In this special re-air from The Dog Driver Show archives, the tables are turned as Dr. Robert Forto interviews his longtime co-host, Kourosh “KP” Partow, about a life spent training, racing, breeding, and learning from sled dogs.
KP traces his journey back to 1987, when an energetic Siberian Husky named Crimson led him to a sled dog club in France. What started with one dog and dryland racing quickly became a way of life. He eventually moved to the United States, began racing Alaskan Huskies in Wisconsin, traveled north to compete in Alaska, and became deeply involved in the highly competitive world of sprint mushing.
The conversation explores the evolution of sprint racing, the influence of European dogs and bloodlines, the glory days of major racing circuits, and KP's progression from four- and six-dog teams to eight-dog and eventually open-class competition.
But some of the most important lessons come near the end of the conversation. KP talks about why the sport needs to bring back the fun, friendships, meet-and-greets, new events, and sense of community that once surrounded sled dog racing. He also offers a simple piece of advice for anyone entering the sport: find a mentor who takes good care of their dogs, respects the animals, and is passionate about mushing.
This episode is more than one musher's story. It's a look at how sprint mushing has changed over several decades and what may be needed to carry it forward.
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