By: Nikki Allen 2010 Iditarod Teacher on the TrailTM Finalist
The name of his kennel says it all: The Happy Trail Kennels. Martin Buser believes that in order to be successful in his sport you must have happy dogs, which is his number one goals in raising sled dogs. Born in Switzerland, Martin became interested in sled dogs as a teenager. He moved to Alaska in 1979 to learn more about the care and training of sled dogs. Martin ran his first Iditarod in 1980 and currently holds the record for the most consecutive runs at 23. His 2002 team still holds the record for the fastest Iditarod by completing the race in 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes, and 2 seconds! Although the wins are special, Martin says that one of the awards that really sets a musher apart from the rest is to receive the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award. He has won this particular award four times (‘88, ‘93, ‘95, and ‘97).
Upon visiting the Happy Trails Kennels three days before the ceremonial start of the 2009 Iditarod, it was evident to me that Martin Buser raises healthy and happy sled dogs. You can see in Martin the love that he has for his dogs and his sport, especially when he uses the term “we” when talking about racing. “We” refers to Martin, his team, and his sled. He would never make it to Nome without the dogs, and they would never make it to Nome without him. They are a team. As with every team you need a leader and according to Martin, “there is really only one leader, and they better have two legs.” Martin provides the food, shelter, and the all-important order during the race. Because he is in charge, the dogs are relaxed and will give him full trust. Martin says that his favorite thing about driving dogs is the feeling that you have when you are out on the trails. When you have that “magic carpet” ride when everything is going right and you have all 16 dogs working in unison. It’s “addictive” he says.
The most educational experience on the trail for Martin was the storm of 1991 when he finished the race in second place. He says that it was the hardest anyone had ever worked in a race and the lesson that he brought out of the race was gaining trust in confidence in the dogs and himself in overcoming obstacles. As far as a favorite race goes, Martin says that the first win is always special, but the record run was pretty special too. Especially with it being what he calls a downhill race or “magic carpet” ride when everything really goes your way.
Martin Buser is truly one of a kind. A superior musher who has an exceptional passion and love for the sled dogs that he raises and trains. We wish him the best of luck on his 2009 journey to Nome.
For more information on Martin Buser and the Happy Trails Kennels visit their website at www.buserdog.com.
