Ask The Musher
Rick Holt

What made you choose your Lead Dog?

I chose Houston to be my lead dog for the simple fact that we have known each other for a long time, we listen to each other, and we like to spend time together. Houston is dependable, predicable and does not give up. Earlier in a qualifier, he ran single lead for half the race (150 miles). Houston is consistently happy and ready to go. And this dog would never ever pass up a meal. I was fortunate to have several (6 of 16 dogs) leaders on the team for the race. In addition another 4 or 5 that will get out front and run...they just don't listen so well :) Interestingly enough I was working with a young female leader and a 2 year old male leader that I wanted to give some experience to during the race. I was thinking that the race would provide some excellent training opportunities...when my team started to come apart near Unalakleet they came through as all-stars. Some leaders arise out of necessity, they are at the front of the team, not because I have selected them, but because they have a specific set of traits and abilities that match the given situation. The challenge of leading, whether mushing or elsewhere, is recognizing an individual's abilities and setting them up to be successful.

Do your dogs generally get along with each other?

Our dogs get along wonderfully. I do have a male dog who prefers to not have another male running behind him...lucky for him and me this dog loves running wheel and he willingly ran wheel for the entire race. The dog is super human. For the majority of the team I am fortunate in that they are very flexible and will run just about anywhere I ask.

What is your best piece of advice for prospective, future racers?

Race to have fun. Set personal goals and challenge your self. Racing should be a way to benchmark (compare against others) the improvements you are trying to make. If you are currently in a situation where you are winning all the time, then where is the learning and improving? Go out and find others who are doing better than you are currently and determine how you could make your self and your team a bit more efficient. Work hard at getting better but don't sell out on the fun. You and your dogs need to enjoy what you are doing. I found it difficult to remember that during the middle of the race. I was very fortunate to have others around me who were willing and able to remind me about the fun. It has to be fun.

What do you miss most while you’re on the trail?

I missed being able to share my challenges and success with my wife. Tiffany is an incredible woman who has always been there as a sounding board and a source of advice.  She may not know everything about dogs but she does know me very well making her an excellent resource when I get stuck inside my own head.  I also missed playing with the boys.  Keegan and Rohnan are always up for fun.  They have a great sense of humor and are a welcomed diversion from adult life.  Plus I enjoy learning with the kids, they are fascinated by new information so its fun to share with them and it allows me to process the new knowledge myself.