We’ve got an awesome human crew at Ryno Kennel this year!

Full-Time Trainers (aka handler)

Meet Simon!

Originally from Switzerland, this will be Simon’s third winter in Two Rivers. The last two winters, Simon handled for our friend and neighbor- Smokin’ Ace Kennels. Last winter, even though Simon was working at Smokin’ Ace, he lived here at Ryno Kennel with RK handler, Mandy. When Smokin’ Ace Kennels opted not to have a handler, we scooped him up! This year, Simon is signed up to run in the Quest 200, which will be his first multi-day sled dog race! Simon’s main focus will be training the race dogs.

When not mushing, Simon likes exploring with his dogs Midnight and RK retiree Perm, playing Magic against his fiance Mandy, climbing in Switzerland, and doing nerdy things like watching Anime (which I say very affectionately).

Meet Tucker!

Originally from Montana, Tucker moved to Maryland after college to conduct research at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Big city living wasn’t quite for him, so he returned to the West to try his hand at mule packing and dog mushing. Last winter, Tucker got his first taste of mushing at a sled dog tourism kennel in Montana. Tucker and his dog Charlotte recently arrived at Ryno Kennel. Tucker’s focus will be training the yearlings, guiding tours, and getting a feel for a racing kennel in Alaska!

When not mushing, Tucker likes skiing, climbing, reading, drawing, and poorly playing the mandolin.

Other Human Teammates

Mandy!

RK followers probably recognize this lady from last year! While Mandy would love to be paid in experiences (cough cough handle for free), Mandy had to get a real job and make some money this winter. Lucky for us, she wants to help out at RK on her days off! Mandy has been busy writing a book and working at a local cafe. With any luck, I’ll be able to rope Mandy into helping with race updates…wink wink.

When not working or helping out at Ryno Kennel, Mandy can be found napping, playing with her dogs Midnight and RK retiree Perm, beating her fiance Simon at Magic, or doing other nerdy things like watching Anime.

Kalyn!

After three years of handling at RK, Kalyn has transitioned into reindeer training and tourism! While we regularly see Kalyn at the kennel, they have moved down the road and focus primarily on reindeer and aurora tours at Chena Outdoor Collective as well as building up their photography business- Kalyn Holl Photography. Check it out on Instagram and Facebook!

When not working with reindeer or dogs, Kalyn is busy with their plant obsession and collecting eleventy-five million plants, primarily succulents.