1985 was both a tragic and triumphant year for women mushers- it was the year Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the great race- but in that same year, long-time racing hopeful Susan Butcher was forced to withdraw from the race when several of her dogs were attacked and injured by a pregnant moose and two were killed. Despite that tragedy, Susan and her team bounced back in a big way- she would win the very next year! Indeed after Libby broke the barrier to become the first female to win the Iditarod, the flood gates were flung wide open and for the next three years Susan Butcher would cross the finish in first place! Proving the ladies’ reign was anything but a fluke, Susan continued to place in the top 10 the next 6 years after that! Susan Butcher won the Iditarod a total of 4 times and took home over $370,000 in prize money.
Butcher had also married David Monson, a fellow musher in 1985 and they set out traveling the world together to compete in nearly every major sled-dog race. They would also have two daughters, Tekla and Chisana.
Her success earned her media attention and numerous awards, including the “National Women’s Sports Foundation Amateur Athlete of The Year Award.” She was recognized in the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame as one of the five initial inductees. Susan also wrote a children’s book, Granite, named after the amazing lead dog whose story the book tells.
After a battle with leukemia, Susan passed away in 2006 at the age of 51. She will never be forgotten as she left a indelible legacy- her contribution to sled dog racing history, amazing character, strength throughout her racing career, her love of her dogs and her sport… it will all live in the hearts of those who love her forever!
