1 — Austin Forney from Leadville, Colorado.
The 2026 race will mark Austin’s 11th consecutive year competing at the Stage Stop. He comes from a line of cattle ranchers who’ve lived in the Sandhills of western Nebraska for five generations. In 2006, Austin switched from cattle and horses to sled dogs and has been chasing his mushing dreams ever since. He lives and trains at 10,152 ft. in Leadville, Colorado. Austin says that he, his dogs, and handlers are “excited to spend another year in Wyoming with all of the amazing people and dogs of the Pedigree Stage Stop Race.” He also wants to extend a huge thank you to his family and friends for their continued love and support. “See you in Jackson!”
