Meet the 2026
Mushers

Garrick schmidt

Wawota, Saskatchewan (Treaty 2 Territory)

Since 2022, I’ve raced the Canadian Challenge 100- and 200-mile events, earning honors including Best Improved Vet Award, Red Lantern, multiple Best Kept Team awards, the Tom Charles Award, and the Spirit of the North Award. My goal this season is to complete the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, it’s been on my race dream list for awhile now! Aside from mushing, I enjoy spending time on the land with family and friends — hunting, trapping, fishing, and helping my fiancée with tanning hides. Over the years, I’ve really enjoyed traveling more with the dogs for camping trips and exploring new trails. Last spring, I was fortunate to join our good friends Jesse Terry and Mary England on a memorable mushing trip, which deepened my appreciation for being out on the land with the team.

KENNEL NAME

Eagle Ridge Sled Dog Kennel

Website & Social Media

Facebook: Garrick Schmidt, Eagle Ridge Sled Dog Kennel
Instagram: garricks

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START RUNNING SLED DOGS AND HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED?

I began mushing at 12 years old, introduced to working Siberian Huskies by family friend Nancy Dragon. Years later, while teaching a land-based program for Ochapowace First Nation, I met Dr. Kevin Lewis, who became a mentor and older brother. He taught me the traditional and cultural teachings of mushing — the stories, values, and connection between dogs, people, and the land.I bought my first team of eight Alaskan Huskies from Kevin and started my kennel with the goal of working with Indigenous communities, sharing the teachings and stories of sled dogs with youth. My kennel began recreationally but has grown into a competitive and purpose-driven team.

Meet the 2026Mushers