Hello,

I'm looking to purchase a rig and was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on where to look. I have seen some advertised on the internet but £1200 is a little too much since I'm only going to be racing for fun and do not need an aluminium rig. I understand that steel rigs sell on average for £350 - would anyone be able to let me know of anyone who make's them. I would prefer one which is as light as possible as I may have to attend rallies on my own at times, as my partner does have to work some weekends.

If you have experience with different makes of rigs I would be glad to hear the good/bad points of them and how you found them in general.

Thank you.

my rig is from the trents who make steel dog rigs.  http://www.steeldog.co.uk/ managed to get it second hand (so not sure of new prices) and it is still going strong after 2 seasons use!  there is also bruce hall in wales, if you leave an email address or email me, i can pass on phone numbers of other people who make rigs,
kelly

Yep, I'd go with Kelly's suggestions :) Vince Trent and Bruce Hall rigs are light but strong.

Do you have any preference between the two? We're getting one for next season and have narrowed it down to one of these two following several recommendations - I just cant make up my mind who I should get it from - for us, the use and support of a rig bag isn't essential as i'll only be running one dog next season and then two the season after (I'll not run more than two for at least 4-5 years :) - hence not needing a rig bag)

Thanks

No, it's up to you :) I think the price is about the same? Maybe it would be easier geographically to get from one or the other....

I know people running both rigs and they are equally happy :) Mind you, I've just been lucky enough to bag myself a second hand Bruce Hall rig :D Lucky or what? It'll be a vast improvement on my last one :)

I had to get a rig bag for Aviemore last year...... still haven't figured how I'm supposed to get a 7 1/2 stone Mal in one though!!! LOL

Yes the price is pretty much the same for both rigs :) The location isn't a problem either. I'd definately say you were lucky to get a second hand rig - they're like golddust :D We're not going to compete in any rallies until the second half of the season anyway, so with luck, if I order the rig now, I should have it by then :)

Is a rig bag compulsory when running a two dog team at Aviemore or just recommended? I was under the impression it was compulsory for teams of more than two dogs and recommended for teams of one or two dogs :)

I needed it for the trek :) It's compulsory for that. It's handy for carrying lines, first aid kits etc, so I don't think I wasted my money - I'll just never actualy see myself using it for a dog!!! LOL

I'm not up on the rules.... you're better checking out the SHCGB site :D

I'd love to do do the trek but i'm looking at next year at the earliest - though most likely it will be the year after that (Is there an age restriction on the trek - I mean over that of the 12 months that is set for competing in the races?) This year my bitch will be 16 months - far too young to do 14 miles and next year my dog will be only 20 months by the time Aviemore comes along (still too young IMO for a long trek - do you know if they do a shorter one? Though I guess that would defeat the object of a trek!) I'll most likely wait until they are 3 1/2 and 2 1/2 before attempting the trek :) Would love to go to Aviemore this year just to spectate though.

No, I don't think there's an age restriction :) I'm trying to think now.... Kodi was 17 months when he did the trek and he came across the finish looking fresher than when he did the rally :D It sounds a long way, but the difference is that the dogs go at their own pace and you can stop for breaks. I was worried about whether my dogs would make the distance but knowing how happy they were at the finish, I'd certainly send a young dog out again :)

I noticed on the AMWA site that they mention a trek at Sherwood for this season - no details, but it may be worth keeping an eye open :) and there was talk from a group of people about organising one around Dalby!

Thanks - I may do the trek the season after next then, when my youngest is coming up to two - I wouldn't do it with a one dog team. I heard about the trek they were thinking of doing - it was mentioned at the AGM.

you need a rig bag for more than 2 dogs, i ran 2 dogs all last season without one.  if there was a problem with either of my dogs i would just scratch rather than try and get one in those bags and try to finish the race,
kelly

Thanks - I thought that was the case - I'd rather scratch too. Its meant to be enjoyable for both the dogs and I, and my bitch would absolutely hate going in a rig bag! I'm only going to be competing for fun anyway - and probably only in recreational races next season - though possibly may enter a couple of timed events towards the end of the season, so I don't mind if I don't finish :)

stupid question #385.......

What's a rig? 

rig is what we use to work sled dogs in this country given our lack of snow. kind of looks like a 3 wheeled bike, minus the seat.  have a look here

Thanks, I thought it might be - but knowing what it is in the horse world, I did wonder why anyone would want to buy one ;)