Musher

Mushing is the sport of dogsled racing that is traditional in the global subarctic, and popular in the northern regions of the United States and Canada. As is the case with many sports, women have historically been excluded or sidelined from mushing. Today things are very different, and the participation of women is not only on the rise, but influential and inspirational. This documentary follows four women mushers including Kelsey Beaber, aged 11 and their sled dogs over the course of an exhilarating year as they prepare to compete at the annual Copperdog 80/150 Race held in March in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Each musher is deliberate and detailed in their training and preparation. They take great care of their dogs and have the support and encouragement of family members and friends. We see not only their dedication to a physically and mentally demanding sport but their love of their dogs and joy in mushing. This intergenerational group of mushers is passionate about the sport and are advocates for the greater participation and coverage of women in mushing and in all athletics.