Sonya began her journey into the world of sled dogs when she adopted a Siberian Husky that had been a trained sled dog. Her mission was to give him a happy life and home while helping him live up to all his potential. She took up skijoring with her Siberian and after a few falls and bruises was talked into participating in a race. Well that first race they came in last but had a blast doing it together and became hooked. While she is currently a recreational skijorer, she does participate in a few races each year and enjoys hanging out at sled dog races. She says the best part is the bonding that happens with you and your dog, love it! Sonya dreams of more Siberians and learning to drive a team behind a sled! Happy Tails and Trails!

Brandi and, husband, Cobey, began mushing in 2008 when they moved to the Bitterroot valley. They already had 3 Siberian Huskies and attended a pull clinic put on by Nicki. She invited them to join her on a training run and they were hooked. They have slowly been building their kennel. They currently have 12 Siberians. In the past seasons they mostly mushed recreationally with the occassional race. Brandi also enjoys canicross finding it a great way to bring her dogs running and train them for the winter! Visit their website at: www.bydog.org

Anthony is new to the world of dog-powered sports, but fell in love with the idea of combining his passions for skiing and biking with adventuring with dogs. He just acquired his first dog, Kiwi, and looks forward to learning from the experience of the Bitterroot Mushers.

Shea adopted Scout, a Siberian Husky, in fall 2019. After spectating at the 2021 Western Montana Dirt Derby and some practice on cross country skis, Scout and Shea registered for their first ski-jor race in February 2022. This one-dog team has a lot to learn and is hoping to grow with the guidance of the Bitterroot Mushers!

Nicki Arndt and her family have always had a fond passion for animals. She and her husband currently live with 2 geriatric retired sled dogs, 2 young Border Collie mixes, a wise cat, 11 goldfish and their son’s horse. Nicki has been involved in dog powered sports since 1987 when she and her family became involved in Weight Pull events. Since then she has added mushing and ski-joring to the sports she has tried. When she and her family moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 2004 there wasn’t much for dog powered sports in the area. She mentored people and started the Bitterrroot Mushers to promote mushing in many forms. Nicki has successfully competed in dog pulls and sprint racing events in Colorado, Michigan, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho as well as Canada. Nicki started her own dog training business, Arndt Racing And Dog Training, in 2001 and the business has grown and changed with a new name of Two Plus Dog Training. She currently offers private and group dog training classes and clinics using the highly effective and positive clicker training technique. Nicki spent 10 years as a dog project leader in the Poudre Pioneers 4-H club in Larimer County, Colorado and worked to make dog sledding a recognized 4-H project. She has been the Dog Project Superintendent for Ravalli County since 2012 where she introduces youth and their dogs to 5 different dog sport disciplines. Although no longer actively participating in dog powered sports she continues to support them from the sidelines.