HA HA
Kevin: Scary, Thrilling, but very very exciting and just hoping not to fall off.

What do you feed how & why?

Ross: We feed them Pie & Beans you should really ask my mother that one but no doubt she will tell you the same Pie & Beans. (Just joking) We feed them the Barf diet, which is a lot of fresh raw meaty bones, veggies, oil etc, it works for our lot.

What Are the Webb Families training philosophies?

Ross: Building a bond with the dogs so they are as confident and certain of what each of us is doing to work in unison as a team on different trails and in lots of various circumstances.
Ian: I go along with Ross on this one, also trying to improve my fitness so as not just to rely on my two dogs as pulling me is a good work out for them.

What, who or k9 inspires you in this sport?

Ross: All our dogs. When out training I can see for myself how much they love it and that’s enough to keep me inspired. Oh and the rush you get when they're chasing rabbits on the trail.
Ian: I am inspired by the enjoyment I see in our dogs when we arrive to go running.
Kevin: I have to say Keebo inspires me most, after everything my big pal has been through all he wants to do is get that harness on and run his heart out. Amazing.

What is the best advice you have received to date?

Ross: I get a lot of good advice from a very nice couple Milton & Rhona who have given a lot of there time and knowledge into helping me to get our dogs progress from just another team to being in our eyes a great working husky team with a lot more to give. (BIG THANKS)
Ian: All the advice we receive from Milton & Rhona Enterkin is worth its weight in gold to us and much appreciated, also go and enjoy as we all do.

What’s new for the future?

Ross: For me it’s to train our new puppy Shadow to run with the team for next season and continue successfully
Ian: To continue keeping my team in condition and myself super fit & slim!!
Kevin: Hopefully still to continue to compete at some more events.

How do you keep your van so neat & tidy?

Ross: All starts with a bucket & sponge add some good old fairy, vacuum inside, how hard can it be??
Ian: I spend most of my spare time it seems cleaning the van.
Kevin: Have you met Janis? There’s no excuse for the van to be dirty.

What’s your best mushing tip?

Ross: Take on board any good sensible advice offered. Don't get to serious go with the team and have fun.
Ian: enjoying the time out with your dogs.
Kevin: It can be hard sometimes depending on the dogs you run but it does pay off, enjoy it.

What is the most memorable proudest saddest moment?

Ross: Saddest: Finding out Keebo had HC, then his op to remove cataract wasn't successful leading eventually to him having his eye removed, leaving him about 60% sight in his remaining eye. Broke my heart. BUT Memorable: A rally I Attended at Devilla recently which my 4 dog team achieved 1st place and best time from the 6 & 4 dog teams (not being big headed) just very proud of our dogs especially my not to well sighted Keebo also Meiscka for tuning in with him so well, Fizz & Freckle……….. What a weekend!
Ian: My memorable moment was the first time I ran my dogs. Great pride in seeing all my family enjoying this sport and our dogs. Sad not to have started earlier in age.
Kevin: My proudest has to be my win at castle Oe'r and also Kerry's first Best in Show with Jazz at Aberdeen. (My dog this season running along with Sascka.) My saddest was Keebo's eye problems.

An all time favourite dog?

Ross: always been a PLUTO fan think he's great
Ian: known a few but can't identify for legal reasons

Best advice for a new musher

Ross: Sell the car, Buy a van, then a bigger van, and move to a house with a large garden.
Ian: Buy lots of waterproof clothing & wellies then learn to entertain yourself for a few hours until it’s your start time.
Kevin: Hold on tight Have fun