Iditarod Judge and Race Director Dan Carter

In this episode of the Mushing podcast, host Robert Forto interviews Dan Carter, the race director for the Pedigree Stage Stop. Dan shares his journey into the world of dog mushing, detailing his experiences from guiding in Minnesota to racing in the Iditarod. He discusses the various locations he has run dogs, the transition from being a musher to a race director, and the responsibilities that come with these roles. Dan also reflects on the future of dog mushing and offers advice for newcomers to the sport.

Takeaways

Dan Carter has been involved in dog mushing for over 27 years.
His journey began in Minnesota, where he fell in love with mushing.
He has raced in various locations across North America and even in France.
Dan emphasizes the importance of the entire mushing experience, not just racing.
He has never owned his own kennel but has worked closely with other mushers.
Mushing is a full-time commitment for many, including Dan.
The Rocky Mountains and Boundary Waters are among his favorite places to run dogs.
As a race director, Dan’s focus shifts from personal competition to the overall event.
He believes the sport of mushing will continue to thrive in the coming years.
Getting a mentor is crucial for those starting in dog mushing.

Sound Bites

“This is Mushing, brought to you by First Paw Media.”
“I grew up in central Indiana, was always kind of an outdoor kind of a guy.”
“I immediately fell in love with the sport.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mushing and Dan Carter

06:09 Dan’s Journey into Dog Mushing

11:52 Experiences in Different Locations

17:51 Transitioning from Musher to Race Director

24:02 The Role of a Race Judge and Director

30:02 Future of Dog Mushing and Advice for Beginners