Musher Terminology

Gangline - line used to attach dogs to the sled

Harness - lightweight nylon harnesses are used to attach dogs to the gangline

Gear bag - bag that mushers carry on their sled; includes head lamp, matches, dog booties, knife, and a map of the race course

Booties - used to protect a dog's paws when snow conditions are poor

Brake - a toothed mechanism on the back of the sled that mushers stand on to slow the team

Snowhook - a hook (attached to the sled) that a musher plants in the snow to keep a team from moving

Staging - the process of bringing teams to the starting line

Handler - an assistant that helps a musher with their dogs