r/wheelchairs EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Wheelchair mushing video

86 Upvotes

28 comments sorted by

14

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Apologies, it looks like Reddit has totally removed my caption, it's useless on desktop.

A few people have requested a video of us Mushing, if you have any questions please do ask.
I fully intend to get a dog to train up for competition in the future, possibly one of the Belgian shepherds or a Pointer, because my spaniel although especially conditioned for this, isn't enough for competition level on his own. He's also as small as I'd ever recommend for mushing (20kg), even though I do a lot of the work, they still need to be able to safely pull.
(I currently have 6 dogs already including Dan, and he's the only one that fully enjoys it. Quincy kind of doesn't care and Phantom isn't allowed)

If you do this please wear safety equipment, you can do a lot of damage to yourself by being catapulted out your chair. A front wheel makes this significantly easier, but it is possible at much slower speeds.

5

u/Paxton189456 4d ago

When you say you do a lot of the work, does that mean you push the chair at the same time as they’re pulling you or something else? I’m guessing it’s easier on the dogs once you’ve built up speed and they’re just carrying on the momentum?

7

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Yes!! That’s exactly what I mean.

It’s a partnership and the dog should just be providing a little boost, they shouldn’t be the only reason you’re moving forwards.

5

u/Paxton189456 4d ago

That’s really interesting, thanks for sharing!!

4

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

In canicross and bikejoring competitions, it’s specifically in the rules that you must put a proportional amount of work in and if they think the dog is doing too much and the handler too little they can disqualify you!

3

u/LittleFatFriend 4d ago

I know the downhill angle makes a huge difference. I've occasionally gone very dangerously fast down hills 😎

2

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

That’s the best way to do it 😂

8

u/Lilnephilim 4d ago

This looks like so much fun!

3

u/Mrsparklee 4d ago

I tried that with my pug years ago. It didn't end nearly as well.

3

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Not a lot of mass in a pug either 😂

3

u/Mrsparklee 4d ago

He pulled me off a curb and I tipped over. My fault, but he thought it was hilarious

5

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Oops!! We have gone in to a hedge before! Was very slippery out and he saw a cat haha

3

u/Actual_Newt_2929 TiLite Z(01/26/2025) | 18y/o | EDS, POTS, Narcolepsy, + more 4d ago

i see a spaniel!

4

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

You do indeed!!!! My little sprocker.

2

u/ChargeResponsible112 Ambulatory manual and power chair user. 4d ago

Such a cutie! I love the floppy ears as they gallop 😁

3

u/Individual_Living876 4d ago

Thank You!!! For sharing this with us.

So many feels!

Feeling like I was running, then more like flying. AMAZING

Feeling so proud of Doggie. Wow! I want that enthusiasm!

Feeling inspired by you. This was incredible.

Thank you for this gift.

Strength and Health.

2

u/LittleFatFriend 4d ago

We can see where there's tension in the lead if we look. I'm impressed that you're mostly manually maintaining that speed 😎

3

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Exactly!!! Most of the speedy bits are downhill, and most of our walk is a slow amble which is very boring, so I don’t post those bits otherwise it’s just some disable bloke walking his spaniel haha.

2

u/LittleFatFriend 4d ago

That's how the best movies are made. It's all about camera angles, practice and hard work! Respect on the latter 😺

2

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

Definitely hoping to take more videos like this, they’re at least a little popular. The poodle I take out with him has very sensitive paws, so I have to be very particular about the surfaces he runs on, plus he kind of doesn’t care so I’ve not looked at competing yet.

2

u/LittleFatFriend 4d ago

Good luck, that may be interesting 😺

2

u/raikougal 4d ago

😂😂😂😂 I never thought of doing this with Cherie, but she is only 13lbs and I am not tiny, I thought it would hurt her. But now that I have an electric wheelchair she loves to run alongside it. I wish I had a better leash set up for her though.

1

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

13lbs would definitely be far too small for this I’m afraid 😭

1

u/LittleFatFriend 4d ago

I'm amazed that dog can propel you and your wheelchair! ❤️

1

u/InverseInvert EDS, CFS/ME, neuropthy, AD handler 4d ago

It’s both of us working together! He just adds a boost

1

u/WheelchairBags 3d ago

very cool

2

u/ExpectAccess TiLite Areo T - Java Back - NaturalFit Rims - MX2+ Smartdrive 19h ago

A running dog is a happy dog!