Dryland mushing is one of the fastest-growing areas of dog-powered sports, especially in regions with limited winter snow. In this episode of The Dog Driver, we talk with an experienced dryland musher, Leendert Van Dorp, about how teams train, race, and compete at the IFSS Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

The conversation covers real-world dryland mushing equipment, including scooters, bikes, canicross, four-dog rigs, and six-dog rigs, as well as kennel size, dog selection, nutrition, and training schedules. We also discuss balancing work, family, and dogs, how dryland racing has expanded over the years, and why more mushers are shifting toward dryland competition.

This episode is a practical, experience-based look at life as a dog driver off snow.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Michigan-based racer Samantha Wawiernia to talk about one of the most unique paths into dog-powered sports. Samantha began mushing to condition her bear and coon hounds for hunting, then transitioned those same dogs into competitive dryland racing.

The conversation explores running hunting hounds alongside sled dogs, building a family-centered kennel, training without reliable snow, and racing primarily in dryland formats across the Midwest. Samantha also shares her preparation and experience at the IFSS World Championships, including racing a young six-dog team to a championship win.

This episode highlights adaptability, family involvement, and how modern mushing continues to evolve beyond traditional sled dog models.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP are joined by dryland racer Nova Clifford from New Hampshire. A third-generation musher, Nova shares how she grew up in sled dog racing and how the sport has evolved from large family kennels to modern dryland and mono-sport competition.

The conversation covers building a small competitive kennel, training four-dog rig teams, developing leaders, and racing in changing snow conditions across New England and Canada. Nova also discusses competing at the IFSS World Championships, traveling long distances with dogs, and balancing performance with long-term dog development.

This episode offers an honest look at the future of mushing through the eyes of a younger generation that values tradition, adaptability, and the bond with their dogs.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com