Nationality: 

American

Age:

34

Occupation:

Tour Guide

Personal Website:

www.howlingridgekennel.com

Facebook:

Howling Ridge Kennel Racing Sled Dogs

Instagram:

@shaynee_howlingridgekennel

Twitter:

N/A

Kennel Name:

Howling Ridge Kennel

Breeds included:

Alaskan Husky

Number of dogs in kennel:

48

Number of years running dogs:

20

How did your kennel get its name?

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

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.

What do you love most about dog sledding?

I love the solitude and being in God’s beautiful creation with just my best friends.

Please share any interesting stories or facts about your dogs that will be running in the 2024 race:

My husband and I have bed and raised almost every single dog in our kennel, so they are all very special to us. I will be running some dogs that have raced in the last eight years with us as well as some young, first-time racers.

Are you a member of any other organizations in sled dog sports?

No

Why did you enter the 2024 Yukon Quest and 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 1,000 mile Quest., so I am very much looking forward to seeing the Canada side. The goal is to finish the race and enjoy new country with the dogs.

Do you listen to music on the trail? If so, what types?

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

How did your dogs get their names?

We choose themes for each litter.

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 of work to support the kennel plus manage the team and our lifestyle. Jeremy does it all without complaining. He support me in all of my crazy adventures!

Tell us about your favorite volunteer experience on the trail:

Last year in the Alaska 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 (Mile 101 Checkpoint) 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.

List recent sled dog races and/or your best performances:

Year		Race		Finishing Position
2023		Alaska Yukon Quest 550		8th
2022		Alaska Yukon Quest 200		3rd
2022		Copper Basin 300		6th
2018		Iditarod		48th

Who are your sponsors for 2024?

Emerald Valley Natural Health

Mushroom Mix

My parents – Toni and Scott Seipke