Shaynee Traska
32 YEAR OLD YUKON QUEST Musher
Nationality:
American
Current Residence:
Two Rivers, Alaska
Occupation(s):
Tour Guide
Kennel Name:
Howling Ridge Kennel
Kennel Bloodlines:
Our own plus Chezik, Hall
Breeds:
Alaskan Husky
# of Dogs in Kennel:
40
Howling Ridge Kennel
Sponsors:
Canine Matrix, Shirley and Michael Gring, Wendy Hawkins, Heidi and David Hartman, Big Dan’s Trucking, Friends and Family that continue support us.
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Musher Question & Answer

How many years have you been running dogs?
18
Tell us about your dogs, particularly some stories or facts about dogs running the 2022 race with you

My husband Jeremy, and I have bred and raised all but two of the dogs in our kennel. So they are our kids! Guiding dogsled tours in both the summer and winter plus running races, our whole lives revolve around the care and companionship of our incredible athletes. 

How did you get started running dogs?

I started running dogs when I was fourteen growing up in Michigan. I heard of the Iditarod when I was nine and told my parents I would race it someday. With the help of Ken and Lori Chezik, I jumped right into the sport by starting my kennel with four dogs and quickly growing from there.

What do you love most about running sled dogs?

I love the solitude with the dogs and seeing what tough challenges we can overcome together. Runnin dogs gives me special time to enjoy God's creation with my best friends

Why did you enter the Yukon Quest? What are your goals for the race?
I have run the Yukon Quest 300 from Fairbanks and love the challenge, especially Rosebud and Eagle Summits, so I am excited to be back for a shorter version with the goal of finishing and letting some younger dogs get a race experience.
What music do you listen to on the trail?

Year: 2022; Race: Copper Basin 300; Finish Position: 6th
Year: 2020; Race: Two Rivers 200; Finish Position: 2nd
Year: 2018; Race: Iditarod; Finish Position 48th