Staying Connected: Why Sled Dog Symposiums Matter to Bearhill Husky
At Bearhill Husky, we believe that staying up to date with the latest trends and developments in the sled dog world is essential. While dogs have been pulling sleds for over 10,000 years, and the fundamentals remain much the same, the ways people approach this activity continue to evolve. Sled dog sports have spread across the globe, taking on new shapes and forms as they adapt to local conditions.
This constant evolution makes it incredibly exciting to see how other mushers solve challenges we might also face, and how they’ve adapted their practices to their environment. Sometimes, a solution that seems complex in our daily routines has already been solved in a simple, innovative way elsewhere.
That’s where sled dog symposiums come in.
Learning, Sharing, and Staying Inspired
Every year, passionate mushers, experts, and enthusiasts gather to share knowledge and exchange ideas at sled dog symposiums. These events are an invaluable opportunity to step outside our own kennels and see the bigger picture. Without these interactions, it’s easy to become “kennel blind”, focused solely on our own way of doing things, unaware of simpler or better solutions.
The symposiums feature presentations on training methods, dog care, equipment innovations, and personal adventures from mushers around the world. Listening to these stories – or simply talking to fellow attendees – can spark ideas that improve how we work with our dogs, manage our kennel, and care for our teams.
The Local and International Sled Dog Community
We’re lucky to have two major biannual symposiums. One is held in Kiruna, Sweden, and the other is a newer event organized in Rovaniemi. This year, it’s Rovaniemi’s turn to host. A dedicated group of volunteers has once again done an amazing job inviting guest speakers, arranging workshops, and creating a weekend that showcases the very best of Finnish mushing.
For a few days, mushers from across the region emerge from their kennels – many of us naturally shy and more comfortable among dogs than people – to meet, share, and learn. It’s a unique and enjoyable experience to see this community come together.
Bearhill Husky at the 2025 Rovaniemi Symposium
This September, Bearhill Husky will be there with our team, not as speakers or exhibitors, but as eager learners. We’ll be listening to the talks, meeting fellow mushers, visiting vendors, and checking out the latest sleds and gear. We’ll also be picking up some of the orders we’ve placed and keeping an eye out for any innovative new equipment – or maybe even a good deal or two!
Events like this remind us that while mushing can feel like a solitary pursuit, we are part of a vibrant, passionate, and ever-evolving global community. We always return home inspired, refreshed, and ready to bring new ideas to life at our kennel.
So, if you’re in Rovaniemi this September, don’t be surprised if you see a few of us from Bearhill Husky wandering the symposium halls, listening, learning, and enjoying the company of our fellow mushers.
