X
Shaynee Traska
Shaynee Traska
34 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST MUSHER
Experience:
Rookie - YQ 450
Nationality:
American
From:
Two Rivers, Alaska
Occupation(s):
Tour Guide

Social Media

Howling Ridge Kennel
Howling Ridge Kennel

Kennel Info

Kennel Name:
Howling Ridge Kennel
Kennel Name Origination:

I've always loved listening to the dogs howl and when I was young my kennel sat on a ridge.

Breeds:
Alaskan Husky
Bloodlines:
Our own
# of Dogs in Kennel:
48

Musher Q & A

How many years have you been running dogs?
20
How did you get started running dogs?

I got my first team of sled dogs when I was 14 in Michigan. I had first heard of the sport when I was nine years old and told my parents I wanted to be a musher.

How did your dogs get their names?/ How do you choose names?

We choose themes for each litter.

Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?

I have seen most of the Alaska side of the Quest trail and have always wanted to run the full 1000 mile Quest, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing a lot of the Canada side. The goal is to finish the race and enjoy new country with the dogs.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?

I love the solitude and being in God's beautiful creation with just 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! I will be running some dogs that have raced the last eight years with us as well as some first-time racers.

Tell us about your favourite experience with a volunteer on the trail

Last year in the Alaska Quest 550, there was a gentleman who was making eggs and bacon for all of the racers. He was so friendly and happy to be out in the middle of nowhere, keeping us mushers fed. He made me lots of bacon on both the out and return trip and it was just wonderful to see someone so happy out there.

What music do you listen to on the trail?

A wide variety of music - a lot of Christian worship, country, Bruce Springsteen.

Share a quick story about one of your indispensable handlers

My handler will be my husband, Jeremy. He is a musher and racer himself, yet unselfishly gives up competing and gives so much time and energy helping me train. We don't have handlers, so it is a lot to work to support the kennel plus manage the team and our lifestyle. Jeremy does it all without complaining. He supports me in all of my crazy adventures!

What mushing organizations are you a member of?

None.

List your recent sled dog races and/or best performances:
  • 2023; Race: Alaska Quest 550; Finish Position: 8th
  • 2022; Race: Alaska Quest 200; Finish Position: 3rd  (Vet’s Choice Award)
  • 2022; Race: Copper Basin 300; Finish Position: 6th
  • 2020; Race: Two Rivers 200; Finish Position: 2nd  (Vet’s Choice Award and Sportsmanship Award)
  • 2018; Race: Iditarod; Finish Position: 48th

YQ Races

2022 Yukon Quest 200

Sponsors

Emerald Valley Natural Health, Mushroom Matrix and my parents Toni and Scott Seipke.