A two-time World Championship bronze medallist from Horsham is preparing to represent Great Britain once again, taking her team of Greenland Dogs to Germany in November in pursuit of further international success.
Kim Godfrey will compete at the WSA Dryland World Championships in Strohen, Germany, from 20 to 22 November, where she hopes to build on her impressive record on the international sled dog racing circuit.
But this year's competition presents an unusual challenge, as Kim will be entering the four-dog Freight category with just three dogs.
The decision means her team will be competing against rivals who may have an additional dog, but Kim says the welfare and preparation of her animals must always come first.
Her team includes two experienced World Championship medallists alongside an exciting young newcomer making her international debut.
Wolverine, affectionately known as Wolvey, is a five-year-old British-bred male who has already helped Kim secure two World Championship bronze medals.
Three-year-old Strike, a female Greenland Dog, also brings international experience, having earned a World Championship bronze medal of her own.
Completing the team is Namora, who, at just 15 months old, will be competing in her first racing season and making her World Championship debut.
Kim's fourth Greenland Dog, Hugh, is still too young to compete.
Although she considered borrowing another dog to complete the team, no suitably trained and prepared animal was available, prompting her to enter with just three.
Kim said: “Wolvey has stood on both World Championship podiums with me and Strike already has a World bronze of her own, but for Namora everything will be completely new.
“She’ll only be 15 months old and in her first racing season, so I’m incredibly excited to see what she can do. We’ll be racing three dogs in a category that allows four, but I’d much rather arrive with three dogs who are fit, happy and ready to race.”
Preparations for the international competition have not been without difficulties.
At the end of August, Kim's specially adapted 2008 Volkswagen Crafter suffered a major cooling-system failure, leaving her needing vehicle recovery and substantial repairs just months before the trip to Germany.
The van plays a vital role in transporting the dogs safely to training sessions and competitions, along with the specialist racing equipment required for the sport.
Dryland sled dog racing involves teams of dogs pulling wheeled rigs or other equipment across off-road terrain, rather than racing on snow.
Competitors often travel considerable distances across the UK and Europe to take part in events, making reliable transport an essential part of their preparations.
Despite the setback, Kim remains determined to return to the international stage and represent both Great Britain and the Greenland Dog breed.
She said: “Getting to the start line is an adventure in itself sometimes! But representing Great Britain at a World Championship is incredibly special. I’ve been fortunate enough to stand on that podium twice, and I’m very proud to be going back with my dogs and representing both Britain and the Greenland Dog breed.”
Kim has already established herself as one of Britain's accomplished sled dog competitors.
Alongside her two World Championship bronze medals, she is a British Champion and a consistent top-three competitor in UK events.
Her teams include rare Greenland Dogs as well as former rescue and street dogs, demonstrating her commitment to working with animals from a variety of backgrounds.
Her Greenland Dogs have also enjoyed success at Crufts, highlighting their abilities both in the show ring and in competitive racing.
With the World Championships now approaching, Kim and her dogs are continuing their training in the UK throughout the autumn.
The team will travel to Strohen in November, where Kim hopes her combination of experienced medal winners and promising young talent can deliver another memorable performance on the world stage.
For the Horsham racer, however, simply returning to represent her country alongside her dogs remains a source of immense pride.
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