Sunday, January 7 was the first of the Siberian Husky Club of Northern Ireland’s (SHCNI) biannual visit to Castle Caldwell for the purpose of dryland sled dog racing.

Dryland sled dog racing involves teams, comprising a human (the ‘musher’) and dogs in harness, negotiating a very technical and fast three-mile course.

The number of dogs in each team varies between one and four, and the dogs are attached via harnesses and lines to either three-wheeled rigs, two-wheeled scooters, mountain bikes or attached directly to the human. The latter arrangement is called ‘Canicross’.

Similar-sized teams compete against each other over the course. Teams set off at one- or two-minute intervals and are timed over the three miles. The fastest team are declared the winners.

‘Indebted’

Jim McFarlane, SHCNI Club Secretary, said: “We are indebted to the GeoPark team at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for their support and permission to use the very beautiful Castle Caldwell for our events.

“We also greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of the local population who turn up for a bit of a dander only to find their local spot invaded by these people with dozens of dogs!

“The club has been holding these events at Castle Caldwell for a number of years, and would hope to continue to do so.”

He added: “Spectators are always welcome, and we might even have a cup of tea for you!”