Joy Davis, Educational Journalist, IN
Skeeter and Karin
A mother’s influence on volunteering started the mushing career of Karin Hendrickson. Karin’s mom had been a volunteer at the Iditarod for a number of years. In 2002, she convinced Karin to join her. Karin wasn’t too enthused at this point. However, once she was able to experience a dogsled ride, things changed.
In 2003, she helped Ray Redington prepare for the race. Sled dogs were now in her blood. She went home to Idaho where she sold her possessions and quit her job. She moved to Alaska and found a job as a dog handler for Vern Halter. The following year she handled for Diana Moroney. She knew she was hooked when she competed in the Tustumena 200 in 2005.
In January 2006, Karin married former classmate Varan Hoyt. This was an outdoor wedding complete with sled dogs. The wedding was held at the Mile 3 marker of the Iditarod Trail.
Karin is simply motivated by her 4 legged athletes. She has observed that the dogs love what they do. And it’s contagious! Karin loves running the dogs.
I asked Karin about her proudest moment involving the dogs. She replied, “You would think it would be finishing my first Iditarod, but I have to say that crossing under the burled arch was almost anti-climatic. I was glad to be there and glad to be done, but after coming off the Yukon River in a blizzard, I had such confidence in my dogs that I never really had any doubts about finishing after that. I am always really proud of my dogs when they make progress, learn something new, or push through the odds. This weekend I had a yearling lead a 60 mile run. Near the end he was starting to look around and I could see that he was wondering if we were ever going to stop. When he finally recognized the turn 5 miles from home, he lit up and got so excited that he started barking and jumping on his neighbor, and we ran all the way home. He was starting to get discouraged, but I asked him to tough it out. You could see the moment when he realized that he wasn’t really that tired. I was so proud of him; I really love watching them make this kind of discovery.”
Funding a racing kennel is challenging. Paychecks are not enough. This year Pacific Tugboat Services is a corporate sponsor. Donations from family and friends also helps a lot. Every dollar helps.
Karin works a year-round job in environmental regulations. Her husband also works full-time during the winter. She also has a handler. Karin is only able to do short runs during the week due to her work schedule. The long runs take place on the weekend. Her husband also helps her train. He has been doing more of that lately since Karin fractured her collarbone.
The 2009 Iditarod was Karin’s first. Karin said, “It was the most fun I’ve ever had. You really are on your own out there. That’s kind of the spirit of the race. You have to be able to handle yourself.” She finished a very respectable 40th place. She was the 3rd rookie to finish.
Karin learned a lot in her maiden run. She said, “There are always new ideas about how to race and train, equipment selection, etc. It seems like things go through cycles. For many years mushers looked for strong, steady trotting dogs that could eat away the miles. Then for awhile you saw teams that loped to Nome. They went faster, but they rested lots. Now it appears we are back to strong and steady, but resting much less than before.”
In the off-season Karin makes repairs and works on the house. The dogs get at least 6 weeks rest after the Iditarod. They have a fenced in area where the dogs can run and play. Plans for the summer are to build a ‘playground’ for the dogs. During the summer there is a ‘dog of the week.’ This dog is allowed in the house. Here they learn new rules- what you are allowed to climb on and not to relieve themselves in the house. Karin says the dogs are quick learners. As a result of the one on one time in side she sees a difference in their relationships on the trail.
Please visit Karin’s website at www.blueonblackdogs.com
Safe trails-Karin.
