Racing with huskies Cumbria style

Matthew's huskies in their more natural environment

Matthew Clarke originally meant to buy his partner Adele Moffat some fish for her 21st birthday.

Instead he opted for a husky called Koda, and the couple fell in love with the dogs as a breed.

Matthew can now be seen racing through the wilds of Cumbria on a sled pulled by his team of huskies.

He and Adele attend race meetings throughout the country and they have their eyes set on a world championship win.

Huge inspiration

This pack of huskies is so quiet and well behaved you would not know they are out in Matthew and Adele's back yard.

Among them are Koda, Keano and Rogue, evocative names helping to create the image of Siberian huskies in the snow.

They take some exercising too. Matthew and Adele really need to give them a proper run in an open area rather than the conventional walk on a lead.

Prior to buying Koda, Matthew and Adele had been up to see husky racing at Drumlanrig Castle and it was a huge inspiration for them both.

The sled used by Matthew is like a three wheeled BMX-style contraption, with rear left and right brakes. The rear wheel brakes are easier to use according to Matthew.

Hold on tight

Matthew says the rigs travel at an average speed of 16mph over a four mile course, but can travel up to 32mph.

Matthew Clarke with one of his many huskies

He once came off and was dragged for 30m. When you fall off, Matthew says you have to hang on for dear life for the sake of the dogs. Fortunately, Matthew was dragged along on the grass so he wasn't badly hurt.

Matthew has been out on the snow four times now, with six dogs at Aviemore, and he loved the experience.

He described the handling as being very similar to skiing only more perilous.

Matthew hopes in time to try for world champion - he has friends who have already achieved this three times.

He wants to build his team of dogs, get passports for the animals and maybe have a go at the world championships on snow.

Once the team of dogs is up to full strength, Adele intends to try her hand at the sport, though she is a bit more cautious than Matthew.