Ingela x Farmerrain

It only takes a few minutes into the conversation before we start talking about what seems to matter most to Ingela – her salukis. This year marks exactly 50 years since Ingela got her very first saluki, something she describes as a coincidence.

– My brother had a saluki. A very reserved and secretive individual, but when I saw it for the first time running freely across the large garden, I was completely fascinated. Its movements were effortless, and it looked so graceful as it galloped along the gravel path. I was completely captivated by its presence.

She continues: 

– When my brother started breeding salukis, one of the puppies didn’t settle in the intended family, so I ended up taking care of it as a rehomed dog. That’s where it all began.

But her interest in animals overall has been around for much longer. Ingela grew up in a family marked by a passion for animals. With a father who was a vet and a mother who bred poodles, it was no surprise that Ingela would also work with animals in the future.

– I intended to study to become a vet but ended up as an animal nurse at an animal hospital, a job I have done for many years, from 1975 until essentially now. I am also a trained dog and horse masseuse. Additionally, I have bred saluki puppies, which has provided a good addition to the income, but it’s not something one can live on full-time. There are far too many expenses to make a profit.

– My husband Hans-Erik and I live together with our three salukis. Our two children moved out some time ago. My daily life focuses on the dogs.

Ingela’s focus, love, and passion for her dogs have also given great results. She carries with her impressive achievements in competitions, which continue to this day.

– During the early 2000s, I had my most successful saluki. She won several championships both in Sweden and internationally. The three dogs I own today have also gathered merits. My three-year-old Mira was last year’s best saluki, and her mother, now 11 years old, received the same title in 2018.

Lure coursing, which Ingela primarily competes in, is a sport for sighthounds where the dogs chase a lure, usually a plastic bag, on an open field. The lure moves in sharp turns, changing direction. The dogs are judged on five criteria. Recently, Ingela has also started competing in racing, where the goal is to be the first to cross the finish line.

All competitions in lure coursing and racing are held outdoors. This means you have to dress according to the weather, especially considering that the competitions often take place in a field or meadow, which isn’t always dry.

– My main focus is always the well-being of the dogs, so I often think about raincoats for them but often forget about myself, haha… I often end up standing there soaking wet, which of course isn’t fun. That’s why it’s nice to have a good pair of rain pants, like Farmerrain’s.

– I have always had difficulty finding the right size for myself. It often feels bulky and cumbersome, so I used to skip it. But Farmerrain was able to arrange a custom size and tailor a matching rain set to my measurements, which was appreciated.

The intention was primarily to use them during your competitions and dog training. Have they met your expectations? 

– Absolutely! I am more than satisfied. Even pleasantly surprised by how well they work. They have a mesh over the rear for great ventilation, so you don’t get sticky and hot. The rain pants can be used during the summer without being too inconvenient. Additionally, it’s an effective way to avoid ticks!

For Ingela, it’s also important to feel agile and mobile, even while wearing rain gear. 

– When working with dogs, you need to be mobile. I was worried it would feel annoyed with rain gear, but thanks to the smooth and lightweight material, it was no problem at all to continue feeling agile.

Ingela and her saluki takes bronze medal

Ingela has also had the opportunity to visit Farmerrain in Emmaboda and shares her experience. 

– When I had a competition in southern Sweden, I reached out to Jonas and Carola to see if I could visit them, and of course, they said yes. I was pleasantly surprised that a relatively large company was located in the middle of the forest and that it felt genuine and solid.

Ingela has a family and many close ones who enjoy being active, especially outdoors in farming or animal care. Now, Ingela wants to spread the word and recommend Farmerrain to others. 

– For me, it’s a given that we should care for our nature, so I’m glad that Farmerrain does what they can to be environmentally conscious. I will definitely recommend it to others!

We extend our sincere thanks to Ingela for sharing his story with us!