Šediváček's Long celebrates 25 years. The race will take place traditionally at the end of January

This world-famous dogsled race called Šediváček's Long is celebrating a quarter of a century's history. The stage race called the "sleddog trace" is held every year in Deštné in Orlické Mountains. Mushers from all over the world will be competing for the 25th time on an up to 300 km long track in just a few weeks' time, traditionally during the last January weekend. The organisers are hoping that the race will be able to take place after a one-year break.

The legendary Šediváček's Long dogsled race will be taking place in just a few weeks' time. What to look forward to? 

Dogsled races not only beyond the Arctic Circle

There is perhaps no musher who has never heard of the Šediváček's Long. This musher event of the year, or at least in the Czech context, will celebrate a quarter of a century of existence. The jubilee race was supposed to take place this year, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have postponed it to 2022. It is not only because of such significant historical milestone in the organisation of the races but also thanks to the one-year break that all the fans of this dog sport are more than excited.

Šediváček's Long attracts also amateur mushers

The extreme race is classed as long trail and although its motto is "Towards the polar worlds", it is not intended only for professional mushers. According to the organisers, any dog lover or fan of dog sledding can attend. If you are considering taking part, it is high time to start preparing. You will have to conquer over two hundred kilometres along the Orlické Mountains mountain ridge and compete with 600 furry participants of all sorts or breeds. 

More than a hundred competitors have already registered. You can choose from a 200 km four-stage category or a 300 km long trail with five stages. Whether a spectator or a participant, mark the 25 - 27 January 2022 in your diary and see you at the village of Jedlová u Orlického záhoří in Orlické Mountains. The full list of conditions for the participation in the race can be found at official race website www.czechlongrail.com.

Musher vocabulary

Do you know what go, gee or haw? Musher vocabulary is very rich and if you want to understand the race a little, it is good to know at least a few basic terms. The key commands for racing dogs are go - run, gee - turn to the right and haw - turn to the left. The dogsled rider and the dog handler in one is called the musher and the sled he is riding on is called toboggan. It is the most common sled model you can come across in this sport. Musher slang has dozens of terms and it is sort of a musher Esperanto, which you can use in dogsled communities all over the world.

Mush!

Related articles

Nutrition: How to feed your pet during summer

Summer months bring hot weather and also holidays. What sort of nutrition do animals require during this period? Is it necessary to change their diet on hot days? And what is most important during hot temperatures? We have discussed this topic with...

How to ensure that your cat is content at home

Despite being self-reliant animals to a certain extent, cats are provided with the best possible care by their owners who make sure that those balls of fluff are content in any circumstances. What is required by cats that live with us in a flat? And...

How to make a hammock for pet rats?

Everyone should have their own place where they can relax in peace. This also applies to animals. Rats, for example, who are very sociable and in nature live in large groups, usually have their own place where they can recharge by the side of their...

Having a dog in the car and ensuring his safety

Today, there are a number of products and gadgets for riding with a dog, which will ensure that we can take the dog with us safely on longer journeys. However, you should pay attention to driving safety even if you only drive a few kilometers. Even...

Dog agility: What does it entail?

Dog agility is a discipline that means a lot of exercise for both the dogs and the handlers, but also a lot of fun. In addition, it strengthens the relationship between the owner and the animal, and also allows the dog to learn new skills. Another...

Cat on a leash: Going for a walk

In most cases, cats love being in nature and active, so it comes as no surprise that felines living in houses and flats may occasionally want to go out and explore the world. If you have such a cat at home, you may find useful the following tips on...

Specially trained dogs can detect COVID-19

Czech cynologists from the Search and Rescue Czech Republic team have managed to train eight dogs who can tell if you have COVID-19. Detecting the disease is a worldwide problem, which is also recognized by VAFO, who supported the project financially...