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Ed Stielstra
47 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST MUSHER
Experience:
Rookie - YQ 1000
Nationality:
American
From:
McMillan, Michigan
Occupation(s):
Kennel Owner and Musher

Kennel Info

Kennel Name:
Nature's Kennel
Kennel Name Origination:

When we started the kennel we had a lab mix named Nature that was my soulmate. So it was only fitting to name our kennel after her.

Breeds:
Alaskan Huskies
Bloodlines:
Stielstra, Berkowitz
# of Dogs in Kennel:
150

Musher Q & A

How many years have you been running dogs?
25
How did you get started running dogs?

I had always loved working with dogs and the first time I ever saw sled dogs hooked up in harness, it was happiest I had ever seen dogs. I knew then that I had to run dogs.

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

Each of our litters had a theme that all of the names are associated with. Some of our litters have been named after candy bars, board games, and my highschool friends.

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

I've been wanting to run the Yukon Quest for a long time and this year, with the help of Laura Neese in training, the goal is becoming a reality. I'd like to run the race as fast as possible and finish being proud of how my dog team looks at the finish.

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

Every year at a race in Michigan called the UP200. There is a seemingly endless amount of volunteers at the starting line helping to get the teams safely to the start. So when I think of favorite volunteers, the UP200 start always comes to mind.

What mushing organizations are you a member of?
  • Luce County Mushers
  • Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association
List your recent sled dog races and/or best performances:
  • 2016 Iditarod - 33rd Place
  • 2016 UP200 - 4th Place
  • 2012 Iditarod - 25th Place

YQ Races

2017 Yukon Quest 1000

Sponsors

Royal Canin USA, Dogbooties.com