WAWOTA - Monroe Mondor is a Wawota resident who only a year ago fell in love with an activity that many don’t know much about. Under the professional tutelage of Garrick Schmidt, dogsledding has become her passion.
Schmidt taught at the White Bear Education Complex until June 2021. He is now a land-based educator for the Kaniyashik Culture Camp. Known as the Cree Centre of Excellence, it is headquartered in Ministikwan Lake, 160 kilometres northwest of North Battleford.
This past weekend, Schmidt returned to the Moose Mountains with 16 of his highly-trained and specialized Alaskan huskies. The dogs are between two and 11 years of age and are bred for their strength and stamina. Over time, Schmidt has developed a special bond with Federer, who is his favourite lead dog.
Mondor has befriended Schmidt and started sledding with him and his team in 2021. She has already visited Ministikwan Lake on two occasions this past fall and plans on returning later this spring,
Monroe is the 14-year-old daughter of Dexter and Erin Mondor. She is enrolled in Grade 9 at the Wawota Parkland School. Her favourite lead pups are Smartie, Sugar and Nipiy.
“I love riding the trails and thoroughly enjoy the training I am getting from Mr. Schmidt. You develop a special bond with the animals, and they become a part of you. Each dog has its own unique personality, and they are simply a pleasure to be with.”
Schmidt, Mondor and others spent over five full days on the trails and logged over 160 kilometres. Several interesting facts were gleaned from the riders. Gender is not a determining factor in becoming a good lead dog. Nearly half are considered “leads” which greatly assist the team and its masters with a well-organized ride. A 70-kilometre excursion takes six hours. Dogs cannot be run for long distances when the temperature becomes warmer than -10 C. A mixture of kibbles and raw chicken is their preferred food of choice, which provides them with much needed energy.
Schmidt will be returning to the Moose Mountains later this spring when he plans on introducing his dogs and the sport to various schools in the area, including Arcola, Carlyle, Pheasant Rump, Stoughton, Wawota and White Bear. On Sunday, a meet and greet was held at the rest area just west of Wawota which was well attended.
Mondor can’t wait until the return trip.
“I am going to be stiff and sore for a couple of days, but I will be ready when Mr. Schmidt and his dogs return to the Moose Mountains. It just doesn’t get any better than this,” she said.
