Shaynee Traska
32 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST MUSHER
Experience:
Veteran - YQ 200
Nationality: American
From: Two Rivers, Alaska
Occupation(s): Tour Guide
Social Media
Kennel Info
Kennel Name:
Howling Ridge Kennel
Breeds: Alaskan Husky
Bloodlines: Our own plus Chezik, Hall
# of Dogs in Kennel: 40
Musher Q & A
How many years have you been running dogs?
18
How did you get started running dogs?
I started running dogs when I was fourteen growing up in Michigan. I heard of the Iditarod when I was nine and told my parents I would race it someday. With the help of Ken and Lori Chezik, I jumped right into the sport by starting my kennel with four dogs and quickly growing from there.
Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?
I have run the Yukon Quest 300 from Fairbanks and love the challenge, especially Rosebud and Eagle Summits, so I am excited to be back for a shorter version with the goal of finishing and letting some younger dogs get a race experience.
What do you love most about running sled dogs?
I love the solitude with the dogs and seeing what tough challenges we can overcome together. Runnin dogs gives me special time to enjoy God's creation with my best friends
Tell us about your dogs, particularly some stories or facts about dogs running this year's race
My husband Jeremy, and I have bred and raised all but two of the dogs in our kennel. So they are our kids! Guiding dogsled tours in both the summer and winter plus running races, our whole lives revolve around the care and companionship of our incredible athletes.
List your recent sled dog races and/or best performances:
- 2022; Race: Copper Basin 300; Finish Position: 6th
- 2020; Race: Two Rivers 200; Finish Position: 2nd
- 2018; Race: Iditarod; Finish Position 48th
YQ Races
Sponsors
Canine Matrix, Shirley and Michael Gring, Wendy Hawkins, Heidi and David Hartman, Big Dan’s Trucking, Friends and Family that continue support us.