What happens when a lifelong Border Collie enthusiast enters the world of competitive sled dog racing? Meet Tabetha Kopta, a Pennsylvania musher who proved that determination, structure, and a pack of hard-driving Border Collies can compete with the fastest hounds and Siberians in the sport.

In this episode, host Robert Forto talks with Tabitha about her journey from grooming dogs to representing Team USA at the IFSS World Championships, how she trains and selects her dogs, and why Border Collies might be the most underestimated athletes in mushing.

You’ll also hear about her most humbling trail experience, her favorite heavy-metal playlist for training days, and the gear hack she swears by, using a deer antler as her snub line.

Whether you’re a musher, dog trainer, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode will change how you think about what makes a great sled dog.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of Mushing, host Robert Forto sits down with Fernando and Dana, the husband-and-wife team behind Rancho Luna Lobos in Park City, Utah. From running a rescue kennel and family-run sled dog tour business to shaping the next generation of mushers, they share how faith, community, and love for dogs power everything they do.

We explore their Peace Garden, where dogs heal from past trauma, how they blend mushing and ministry, and what the future of the sport looks like, from sprint racing to the rise of dryland mushing and monodog sports.

Fernando also shares his most humbling moment on the trail (spoiler: it involves a wrong turn and icy trail!), and Dana reflects on legacy, leadership, and Leonard Seppala’s enduring influence.

Listen for:

• Why humility and faith matter in modern mushing
• How Rancho Luna Lobos blends rescue, sport, and storytelling
• The future of sled dog racing and outdoor adventure in Utah

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this powerful episode of Mushing, Maine musher Jonathan Hayes reflects on the final leg of his Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska—his emotional arrival in Nome and the lessons learned along the way. From honoring the legacy of Leonhard Seppala to finding faith, purpose, and resilience on the trail, Hayes shares what it truly means to carry history forward. This is Part Five of our in-depth series exploring the heart, heritage, and humanity behind one of mushing’s most meaningful journeys.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Facebook | X | Instagram

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

We would love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com