Editing Mushing (section)

== Equipment ==
Many pieces of equipment are useful or necessary for driving sled dogs, depending on the sled or vehicle, terrain, weather conditions, size of the team and dogs, speed of the run, and other factors.
[[File:Sled dog - Pedigree Stage Stop Race - 2017.jpg|thumb|257x257px|A sled dog wearing a common X-back style harness]]

=== Harnesses ===
Harnesses are worn by dogs used in mushing to allow them to run and pull with freedom of movement. They are designed to distribute pulling weight evenly over the body, and are made of material that is durable and lightweight to varying degrees. Many different styles of sled dog harnesses exist for specialized styles of mushing and dogs, with many outfitters evolving and updating designs and materials to fit the needs of different mushers. The most commonly used styles include X-back (also referred to as racing harnesses), half-back (used more commonly in mushing where the line angle is steeper such as canicross and bikejoring), and spreader-bar/freighting (used for hauling heavy loads low to the ground, or by wheel dogs on teams).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=An Introduction to Dog Sledding Gear and Equipment {{!}} Turning Heads Kennel |url=https://turningheadskennel.com/an-introduction-to-dog-sledding-gear-and-equipment/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=turningheadskennel.com|date=25 October 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IWPA - International Weight Pull Association - Getting Started |url=http://iwpa.net/Getting_Started.html |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=iwpa.net}}</ref> Harnesses have certain requirements for some competitions such as [[Weight pulling|weight pull]], to ensure the safety of the dog in their task. <ref>{{Cite web |title=IWPA - International Weight Pull Association - Getting Started |url=http://iwpa.net/Getting_Started.html |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=iwpa.net}}</ref>
[[File:Husky dog in harness, probably Yukon Territory, circa 1898 (AL+CA 1259).jpg|thumb|204x204px|Freighting dog in an early form of freighting harness, without a spreader-bar]]

=== Sleds ===
Dogsleds can be a variety of styles, ranging from highly traditional wooden sleds lashed with twine, to modern lightweight racing sleds made of carbon fiber or aluminum and outfitted with utilities such as steering mechanisms. The nomadic tribes of Siberia such as the [[Chukchi people|Chukchi]] used sleds which rode low to the ground (known as a "narta"), and sat or lie down to ride them while the dogs pulled<ref>{{Cite web |title=Journal of the Inuit Sled Dog International |url=https://thefanhitch.org/V12N2/V12,N2Russia.html |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=thefanhitch.org}}</ref> - today most mushers use a standing style sled with a handlebar, and foot grips on top of the runners. Sleds range in length, with longer toboggan-style sleds used for expedition and long-distance mushing in order to carry more needed supplies, and "basket" sleds used more commonly in racing and on groomed trails.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Dog Sledding & Dog Sled Making {{!}} Learning Center {{!}} New Hampshire Folklife |url=https://www.nh.gov/folklife/learning-center/traditions/dog-sledding.htm#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20basic%20types,to%2012%22%20off%20the%20runners. |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=www.nh.gov}}</ref> [[Kicksled|Kicksleds]] can be used as a small recreational dog sled, pulled by one or two dogs. 
[[File:Sled Dog Discovery & Musher's Camp 37.jpg|left|thumb|220x220px|Modern toboggan-style dogsled with lines and snow hook attached.]]
Sleds normally have some form of braking system, the most common of which are a metal brake (a metal bar or claw) and a rubber drag-mat made of tire or snowmobile track; many sleds have both, for controlling speed in different conditions.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Full-sized sleds are typically outfitted with a sled bag used for carrying equipment or injured/tired dogs in the sled basket. For racing competitions, sled bags are often required to have ventilation for dog safety.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introduction |url=http://www.isdra.org/home_pg/Contents/Safety.asp |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=www.isdra.org}}</ref>

=== Other Equipment ===
Other gear used in mushing includes but may not be limited to:

* '''Gangline:''' A cable and rope line system connecting the sled to the dogs' harnesses and collars, usually with carabiners, metal snaps, bungees, and knots.
* '''Tugline/s''': Individual rope or cable sections made of the same material as the gangline which attach to the dogs' harnesses
* '''Snow Hook:''' A metal anchor-like hook used for securing the team in deep snow or ice when stopping on the trail
* '''Snub-line:''' A securing rope or cable used to tie the team to a fixed object such as a tree or post before beginning a run, or while resting.
* '''Picket Line:''' Used to attach dogs in a secure area before hooking them into a gangline, or while camping on the trail.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Sled Dog Training for Your Husky |url=https://www.seppalakennels.com/articles/sled-dog-training.htm#equipt |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=www.seppalakennels.com}}</ref>