Glossary of Race/Dog Sledding Terms

Bag
A formed bag fitted to the inside of the sled basket used to contain and protect the load.

Sled Basket
The area of the sled framework that holds the load.

Fan Hitch
A configuration for hitching the dogs to the towline, team dogs are fanned on both sides of the lead dog.

Gang Line
A stake-out line with individual drops, used for picketing dogs.

Harness
The webbing that encapsulates the dog to distribute the weight it pulls.

Musher
A person who drives the dog sled. In the case of this race the musher is the racer.

No Man's Land
Area 1/2 mile from the finish line where a lead musher is not required to give trail to an overtaking team (interference also is not allowed).

Skijoring
Running sled dogs with skis instead of a sled. Or, towing on skis behind a dogsled.

Tandem Hitch
A configuration for hitching the dogs to the towline, after the lead dog the team dogs are paired along the towline.

Tow Line
The rope extending from the sled, onto which individual or paired dogs are attached.

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