Thursday, September 25, 2014

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Sunday Double Lift 2014 USBCHA Sheepdog Finals

They had the Calcutta first thing in the morning. I guess it was fun but I was off drinking coffee and taking Nan for a walk. The morning is sunny, little nippy but not enough to make me put on long pants as I was wearing shorts. The Double LIft is first to send to the away side, second (Obviously) to the come bye, and a left hand drive. Five collared to be sorted in the ring and pen and time is 30 minutes. I will only be blogging until run 8 and then have to hit the road to go home. Your blogging team is Lise Andersen. We dont have time for edits so not there will be typos

Don Helsley and the Wizard was first. The outwork was splendid as Wiz ran nice and deep. Turn was nice and bit rough but finally smooth on the drive. The sheep are moving well but want to eat. They are in fine condition,  well rounded and even in size. If your dog is weak, they take note and it may take more than a couple of grips to convince them. However other dogs, seem to handle the ewes well.  Don works the ewes in the ring and make a nice cut. The ewes shed off easily to exhaust area. On the seond cut, one collared tried to break but Wiz head her and she kept trying to break over him and he gripped to stop her. Darn, as this was looking nice and a quiet, smooth run.

Tierney Graham and Brisco. First set went way offline and missed panels and she got them to the drop point. Second set was worked hard and she made the fetch panels. Nice turn but the ewes dropped their heads to graze on the first leg. She is working hard to get them to move. Brisco keeps trying and circle the sheep but got them going.  Made the panels. The ewes stop to graze but she gets them going and makes the second panel.  Offline but got them on and made it in ring. She works hard and had a nice cut, then shed a couple more then collared joined one outside the ring.
briscos sheep are slowly grazing away from the ring towards the judges tent.  brisco does a lovely open mouth low deliberate forelimb move without contact and convinces the amblers to go to the ring.
in the ring again - 5  then 7 allowed towards he judges  tent, leaving her 2 uncollared, almost allowed the 2 uncollared to leave but brisco tried to come in and hold but the draw is incredible!  tried to hold again but then flipped around to the comby side and regathered out of the ring.  regathered again in the ring and time!
 score- 292 Now we are speed typing and uploading quickly so format is not perfect. But i figured you want details of runs

Barbara Ray and Stella.
Striding to the post in a straw hat a lovely grey blazer over an aqua blouse Barbara sends stella to the left.    stella lands at 1 oclock  then Barbara starts whistling flanking back and forth to get the heavy group of ten to move.  intermittent stop and grazing while stella holds the comeby side to stay on line to the fetch panel.   she appears low at 50 yards from the paneln, but vision is difficult.  Barbara callsStella's  name to hold the heavy side.  she misses low and 20 yards past the drop pint
she blows her vibrating look back whistle and stella not responding and keeps flanking the sheep and almost  head the flock. then to the back side again and half way to the handlers post she finally gets stella to look back.

stella goes to 1 oclock and lifts sheep in direction of the exhaust, it will be difficult to put them back on line.  she is calling stellas name.  stella misses the driveaway panel and brings the sheep almost to the the first group on the fetch line, completely missing her fetch line and gates.  her first group had waited patiently on lline.
The grpup is together and moving well around the post, walkiing  very agreeable.   sheep glance at the exhaust but walk on by.  this packet of sheep are the most agreeable.  she has 18 minutes left as she stays on line to the drive away panel .  the sheep drift upwards anad Barbara stops the whistling to say her name.  back on line and thru the panels!  sheep some how comeback thru with half the flock but the crowd is a bit confused what happened due to poor vision of the panel.  this has set her up for the crossdrive low.  stella cant get them on ine as they graze across very low.  Barbara eases the sheep up to the line before the  panel and makes her panel!  a nice slow turn and on line to the ring, sheep easier to push because they are heading now in the direction of the exhaust.  sheep are cantering into the ring!
in the ring at 8:49 left
first cut of 6 sheep towards exhaust.  Barbara focuses on  the sheep to make another cut but others circle around and join up with the cast offs.  she must regathers.
Barbara discards 6 again in the same direction.  they are just on the outside of the ring.  working on the far side of the ring Barbara stands quiet as stella is lying down near the pen, alert and  eager.  a very nice 5 yo bitch.
5:36 left.  a ee looks at stella and then changes her mind and  turns.  2 sheep are let go as a single follows  but a collar tries to join and stella calmly comes in and stops the uncollar and collar!    8 discards total.  stella on the far side of the sheep again as barabara stoops to check for collars.  she has 4 moved to the front and has called stella in.  those 4 walk to join the discards.
2:32 left with 3 collars left.  one on the back side and 2 on the disccard side.  one collar looking to join, but a quiet flick of the crook changes her mind. barabra tries a last ditch effort with the three uncollars on the edge and a collar sneaks behiind her as the timer goes off!  great calm run by Barbara and stella!  summary  no fetch panels but made bith drive panels with a pull thru on the driveaway and no shed.
score 271

Terri Warner and Nick. a 4 yo male bought from Joni Tietjen earlier this year, previously owned byMichelle  howard.  Terri also ahs a straw hat on to block the glaring sunshine.    terri blows a lie down but nick continues onto the 1 oclock side of the sheep trying to bring the sheep diretly to Terri.  Knock It Off!  gets Nick to finally take his comeby flank to attempt to get the sheep onto the feetch line.    Nick is not convinced that the sheep shouldnt come directly to terri Now they are about 30 yards towards the actual fetch lin below the fetch panel trying to get to the orange drop cone.  She haas Nick flanking loosely now and he is free ing up  convinced terri wants the sheep to go to the left side of the field.
sheep oon the fetch  line below the cone and terri setsup for a look back and says "look back" and NIck beautifully turns back!.
Nick stops at 10 oclock and the sheep freely moves on line to the fetch.  He is 30 yards off his sheep listening well to keep the sheep on line to the fetch.  He is going to have to get closer to let the sheep knows he is there .  Sheep are now moving but have ddrifted below the line and fetch panel.  They are now stringing out 2 - 2- 6, Terri gets nick to look back and gather the stragglers.  He is doing some quick flanks which is keeping the sheep moving when they stop to graze..  on line below panels.  her first set are loosely grazing on line.  NOw they are all joined.
21 min remaining
nice quiet turn.  Sheep are hesitating glancing at the exhaut then grazing.
nick seems to have a comfortable feel for these sheep.   terri is nicely keeping them moving as they want to graze.  Nick is flanking back and forth. but the sheep seem done with that .  Nick tried walking directly in but the sheep are grazing.    they are on loine.  oops nick takes his flank a bit too far and circles the sheep about 3/4 of the way to the driveaway panel.
14 min remaining sheep  just milling towards the panel  with terri trying everything of flanks and walk ups.  Nick goes in for a dive and joust the sheep but does get the sheep going.
they make the panel.  at 12 min remaining.
4 minutes of wistling and they finaly leave the proximity  of the panel.
7 minutes left and the cross drive has been drifting low and not  wanting to move.
5 min remaining with 75 yards remaining and nick finally loses his amazing patience. and grips.


michael gallagher and Cain.  Michael is dressed in a grey sports coat with dark pants
MG stops him at 1 oclock and walks up.  MG's whistles are very beautiful and bird like.  sheep are moving online to the fetch panel . Cain goes to the away sie and pushed them low which mg quietly corrects but they are low and misses panel.  on line and a flawless queit look back.
25 min remaining and Cain is stopped at 10 oclock and lift sheep quietly.  Moving at a canter then no one knows what has happened but cain circles his sheep and they startto push cain towards the exhaust side and stuff just happened.
22 min on the approach to the first group way low below cone.
21 min turning post quietly.  sheep are handlying  well and on line to drive away.
19 min and cain has to push them a bit up  and they are thru.  lovely turn tight and now the sheep are cantering heading low and now eating.  a big  comebye fak to head sheep back up to line .
half way across drive and 17 min remaining.  sheep back to cantering and then abrupt stop cantering stop eatiing cantering low and cain heads sheep to push up to in line and makes the panels.
turning the panel nicely at 15 min remaining.  flanking and walking into the sheep have them moving well into the shed ring.14 minutes remaining for shed and pen!.
MG sends his dog for water back to work with 13 remaining.

MG collars are intermixed A well placed foot stamp by MG moves the sheep.  CAin calmly laying down. 3 are quietly  wandered off, a single walks and joins the 3 . then 4 trot to join and cain stops an uncollared single.  the cast offs are wandering to the the judges tent. a single leaps in the air to the cast offs.  but a collar wants to go too, cain calmly works in a cutting horse manner to hold it and MG assisst with a quiet hop in the air.  SHe returns to the collared group. 6:45 remaining with 6 unclloars left. 4 uncollares are to the side but a collar goes the side.  a pesky collar thinks about wandering to the cast offs but cain and MG walk in front and stops her the sheep are facing the cast offs grazing, a singe walks off.. now 4 : 30  remaining with 5 uncollars remaining.
3 min left and all is calm with MG and cain working to position  the uncollars.  MG has now moved them a bit more to possibly shake them up.  The collars are hard to see because their heads are down.  the flock starts moving to the cast off with 3 collars in the lead and once again the team changes their mind. at 1:07 the 5 just peel away at a trot They had the Calcutta first thing in the morning. I guess it was fun but I was off drinking coffee and taking Nan for a walk. The morning is sunny, little nippy but not enough to make me put on long pants as I was wearing shorts. The Double LIft is first to send to the away side, second (Obviously) to the come bye, and a left hand drive. Five collared to be sorted in the ring and pen and time is 30 minutes. I will only be blogging until run 8 and then have to hit the road to go home. Your blogging team is Lise Andersen. We dont have time for edits so not there will be typos

Don Helsley and the Wizard was first. The outwork was splendid as Wiz ran nice and deep. Turn was nice and bit rough but finally smooth on the drive. The sheep are moving well but want to eat. They are in fine condition,  well rounded and even in size. If your dog is weak, they take note and it may take more than a couple of grips to convince them. However other dogs, seem to handle the ewes well.  Don works the ewes in the ring and make a nice cut. The ewes shed off easily to exhaust area. On the seond cut, one collared tried to break but Wiz head her and she kept trying to break over him and he gripped to stop her. Darn, as this was looking nice and a quiet, smooth run.

Tierney Graham and Brisco. First set went way offline and missed panels and she got them to the drop point. Second set was worked hard and she made the fetch panels. Nice turn but the ewes dropped their heads to graze on the first leg. She is working hard to get them to move. Brisco keeps trying and circle the sheep but got them going.  Made the panels. The ewes stop to graze but she gets them going and makes the second panel.  Offline but got them on and made it in ring. She works hard and had a nice cut, then shed a couple more then collared joined one outside the ring.
briscos sheep are slowly grazing away from the ring towards the judges tent.  brisco does a lovely open mouth low deliberate forelimb move without contact and convinces the amblers to go to the ring.
in the ring again - 5  then 7 allowed towards he judges  tent, leaving her 2 uncollared, almost allowed the 2 uncollared to leave but brisco tried to come in and hold but the draw is increible!  tried to hold again but then flipped around to the comby side and regathered out of the ring.  regathered again in the ring and time!
 score- 292

Barbara Ray and Stella.
sriding tothe post in a straw hat a lovely grey blazer over an aqua blouse Barabara sends stella to the left.    stella lands at 1 oclock  then barabara starts whistling flanking back and forth to get the heavy group of ten to move.  intermittent stop and grazing while stella holds the comeby side to stay on line to the fetch panel.   she appears low at 50 yards from the paneln, but vision is difficult.  barabrar calls stellas name to hold the heavy side.  she misses low and 20 yards past the drop pint
she blows her vibrating look back whistle and stella not responding and keeps flanking the sheep and almosts head the flock. then to the back side again and half way to the handlers post she finally gets stella to look back.

stella goes to 1 oclock and lifts sheep in direction of the exhaust, it will be difficult to put them back on line.  she is calling stellas name.  stella misses the driveaway panel and brings the sheep almost to the the first group on the fetch line, completely missing her fetch line and gates.  her first group had waited patiently on lline.
The grpup is together and moving well around the post, walkiing  very agreeble.   sheep glance at the exhaust but walk on by.  this packet of sheep are the most agreeable.  she has 18 minutes left as she stays on line to the drive away panel .  the sheep drift upwards anad barbara stops the whistling to say her name.  back on line and thru the panels!  sheep some how comeback thru with half the flock but the crowd is a bit confused what happened due to poor vision of the panel.  this has set her up for the crossdrive low.  stella cant get them on ine as they graze across very low.  barabara eases the sheep up to the line before the  panel and makes her panel!  a nice slow turn and on line to the ring, sheep easier to push because they are heading now in the direction of the exhaust.  sheep are cantering into the ring!
in the ring at 8:49 left
first cut of 6 sheep towards exhaust.  barabara focuses on  the sheep to make another cut but others circle around and join up with the cast offs.  she must regathers.
barabara discards 6 again in the same direction.  they are just on the outside of the ring.  working on the far side of the ring barabara stands quiet as stella is lying down near the pen, alert and  eager.  a very nice 5 yo bitch.
5:36 left.  a ee looks at stella and then changes her mind and  turns.  2 sheep are let go as a single follows  but a collar tries to join and stella calmly comes in and stops the uncollar and collar!    8 discards total.  stella on the far side of the sheep again as barabara stoops to check for collars.  she has 4 moved to the front and has called stella in.  those 4 walk to join the discards.
2:32 left with 3 colars left.  one on the back side and 2 on the disccard side.  one collar looking to join, but a quiet flick of the crook changes her mind. barabra tries a last ditch effort with the three uncollars on the edge and a collar sneaks behiind her as the timer goes off!  great calm run by barabara and stella!  summary  no fetch panels but made bith drive panels with a pull thru on the driveaway and no shed.
score 271

Terri Warner and Nick. a 4 yo male bought from Joni Tietjen earlier this year, previously owned by michell howard.  Terri also ahs a straw hat on to block the glaring sunshine.    terri blows a lie down but nick continues onto the 1 oclock side of the sheep trying to bring the sheep diretly to Terri.  Knock It Off!  gets Nick to finally take his comeby flank to attempt to get the sheep onto the feetch line.    Nick is not convinced that the sheep shouldnt come directly to terri Now they are about 30 yards towards the actual fetch lin below the fetch panel trying to get to the orange drop cone.  She haas Nick flanking loosely now and he is free ing up  convinced terri wants the sheep to go to the left side of the field.
sheep oon the fetch  line below the cone and terri setsup for a look back and says "look back" and NIck beautifully turns back!.
Nick stops at 10 oclock and the sheep freely moves on line to the fetch.  He is 30 yards off his sheep listening well to keep the sheep on line to the fetch.  He is going to have to get closer to let the sheep knows he is there .  Sheep are now moving but have ddrifted below the line and fetch panel.  They are now stringing out 2 - 2- 6, Terri gets nick to look back and gather the stragglers.  He is doing some quick flanks which is keeping the sheep moving when they stop to graze..  on line below panels.  her first set are loosely grazing on line.  NOw they are all joined.
21 min remaining
nice quiet turn.  Sheep are hesitating glancing at the exhaut then grazing.
nick seems to have a comfortable feel for these sheep.   terri is nicely keeping them moving as they want to graze.  Nick is flanking back and forth. but the sheep seem done with that .  Nick tried walking directly in but the sheep are grazing.    they are on loine.  oops nick takes his flank a bit too far and circles the sheep about 3/4 of the way to the driveaway panel.
14 min remaining sheep  just milling towards the panel  with terri trying everything of flanks and walk ups.  Nick goes in for a dive and joust the sheep but does get the sheep going.
they make the panel.  at 12 min remaining.
4 minutes of wistling and they finaly leave the proximity  of the panel.
7 minutes left and the cross drive has been drifting low and not  wanting to move.
5 min remaing with 75 yards remaining and nick finally loses his amazing patience. and grips.


michael gallagher and Cain.  Michael is dressed in a grey sports coat with dark pants
MG stops him at 1 oclock and walks up.  MG's whistles are very beautiful and bird like.  sheep are moving online to the fetch panel . Cain goes to the away sie and pushed them low which mg quietly corrects but they are low and misses panel.  on line and a flawless queit look back.
25 min remaining and Cain is stopped at 10 oclock and lift sheep quietly.  Moving at a canter then no one knows what has happeneded but cain circles his sheep and they startto push cain towards the exhaust side and stuff just happened.
22 min on the approach to the first group way low below cone.
21 min turning post quietly.  sheep are handlying  well and on line to drive away.
19 min and cain has to push them a bit up  and they are thru.  lovely turn tight and now the sheep are cantering heading low and now eating.  a big  comebye fak to head sheep back up to line .
half way across drive and 17 min remaining.  sheep back to cantering and then abrupt stop cantering stop eatiing cantering low and cain heads sheep to push up to in line and makes the panels.
turning the panel nicely at 15 min remaining.  flanking and walking into the sheep have them moving well into the shed ring.
14 minutes remaing for shed and pen!.
MG sends his dog for water back to work with 13 remianing.

MG collars are intermixed A well placed foot stamp by MG moves the sheep.  CAin calmly laying down. 3 are quietly  wandered off, a single walks and joins the 3 . then 4 trot to join and cain stops an uncollared single.  the cast offs are wandering to the the judges tent. a single leaps in the air to the cast offs.  but a collar wants to go too, cain calmly works in a cutting horse manner to hold it and MG assisst with a quiet hop in the air.  SHe returns to the collared group. 6:45 remaining with 6 unclloars left. 4 uncollares are to the side but a collar goes the side.  a pesky colar thinks about wandering to the cast offs but cain and MG walk infront and stops her the sheep are facing the cast offs grazing, a singe walks off.. now 4 : 30  remaining with 5 uncollars remaining.
3 min left and all is calm with MG and cain working to position  the uncollars.  MG has now moved them a bit more to possibly shake them up.  The collars are hard to see because their heads are down.  the flock starts moving to the cast off with 3 collars in the lead and once again the team changes their mind.
at 1:07 the 5 just peel away at a trot liek magic.  Because the sheep are at the judges tent MG has to use cain to move them  to the exhaust and he takes a risk and tries for the pen with 20 seconds remaining.  TIME
SUmmary missed both fetch panels, lovely look back. made both drive panels and shed.  No pen
Score:
Well Done! magic.  Because the sheep are at the judges tent MG has to use cain to move them  to the exhaust and he takes a risk and tries for the pen with 20 seconds remaining.  TIME
Summary missed both fetch panels, lovely look back. made both drive panels and shed.  No pen
Score: 444
Well Done!


CHris Jobe and Fly. Going off of memory. while there was downloading of the blog, sorry.  First OR was lovely and lift nice.  She kept sheep high and missed the fetch panels high.  No look back as fly  did not want to leave the first group. after numerous attempts finally fly looks back but goes on the away side of the 2nd group.
Fly misses her 2nd fetch low.  Her first group wandered and spread out  toward the parking lot to the right of the field.  The second group gets on the fetch line but fly doesn't drop them when equal with the first group and pushed them past the post on the left side of the post.  She finally releases the 2nd group to get the  first group and gathers them all together.  brings around the post and starts the drive..
we are at 17 minutes with the sheep near the exhaust pen as she gathers them  to bring them around the post.
She is having a lovely drive and made the first panel with sheep grazing and walking, really quite consistent and lovely.  Just minimally low, now trotting and going low with fly stopping on the pressure side and pushing back up to line. Now ewes trotting on line and grazing up toward the panels with chris going to vocals and trying to get her away to me but haas missed low. sheep are behind panels and off line, she nows has them on the third leg and heading to the shed. Half way to the shed she are grazing and stopping, fly is flanking back and forth to encourage the sheep.
Time 6 min ish. in the ring
CHris takes her dog to water after a long hard slow drive.  sheep quietly grazing in the ring. CHris restarts
8 uncollars wander in the direction away from he judges stand but she doesn't take them.  she redirects them towards the exhaust and let 7 go. a single goes. another single but with a collar back a break for it and chris stops them.
the uncollars are trying to join up with the collars. chris sees them and pushes them back.  All sheep are in the ring. Beautiful quiet work teamwork of chris and fly.
3 uncollars and one collar make a break for the cast offs and the timer goes off.
Summary:  no look back, no fetch panels, 1 drive panel, no shed.
score. 300

Patrick Shannahan and Vangie. It is 79 degrees an a beautiful blue sky with no winds.
Patrick is wearing a black tam hat with a grey sports coat and fading stylish jeans.
Vangie goes to 12 oclock . PS flanks Vangie comebye to lift towards the panels.  SHeep barely moving with heads down. Now sheep are moving but stop again to graze they are only 1/4 of the way towards the fetch panels. The crowd says there was a grip but the the sheep are moving.  People are looking towards the judges??????He is on line but now goes  low.
Vangie is well positioned for the look back. PS gives a look back, then repeats it she takes it but walking a fine line of crossing....she crosses.
24 min lift the second set.  sheep heading towards the drive away panels and goes thru the panels, (the crowds claps anyway!) so way low.  SHeep are heading towards drop point at a run and join the other group.
21 min ..lovely turn at the post and sheep moving well with the least amount of grazing compared to the other runs.  He is on line.  Vangie doing a lovely job pushing from the back and not overflanking to keep them moving.
19 min and thru the panels.  Sheep stop and graze at the run .  Vangie busts into them and couldn't see if there was a grip but 18 sheep canter away leaving 2 for a brief moment.  The 2 join up and now DQ at 17 min.
Summary: no fetch panels, cross over at look back, first drive panel DQ.
SCORE DQ
No time

Scott Glen  and Don.
Scott trips in a hole walking to the post, the crowd goes "Oh" and Scott cheerfully  bows to the crowd in a good natured way.
He is dressed in blue jeans, a black Soldier Hollow pinstriped vest and a pink dress shirt and an ISDS tie.
Lovely outrun and lift but Don not covering initially the come by side but then responds to SG whistles.  On line then goes past the panels and comes back and make the fetch panels.
A cutting horse turn back, flawless.
Stopped at 11  oclcock.
26 min and sheep heading t a trot and canter totally on line to fetch panels...best yet!!  but traveling fast, Don goes on the away side of the sheep as the pass the fetch panels.  He misses the panels .  He flanks Don around and puts them back on line to the cone.  They are all together now on line.  Scott tells Don to "knock it off"
23 minutes turning the post.  Don seems to have these sheep convinced they are to move.  They are staying at a trot/canter.
They have stopped 1/4 way on the drive away.  Now they are on the move again with the sheep weaving on line to the panels...thru the panels.
Slight high turn, sheep cantering then spreading out a bit.  Back to gether and a tad bit high.  2 sheep slow down on the back side then join up.  Sheep not stopping and they are going thru.  Wide turn as Don has to flank to stop them.  SG putting them back on line to go to ring.  Half way to ring he has them on line.
17 min and they are in the shed ring
Scott takes Don to water.
back to work with 16 min to go
15 min and SG taking his time bending over to glance for collars
With 11 min he makes his first cut of 4 sheep towards the judges tent. 2 more walk off then 5 ish more canter over..  2 more leave. Don is between the sheep
10 min with 2 left.  SHeep quietly grazing
Scott to the side
2 collars break to castoffs and Don brilliantly stops them
The crowd cheers.
Now the 2 uncollars join the cast off shed is complete 8 min!

Now Scott has to position the collars  but the cast offs -2 of them try to join and both scott and Don  run quickly to keep them appart.
The collars are secure at the exhaust area.
Don and scott push the cast offs down the back line to the parking lot. Regathers the collars and go to the pen with 5 minutes to the pen.
4 min... sheep at the mouth of the pen.
Patience is needed with these sheep which both DOn and SG showing.  Sheep looking at DOn every once in  a while
2 min All sheep looking in. then a single thinks about leaving.
Scott speaking loudly to Don... tension is building
1 min left.  one ewe keeps thinking of leaving.
TIME!
Crowd goes wild with whistles, clapping and yippees.
Score:  509

At this point sad to say, I had to leave. I will try to get updates and upload while on the road but no promises. I appreciate the help from Lise Andersen and be sure to thank her (again) for helping me blog today. I took some photos and they will be up this week

Amanda Milliken and Monty 317
Dennis Gellings and Jiggs  No Score
Dave Imas and Tip 285
Bruce Fogt and Jill 362
Emil Luedecke and Zac 442
Joni Tietjen and Bill 318
Ron Enzeroth and Mick 461
Kay Stephens and Storm 359
Angie Coker Sells and Andy 415
Alasdair MacRae and Gail 602

Congrats to Alasdair and Gail



Saturday, September 13, 2014

Saturday Semis 2014 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals

Morning was cold and crisp, with frost on the grass and a good nip at your heels.  The sun peeking over the mountains soon warmed up the crowd and  armed with coffee sat to enjoy the semis.  Course was a right hand drive, and then shed of two unmarked and  pen and a single of a marked. I got here late as I thought it started at 8 but that was obviously wrong. It started at 7:30. I wll be watching Nursery as well so not all of the runs will have details.

Hd to walk dogs and get settle so missed a couple of runs.

Angie Coker Sellers and Andy.  167

Jean Singer and Sly 95

Scott Glen and Don. I drove up to see the last bit of his run but the word was it was a free lesson. Smooth, quiet and straight lines. Got all the panels and of course, the shedding guru had the shed in sort order. Patience at the pen for a pen and quick on the single. 187

Bev Lambert and Nan. I missed this as i had to walk dogs but I hear it was good with a couple of rough spots. Missed fetch, fight at post, drive ok missed second panel. good shed and walked in pen with little encouragement and single was quick! 137

Bruce Fogt and Jill. First of all, I think this dog should come to my house but since that isn't going to happen, here is the run.  Nice quiet run and straight lines, with tiny bobble but not much. I think he missed the second panel as i was typing and didn't see it. Nice shed and the pen took a bit as they had no interest but he convinced them. Nice single and great team with a lot of heart. 154

Derek Fisher and Nell. Nell had a hard packet that gave her trouble from the get go. Her huge heart tried as they bolted to the left and Derek placed her well to bring them to his feet. Again they gave Nell grief at the post turn but she kept on working hard. The first leg was tough and the ewes broke and Nell worked like a champ but this ewes were going to give anyone issues. Finally Nell gripped a ewe and was DQ. Great effort by a nice team on very difficult sheep.

Jean Gellings and Star 113. I was getting coffee and a pastry so missed this but as I was walking up, it was peaceful and quiet.

Don Helsley and The Wizard went out on the come bey side and looks to be a nice lift.  Nice quiet fetch and turn at the post. First leg ghe sheep are moving off nice with a few pauses and as they get close to the first panel, they break to the right side but Wiz stops them and tucks them in and has a nice tight turn. They trot off and Wiz gets them back online.   Low and he pushes them back up line.  Sheep are moving well but light in brief moments but Wiz foes his magic and has them under his control.  Through the second panel and a wee bit wide but back online quickly and marches them to the shed.  Don is patient in the shed and lines them up.  He has to maneuver them to get the proper set. The red collared sheep are hanging in the middle but he works it. and gets the shed. The pen is magic and so was the Single. 160

Peggy Wilkinson and Liz had a nice fetch, with Liz holding well. Nice turn but the ewes make a break for it and Liz confidently walks up to their face and all look at each other.  She backs them back online and the ewe decide to listen.Liz had to work to get this stubborn set and flew in and busted the set to make a point (no grip). She got them back and carefully worked them through the panel and the ewes have decided to be heavy.   She works hard for the crossdrive as one ewe keeps stopping at the back to graze and the front want to trot off,  Then low and she works hard to get them back online.  Liz got the ewe to saunter through the second gate and a nice turn, a wee bit wide.  In the ring and the team is quiet and settles the ewes. The ewes try to walk out but Liz gets in their face and they jump. Settled and made the shed but the sheep in the back ran up to join so she has to redo the shed.  Peg is well dressed and looks like a model for a Western type of magazine. Time ends the run as she is setting up the shed. Nice quiet run and a good team. Score of 94

Joe Haynes and Keally, a super confident female with lost of push.  Nice and deep on the outrun and confident lift.  Then the sheep drop their head to graze and he gives her a walk up and they finally get moving.  Not much offline and a steady fetch.  Just before the panels they drop their heads to graze and Keally has to get in their faces. They skim the panels and are very heavy.  The ewes finally to get with the program and go in a nice trot to the post.   Turn is wide but controlled. High on the first leg and the ewes are being tough.  Joe works hard to get the back onlne and it is looking nice. The ewes slow down and Keally does a grip for a DQ. Excellent handing on very tough ewes.


Kay Stephens and Gala. Big shout out for Kay for saving the BAER clinic by suppling a much needed cord. Dog went out nice and wide.  Gala hit balance and nice lift with dog in control.  But the dog gripped on the drive, damm!

Barbara Ray and Stella. I went and got coffee so missed the outwork. Nice first leg and turn. bit high but got them back online. Nice drive with a few bobbles, shed took a bit but she got it. Working hard at the pen.  She eases them in pen and jumps up and down at the last bit to get the slow ewe in the pen. Ewes amble to the ring. Calls the dog in but she doesn't hold, then comes back for the hold. 164

Allen Hickenbottom and Bodie. Dog is working packet well, with a wee bobble but moving nicely. Nice line and good work and made the first panel. Low and had to work to slow them down to get back online. Got the second panel and nice last leg to ring.  Quiet work and he gets the shed. Very quiet at the pen and the ewes want to break to the side but Bodie is holding well.   All five face off and one puts her head down and Bodie greets her with teeth for a DQ.

I have to take off for a bit and will write when i get back so will miss the next couple of runs.

Joni  Tietjen and Bill had a nice run and I managed to see the shed, pen and shed which was pretty darn nice and her score of 177 reflects that. Tierney Graham and Brisco had 150 and I could hear the crow clap for her pen and single. Noelle Williams and Lad for 113. Chris Jobe and Fly had a 145. Suzy Applegate and Coop had  

Tommy Wilson and Meg had a nice steady pace throughout,  The ewes want to stop and graze in the heat.   The fetch was nice and sweet turn at the post. Nice drive with a bobble at the first panel with the dog  did a circle at the first panel and then pull thru and rest of drive was nice. About 15 seconds in the shed and they marched off the two and off to the pen.  Meg is holding the side but the ewes go halfway around then back at the mouth. One breaks to the backside andMeg stops her but the others join her. Patient as one ewe keeps putting her face to Meg and she snapped at her so she jumped as she made contact, quick and short. Now another ewe moves forwards and meets more of the same. This is  a difficult set that is not convinced.  Time runs out as Med holds her ground.  117

Shauna Gourley and Keli are working the ewes at the mid day heat.   Nice outwork and quiet turn at the post.  Slow first leg but straight and made the panels. Nice lines all around and a slow trot to the ring.  The ewes drop their heads to grazes and she set it up and gets the shed.  A sheep broke and Keli covered and all back at the pen.  Time out

Derek Fisher and Jen, with a bright white shirt and cap. Jen goes to the right. Some rough spots, missed fetch and turn was good. Drive was wobbly but good, made panels. with try. Missed attempt but got second attempt. Working at pen but sheep don't want in but Pen Master Derek is holding firm. Zen arrives and sheep march in and a huge round of applause.  As he lines them up in the shed ring for the single but time runs.  Score of  120


Jean Gellings and Star 113. I was getting coffee and a pastry so missed this but as I was walking up, it was peaceful and quiet.

Don Helsley and The Wizard went out on the come bey side and looks to be a nice lift.  Nice quiet fetch and turn at the post. First leg ghe sheep are moving off nice with a few pauses and as they get close to the first panel, they break to the right side but Wiz stops them and tucks them in and has a nice tight turn. They trot off and Wiz gets them back online.   Low and he pushes them back up line.  Sheep are moving well but light in brief moments but Wiz foes his magic and has them under his control.  Through the second panel and a wee bit wide but back online quickly and marches them to the shed.  Don is patient in the shed and lines them up.  He has to maneuver them to get the proper set. The red collared sheep are hanging in the middle but he works it. and gets the shed. The pen is magic and so was the Single. 160

Peggy Wilkinson and Liz had a nice fetch, with Liz holding well. Nice turn but the ewes make a break for it and Liz confidently walks up to their face and all look at each other.  She backs them back online and the ewe decide to listen.Liz had to work to get this stubborn set and flew in and busted the set to make a point (no grip). She got them back and carefully worked them through the panel and the ewes have decided to be heavy.   She works hard for the crossdrive as one ewe keeps stopping at the back to graze and the front want to trot off,  Then low and she works hard to get them back online.  Liz got the ewe to saunter through the second gate and a nice turn, a wee bit wide.  In the ring and the team is quiet and settles the ewes. The ewes try to walk out but Liz gets in their face and they jump. Settled and made the shed but the sheep in the back ran up to join so she has to redo the shed.  Peg is well dressed and looks like a model for a Western type of magazine. Time ends the run as she is setting up the shed. Nice quiet run and a good team. Score of 94

Joe Haynes and Keally, a super confident female with lost of push.  Nice and deep on the outrun and confident lift.  Then the sheep drop their head to graze and he gives her a walk up and they finally get moving.  Not much offline and a steady fetch.  Just before the panels they drop their heads to graze and Keally has to get in their faces. They skim the panels and are very heavy.  The ewes finally to get with the program and go in a nice trot to the post.   Turn is wide but controlled. High on the first leg and the ewes are being tough.  Joe works hard to get the back onlne and it is looking nice. The ewes slow down and Keally does a grip for a DQ. Excellent handing on very tough ewes.


Kay Stephens and Gala. Big shout out for Kay for saving the BAER clinic by suppling a much needed cord. Dog went out nice and wide.  Gala hit balance and nice lift with dog in control.  But the dog gripped on the drive, damm!

Barbara Ray and Stella. I went and got coffee so missed the outwork. Nice first leg and turn. bit high but got them back online. Nice drive with a few bobbles, shed took a bit but she got it. Working hard at the pen.  She eases them in pen and jumps up and down at the last bit to get the slow ewe in the pen. Ewes amble to the ring. Calls the dog in but she doesn't hold, then comes back for the hold. 164

Allen Hickenbottom and Bodie. Dog is working packet well, with a wee bobble but moving nicely. Nice line and good work and made the first panel. Low and had to work to slow them down to get back online. Got the second panel and nice last leg to ring.  Quiet work and he gets the shed. Very quiet at the pen and the ewes want to break to the side but Bodie is holding well.   All five face off and one puts her head down and Bodie greets her with teeth for a DQ.

I have to take off for a bit and will write when i get back so will miss the next couple of runs.

Joni  Tietjen and Bill had a nice run and I managed to see the shed, pen and shed which was pretty darn nice and her score of 177 reflects that. Tierney Graham and Brisco had 150 and I could hear the crow clap for her pen and single. Noelle Williams and Lad for 113. Chris Jobe and Fly had a 145. Suzy Applegate and Coop had  

Tommy Wilson and Meg had a nice steady pace throughout,  The ewes want to stop and graze in the heat.   The fetch was nice and sweet turn at the post. Nice drive with a bobble at the first panel with the dog  did a circle at the first panel and then pull thru and rest of drive was nice. About 15 seconds in the shed and they marched off the two and off to the pen.  Meg is holding the side but the ewes go halfway around then back at the mouth. One breaks to the backside andMeg stops her but the others join her. Patient as one ewe keeps putting her face to Meg and she snapped at her so she jumped as she made contact, quick and short. Now another ewe moves forwards and meets more of the same. This is  a difficult set that is not convinced.  Time runs out as Med holds her ground.  117

Shauna Gourley and Keli are working the ewes at the mid day heat.   Nice outwork and quiet turn at the post.  Slow first leg but straight and made the panels. Nice lines all around and a slow trot to the ring.  The ewes drop their heads to grazes and she set it up and gets the shed.  A sheep broke and Keli covered and all back at the pen.  Time out

Derek Fisher and Jen, with a bright white shirt and cap. Jen goes to the right. Some rough spots, missed fetch and turn was good. Drive was wobbly but good, made panels. with try. Missed attempt but got second attempt. Working at pen but sheep don't want in but Pen Master Derek is holding firm. Zen arrives and sheep march in and a huge round of applause.  As he lines them up in the shed ring for the single but time runs.

Dennis Gellings and Jiggs and sheep had to pull to one side on the fetch.  Turn was nice and first line was nice and made it.  Spilt the sheep on the drive but got them together and sheep bolted. But straight to the panels and nicely eld.  Wide turn  but nice to ring.  Came in smartly for the last two. Dennis worked hard and got the pen and was very quiet.  got the single quickly! score of 159

Kay Stephens and Storm, a crowd favorite.  Sent to the right.  Very nice outwork and good fetch.  Taking her time at the post turn and it is smooth.  First line is at a nice trot and made the panels. Sheep dropping low on the drive but gets them back online.  Low at the second panel, they stop to graze , then missed lowed.  Fast line to the ring and she set it up nice and gets the shed. The seep want to hang on the side of the pen so she has to work to get them to the mouth.  But the gate slipped and ht the sheep on the butt and they hopped out and are in the back of the pen. They work them back up to the pen and she works them in.  Less than a minute for the single.  Dog goes to water and as she comes out time run out as she sets up.  138

Alasdair MacRae and Gail. Alasdair won the Nationals 11 times Ray announced  and the crowd claps. Gail goes out then looks like she is going to cross but he redirects her and she takes it at warp speed.   She marches in n the lift and they start. They want to break to the left but he stops that flow and gets them online.  Nice work and gets them through the panels and to his feet.  Nice turn and they trot off for the first legs and go back and forth but gets them settled.  One ewe leads the packet with her head high and he stops that break. Gets them back and walking nice to the mouth of the drive gate and they don't want to go through. They broke low and went past the panel and got back online. Nice easy job across for the crossdrive and going high on last part of drive but he recover to push them through. Wide turn  but got them back online on the last leg. Alasdair walks into the ring, looks like he is casual then works on lining them.  Calls Gael in for the last two and she holds them tight.   They walk up nice to the pen and it is like a ballet dance, smooth and graceful. One tiny step at a time and he closes the gate. Nice pen! Over two minutes left and to the ring for the single. He calls Gael on the last one and she stops the ewe with a big smile. 166

Went for lunch and back again.  Ron Burkey and Shadow was 127.  Michael Gallagher and Flo had a grip at the pen. Emil Luedecke and Zac had  spectacular run. Overall subtle touch to his handling and good energy and great partnership said Steve Shodin.  A lesson in handling for a 172. George Stambulic and Nan were going well but a grip at the last leg. DQ. Joni Tietjen and Sage had a sweet run going and a superb post turn. At the first panel, one ewe busted up the hill, no reason and Sage was working it back when was called off.

I went to the Nursery to see Scott and Alice run. Very nice run, smooth and the ewes were heavy but Alice marched them. Just skimmed the second panel and working them in the pen but sadly time ran out. Don't know the score as we left.

Back at Open, Mich Ferraro and the handsome Clive had a 85. Patrick Shannahan and Vangie had a 162 and I was sorry that I missed it. I heard it was nice. Donna Eliason and Ben worked the sheep into the pen as I walked up and it was quiet. In the ring and they are look very much in sync trying to get that single. Ben is posed like a race horse and is a striking, rough tri coat dog.  The sun just shines off his coat.  Donna is patient to work a collared ewe out and lines them up.  She is quite patient and they make a nice shed with the ewe trying to dart back but see Ben's eyes and turn back. Very sweet! 120

Dave Imas and Tip are a well matched pair that set the scene on fire in the PNW. A tall, rangy smooth coat Tip scans the horizon for his sheep. Dave, dressed in blue from his hat to his pants waits confidently as Tip races off.    Lift was a wee but off but back online and trotted the ewes down the fetch line, through the gates and to his feet. Nice and quiet and tidy turn at the post. The ewe face off Tip but he convinces that a trot to the first panel is wise on their part. Just a tad offline then back and still nice and smooth. The ewes seem to like how Tip handles them. They try to break low but quick handling by Dave saves that and then through the panels. Tight turn and nice drive so far and you can hardly hear Dave give his whistles. Nice pace and the ewes and little low but not much.  Adjustment then one step too high, then fixed.  At the last moment the ewe missed the second panels low , then wide turn but back online.   He had the shed but the ewe were out of the ring so he had to redo. He slowly works it and lined them up.  He gets it with a nice style.  Nice work at the pen and to the ring again.  Some maneuvering goes on but he runs out of time. 153

Michael Gallagher and Cain. Nice outwork and good turn at post. Sheep hard to move but moved off dog, but off at the gate but got them through, little high but online and ewes are trotting. Nice work at the second panel as they wanted to slip by and he got them properly through the gate.  The ewes want to drop their heads and eat and are slow moving. In the ring and lining them up.  He works the packet and get the last two o the head.  Time seems frozen while he works the ewes slowly into the mouth of the pen.   One ewe break and does a circle then returns. He works hard and slam the gate and one second later the time is done. 139

I am almost out of power so it made end soon!

Jen Glen sent Lad on the come bye side.   Nice and he picks them u and they think about being offline but she works hard and gets them online and they try to break and she pops them back online again. Nice go so far and headed straight for the gates but the darn buggers burst to the side and slip by! Last part of fetch is nice and slow trot. Relatively smooth turn, then lined up nice and then a small bobble but fixed it and looking nice. The sheep want to break and one bust and a grip for a DQ. The  ewes want to stop and graze and heavy to move. DQ

Mike Burks and Sport, a very talented blue merle are from CA. Mike is a super nice guy and loves his dogs.  Sport races up on the comebye side.  Sport os holding the pressure on the fetch quite well. Little offline and doing well. Made the first gate and nice turn. Looks to be online but can't tell and made the panels.  In the ring and setting up the sheep.  The sheep run out of the ring.  Back again, and missed attempt.  He gets the shed and Sport regathers them in the ring. But it wasn't called (maybe out of ring) so he redoes the shed.  Quick pen, WOW!!   He calls him in for a single but I don't think was held and the ewe burst through the fence in front of me. DQ. And then ewe burst back to the field on another panel. But Denise Leonard was sitting in front of me so I was safe. She has been helping me when I can't see what is going on so be sure to thank her.

One of my fav handlers is up next. Allen Mills and Sis. He is the old fashioned gentleman who wrote me a "Thank You Note" for blogging at one finals and I loved that. As in handwritten. And a stamp.  Sis went out nice and looking good so far but the ewes are getting tougher to work. It's hot, they are hungry and they didn't sign up for this and they punched out on their union card. Nevertheless, Sis is working the crabby ewes are testing Sis and she is bringing them down and it looks like they are going to miss the fetch panels but make it.  Nice turn and drive going good, little break but under control. Dead center through the panels and tight turn and lined them up for the crossdrive. Ewes break into a run and little high,low then online.The wind is picking up. Low just before the gate (Thanks Jack Knox for the help) and turning towards the gate, go through, turn is nice and to the ring. Offline but back. Shed was clean and dog in control. Pen approach was good,  pressure was good but sheep weren't in the game (I was taking pixs so Jack watched the run so the words are his!) 136

Bridget Strang and Treat. Bridget and her gang have been running a superb trial. Tons of vendors, goods and food. Well run and not lacking for anything. Outrun was little tight at top, good lift and got the fetch panels and ice turn.  Dog pushed the ewes offline on the first leg but got back online to make the gates. Wide turn and was online but low on center of drive. Got them lined up and the ewes drop their heads to graze. Got them going and looked like she was going too high but got the gate and wide turn. Dog put pressure on single ewe, left the flock and rejoined (Jack is telling me while I type) In the ring and good shed. (Be sure to buy Jack a beer for helping.) At the pen and the ewes mill about and one breaks and tries to go to the exhaust but Treat brings the ewe back and they keep working but time runs out. (Kathy Knox, your spouse has been a great help as I am trying to take pixs and blog and he is doing the commentary. He gets five bonus points) Score is 133

Amanda Milliken and Monty. Outwork was good, maybe little tight but good, lift was good, good fetch, made panels and sheep steady and in control. Pace is good and turn was tight, dog still in control and nice pace.  Ewes dropped to graze two thirds of drive and dog is working hard to move them.  Moves them out and they want tp break but he tucks them in to make the gate, good turn  and start of a good crossdrive.  The ewe try to make a low break at the second panel but made the gates. Good turn and sheep challenging the dog. One ewe stamps. The last leg is slow as the ewes challenging. We couldn't  see what happened but the sheep jumped. But the sheep are in the ring and Amanda calls Monty in for a sheep but not a hold so she regathered and got another one quickly. She is walking to the pen with the sheep on her heels and everyone just froze. Ewes want to break but Monty is in the way.  She eases them in and gets the pen.  They all ambled to the ring and the ewes are calm and she swiftly  gets the single. The ewe had no idea what happened but Monty was in front of her. Score is 166

Ron Enzeroth and Mick. A fellow Texan so I gotta root for him, Light blue shirt and nice cowboy hat is a good model for this day, Mick goes out nice, good lift but the ewes break hard to the left. He gets them back online and makes the panel. Good lies, good pace and moving well.   Nice approach to Ron and he settles them at the post and has a nice turn,wee bit wide but gets them back online.  The ewes want to trot off and Mick holds the pressure. Made the panels and little wide and online.  Good crossdrive, one of the best so far. Nice shed and  calm work.  Nice pen and good control. In the ring with 3:30 on the clock. He gets the last one on the head, NICE. Score 189!

Terri Warner and Nic. Nice outrun and she go a hold of him at the top.  Sheep are coming down nicely. Looks good but the sheep try to bypass the fetch panel but to no avail as she makes them go through. Nice walk to the post (I am down to 3% on battery at this point)  Terri is handling the ewes well and they turn on the dog but he gives them the get along look and they comply.  Bit of a wide turn and offline but Terri work hard to get them back online. A bobble but back online and her skillful handling put the ewes through the first drive gate.  The sheep try to break but she stops them for a nice turn.  Low on crossdrive,  Sheep stop to graze. She gets them going and they trot off. High but she works them to fix it.  She makes the second panel but working hard and good turn. In the ring and she works to line them up. Almost and she sets it up and gets it. One ewe tries to break over Nic but is stopped in her tracks.  One ewe makes a break at the pen but Nic stops
 her and tucks her back in.  Time runs out. Nice handling and a good team. You can see the true partnership.   score 138

sorry it took long to upload but i coudnt get a connection for most of afternon



Friday, September 12, 2014

Friday USBCHA National FInals Scores

Friday morning was a sleep in for me as my rib really began to hurt from the car accident. I slept in, partially from taking heavy duty pain pill the night before and also just exhausted. I got to the field at 10ish, after spending the morning with the spouse as he heads out to Lakewood, Co to play in a gig.  As I drove in I saw a sign for a massage so parked the car and had some work done on me. I will do a blog on her later and it helped quite a bit for my neck and rib pain. The sheep have been winning hands down in the Nursery field. Hard to move and all attitude.

The Open field has had it's share of troubles as well. BTW, I have been the only one blogging the last two days, so I am getting tired and I am fading so just a head's up. If anyone wants to help me, I am all for it.  

The weather has been warm but chilly at first, but still has enough of a breeze that you need your light coat under the tent. Mike Burks and Sports laid down a nice run to get 150 and the word was it was sweet. Way to go, Mike! Jack Knox and Nap was a DQ. Suzy Applegate, a super classy handler with a positive word for everyone, got a 131 with Coop. Jo Woodbury and Zip had 102.  Terry Pelkey and Jesse walked for a RT.  Same for Dennis Edwards and Craig.  Libby Neider and Derby got a 103.  Rose Anderson and Jing was a RT.  Tierney Graham and Brisco got a 142. Brisco had his nice outwork, good drive with one missed panel, and a shed but timed out on the pen. Nice and steady.  Karen Stanley and Grace was a RT. 

Michele McGuire and Cora  had a DQ.  Joe Haynes and Spot walked for a RT.  Linda Tesdahl and Juno had  112. Terry Parrish and Zula had a DQ. Bruce Fogt had a nice run but gripped at the pen for a DQ. 

Wilda Bahr and Elle  got a 82.  Elizabeth Baker and Soot had a nice fetch and had a slow start at the first leg but made up for it and timed out on the shed. Nice work for 96 .  Erin Swanson and Lark had a nice pace, good fetch and controlled drive and time out in the ring for 112 . Her first time at the post.

Alasdair and Sweep was sent  on away side, lift was good, fetch had to be covered onleft side, the dog has to convince them to vome down (a sweet person helped me who wishes to not be named). stopped at topside of fetch panel wanting to break to right, and handled them gently through the fetch panels and the ewes want to stop but Sweep convinces them to go on. The bottom half of fetch was good and good turn.  Trying to get them alined for the drive and one ewe faces off and all is silent. They ewe all face the dog who stands up and one lowers her head moved forward and  gripped on the nose and he was called. DQ

Ron Green and Chavo had 110.   Lori Perry and Darque, (9 yrs and old her sixth time to the Finals) had a nice fetch ad turn. At the first drive panel, an ewe took exception to Darque and she got bit for her efforts. DQ but a nice run.  Terri Warner and Bea had a coupe of her ewes jump the chain before the fence and that was the end of her run.  Michael Gallagher and Cain had a quiet and smooth run, hit all the panels, sheep flowing off all the time and good shed. (Thanks to Jack Knox for help) Time out o the pen and one of the best ones and very quiet. Score of 156.

Pat Shannahan and Abby.  Offline on the top half of the fetch but good on outrun and lift. Missed the gates, and offline to the right (away side).  Sheep are going fast then stopped about 50 yards before the post but Abby got them going.   The ewes face Abby at the turn and one breaks away but she tucks her back.  She breaks again and then the other four bust to join her but Abby gets them back again. Walking them bak for the post turn and they finally make it and the ewes trot upfield.    They turn back on Abby but she gets the flow going again.  Made the panels and a fast crossdrive trot.  Low on the turn and broke the pane and partial low on the third leg but fixed it. Setting up the shed like the "Zen Master" and Abby waits......one ewe breaks again (darn ewe) and he gets them back again.  The ewes mill about but Patrick is patient and he gets the back two. They gather and run out f the ring but Patrick patiently puts them back in the ring and off to the pen.  They look like they are going to amble in but bust around to the backside at the last second and time runs out. Score of 81

Amanda Milliken and Monty, stylish in her wide brimmed hat and bright blue shirt stand at the post and waits for her sheep to settle. Sent on the comebye side and fast lift and the ewes do the fast trot down the field. Offline and missed the panels and the ewes are leaning hard on the away side. She gets the to her feet and one ewe has her head high and ears in a bad attitude position. Nice tight turn  and the flow is going to the first panels.     The sheep drop their heads to graze and they move through the panel. Got them online and they try to break high but Monty put them back on line and through the panels and they bust for a wild turn but dog brings them back online to the shed. Sheep are high headed but Amanda clams them down and again that problem ewe tries to break with a pal but it stopped. Then lined up for a quick shed, regathered in the ring and they saunter to the pen. They bust back behind the pen (couldn't figure out why) but he gets them back. They are working slow and smooth They are working slow and smooth and get the pen and the crowd gives a huge round of applause. Score was 153.


Larry Burch and Dot score of 122. (I went to get lunch). Joni Tietjen and Sage had a nice run and made the panels. A the pen, she is slowly walking the sheep and they try to bust but she slams the gate shut and everyone gives her a huge round of applause.  Nice score of 153 

Patricia MacRae and Cap.  Nice outrun, lift and offline and they ewes turned sideways on the fetch and Cap stopped them. It kept happened a couple times but she held them fast.  The turn was back and forth and for some reason the ewes want to keep breaking to the away side. Tricia handled them carefully and made the turn and got them lined out. Carefully handling and they get online and the ewes make a run for the inside of the panels but Cap stopped them.  She works them carefully to the mouth of the gate and they go through with a snug turn. She works Cap slowly and again the ewes run high and miss the panel. They swung way low and she works hard to get them going.   Patience is a virtue and she works them back to the last leg.  The ewes are calm in the ring and Cap comes in for the back two. She is working them hard and time runs out.  score of 91

Angie Coker Sells and Andy had to work hard for their score. The ewes faced her dog off at the first leg and it was a face off but the ewes decided to behave. They made the second panel and the ewes bolted low but she got then into the ring for a fast shed. Pen is slow and patience wins at the end! Score of 135?


Sandra Milberg and Hope. She had a nice run with a few bobbles and made the drive panels. Made the shed and pen, the second one in a row.  Score of 100.

Mike Neary and Cylde. Missed the fetch panels.  Hard going on the first drive as the sheep are heavy.  Made the first panels and high on the second panel.  Put the sheep back online for the last leg.    Got shed and pen for score of 105.

Diane Spaninhower and Tess and was sent to the left. Nice lift and the sheep broke abut dog them back online.  Shed and no pen for 111. LisAnn Spenser and Lacey had a grip at the first drive panel for a DQ.  Ellen Skillings and Jill had a bit of wobbly fetch and missed the panels.  Stop and go on the crossdrive line. In the ring and made the shed. Trying to ease the in and did it but grip for a DQ

Jean Gellings and Star.  Nice and quiet so far.  Made the first panels and nice turn but slow and steady.  Just slipped low at the second panel and wide turn but got back online quickly  .  The run was quiet and smoth and the shed was swift. Star covered the pen and they almost hd it when time ran out.  Score of 130. George Stambulic and Nan were the last to run.  Missed the fetch panels and turn to line them up. Sheep are trying to break and he has to work hard to get the first panel and makes it. Low on the crosdrive but recovered and made the second panel. Wide turn but got them back.  Shed was nice and then to the pen. The sheep are hanging in the mouth of the pen and he carefully starts to close the pen when burst out and break to the side of the pen where the ewe sees Nan and then ran back to her buddies. George eases them in and closes the gate and only fitting the last run of the first go round shuts the gate for a score of 140.








Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thursday sheepdog runs (all runs)

Thursday started off with the first few dogs either RT or DQ. The weather is nice and crisp with bright sun warming our chilled bones. Sunbeams sparkled off the local mountains whose crests are sprinkled with the early snow of winter. There is a nip in the air to remind you that winter is on your heels but not cold enough to shiver but cold enough to put a spring in your step.

I will be blogging on and off as I am running Maid and want to visit folks.  Lise Andersen and Piper got a DQ.  Bob Hickman and Ryder walked for a. RT.   Shaun a Gourley and Jade had a run that was nice until a DQ.  Denise Leonard had a good run but she walked at the first leg of the drive. She was handling her dog quite nicely.  Terry Folsom and Chance got a 97.

Bill Wilder and Russell, a well built red dog, and first time to the post, had a nice outrun but offline on the fetch. The sheep thought about being brats at the turn but soon wished up. The first leg was off and he got them online on the crossdrive, and came in nice for the shed. He called him in for the shed but it didn't hold so he tried again and the dog came in for a nice shed but the timer went off before the hold. Score of 81 and Bill is a super nice guy and good go for his first time

Ron Burkey and Shadow, another red dog, sure could handle the sheep quite well.  Nice outwork and drive, with a few bobbles and missed the second panels.  Shed was nice and they patiently worked them in the pen for a score of 161.

Heather Haynes and Lad, from Washington State, are next and she is smartly dressed!  This is her first  time tothe post at the Finals! Nice work on the outwork, a few bobbles on the drive, sweet shed and timeout on the pen. Score of 120 and excellent for a First time to the post! Way to go, Heather.

At this point I went to get coffee and shop so no blogging for a bit but here is the update.  Fred Temple and Jack 122 and no pen. Lona Brabdenburg and Sweet had a DQ.  Sandra Milberg and Quill had a RT.  Carol Clawson and Kita had a 103.


Roy Tabor and Craig had a nice run going but the dog left the field for a RT. No idea why.  Allen Mills and the 8 year old Sis, had a nice controlled run, with a sweet fetch (which is hard to get) and nice lines on the drive. (I took pixs so going on memory on this run)...He set up the shed and she waltzed in and then off to the pen. The sheep wanted to squirt to the side but she held her ground. They had a change of their minds and as they were working them in, the time ran out for a 131.

Don Helsley and The Wizard ran a nice run. Quiet fetch but missed the fitst drive panels and wide on last part. Set up the  shed nicely and Wizard came in smooth.  Working at the pen with three minutes and slowly backed them in for a steller pen. Score of 142

Christine Jobe and Gwen had a nice outwork but a bit fast. One ewe persisted in bolting on the drive. She ran to the judge's tent, perhaps to display her fine wool and on the second time, she walked.

Dianne Deal and Zorro had a nice run, with the handling the sheep quietly on the back.  Smooth but missed her panels and got a nice shed with Zorro looking back at the wrong sheep but quickly got the right set. Very quiet work at the pen and eased them in!  Score 115

Bill Berhow and Coal, dressed quite sharply strolled to the post. Sent to the favored comebye side and Coal is putting on the afterburners on his outrun.  Nice and deep lift.  The sheep break hard to the comebye side but he puts them back online and the sheep break to the away side and flash by the fetch panels.   They finally slow down at the post and saunter up to Bill.  A bit of a zig on the first leg but he smooths it out. He lies them up to put them through at the first panel and they break hard at the inside and they brig them back. The ewes have other ideas of breaking awa on the side that Coal is not on. A couple more breaks and but he skilly puts them through and a tidy turn. The ewes break and Coal stops then and gets them back online.  Made it through the second panels and the ewes break and Coal stop them. Wide turn and Bill puts them back online but the ewes keep trying to break. He worked nice and slow in the shedding ring and one ewe kept trying to break but they got her settled and made a sweet shed. At the pen, the ewes kept trying to break away and they ran out of time. Don't know why they decided to break away but they sure were snots. Score of 108

Chuck Dimit and Chad had a grip. Jo Ferguson and Gage handled the sheep quietly for a 103.  Dan Keeton and Newby had a good run and got the shed for 114.  Ian Caldicott and Maxie ran in the hot sun. The ewe are not interested in working as their Union Card was punched out at 9. Score of 73

Dennis Gellings and Jiggs. who last time at the post had a mini monson. This time he had sun and a soft breeze.  He handled them nice, and good run for a 131. Derek Fisher and Nell is looking good. Nice straight fetch and good turn. First leg was good nice but sheep tried to go on the inside. I didn't see if he got the first panel as a bunch of people stood up in front of me.  Made the second panel  and good line to the shed ring.  He lined them up but one broke back but Jigg made a great recovery.  Off to the pen and time out.  Score of 153

Derek Fisher and Nell had one super nice fetch. The ewes were doubtful about going around the post but they did. Drive was nice and he had a super shed. Derek almost got the pen but time ran out. Score was 153

Bev Lambert and Joe. Went out nice and pushed the sheep but sheep listened. Bit of a bobble here and there and he is leaning on the sheep. Nice shed and time out on pen. 113 score

Emil and Zack, a nice fearless male handled the ewes nice with  few bobbles. Wide turn at last panel, I think. Nice shed and he had them grouped well in the moth when time ran out.  Score of 137.

Coleen Hawker and Ike, a big rangy Kelpie is next.  Classic keyhole outrun and the sheep come down the field at a fast pace. Nice controlled fetch and made the fetch panels.  Time out at shed for 96.  Barbara Ray and Stella for 133. Deb Bailey and Huck for 99. Vicki Close and Gale for 108.

Maid ran out nice, good lift and listened pretty decent, then towards the fetch panels, ignored and flipped a ewe for a DQ.  Kay Stephens and Gala had nice run for 148.

Tom Wilson and Meg, nice run and shed and as he closed the pen, the timer went off.  Score of 124.
Alison Holmes and Britt got 120. Jen Glen and Hemp had a good start but she had one ewe that kept busting off and bolting so at the first leg, she walked but Hemp worked hard.

Don Whittington and Hector, started off with a fast fetch but settled them down and the sheep trotted through the fetch panels.  Little low on the drive and time out on shed for 86


Mich Ferraro and Clive are going nice and steady but off at top of fetch and missed panels. Sheep went nice through the first drive panels and one of the tightest turns. Hooked low but she recovered and got them on the cross drive line and pacing nicely. Some excellent handling as when the sheep want to be naughty, she is there to stop it. Low at the last moment on the second panel and wide but she corrected it and put them back online. Still nice pace.  In ring and  lining sheep up. Awesome shed and Clive stopped them dead in their tracks.   Calm at the pen and you can't hear her but they are easing the ewes tot the mouth. Ewes like this team as they have been amiable to the commands. One ewe turns to Clive and see the look in is eye and sudden;y joins her friends.  Seconds left on the clock, three to be exact and she slams the gate shut and the crowds roars with delight. Very nice run! Score of 143.

Scott Glen and Don. Little offline at the top but got them back online, Sheep slid past the fetch panes at the last moment and nice turn.  Nice first leg with a tiny bobble but made the panels and nice tight turn. It's getting windy and the sheep want to hunker down. They break into a fast trot and he gets the second panel, Little bit of a wide turn but he gets them back online. Nice line to the ring and the sheep ambled in and Shed ring. They ambled until he has them lined up and calls Don trough for a very nice shed. They  work hard at the pen with the ewes trying  not to go in but they work it hard but sadly the clock ends the run. score 142

Bridget Strang and Treat. Nice outrun and just slipped by the panels.  First leg is nice and flowing and made the panels.Nice trot on the crossdrive and went little low but corrected. Nice and made it through the panels,wide turn but dog working well and very nice run so far, They stopped on the last turn and having to push hard on them but offline.  In the ring and Bridget walks calmly to the ewes. Working on lining them up and all is calm.  Had an opening and didn't take it and reset the sheep. Bridget is still calm and dog came in for a shed on the last two.  Off to the pen and the wind is picking up but Bridget is very calm. One by one she lines them up to the pen and it still is quiet. They ambled in but one break and Treat tucks her back but time runs out for a score of 130

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Wednesday Sheepdog Scores

First of all, I am going to put the disclaimer in is that I didn't see all the runs and I will have typos and grammar errors but this is what you are gonna get. The sheep are hard to move, turning on the dog and they are having to get in their face and convince them to move. Proper face grip are ok but others are not. Morning was cold and brisk but warmed up around 10ish and of course I have a wool sweater on and sent the spouse back to the hotel for a few hours as he wanted to play disc golf.

 I am blogging on some of the runs but not all of them as we do not have wifi or power and I will run out of power. And I am taking breaks as well.

Ron Burkey and Sky had a grip on the drive as the sheep are being difficut Noelle Williams and Lad had a nice control run and stright lines but didnt pen but got a score of 143. Lad worked his heart out and it was a slow but smooth drive and still got a good score despite missing the fetch panels  and pen.

Marianna Schreeder and Cass had a nice run with her dog working hard but ran out of time and got 85. Patricia MacRae and Jim had a difficult set but worked hard but she walked on the crossdrive. She handled the fetch great as the sheep wanted to bust to the right or left but she made it look smooth. The sheep dipped low on her drive and had no intentions of going back online.

Nan had a difficult set that busted around the exhaust pen several times and had t be stopped by the horse to be held so I knew I was going to have a hard run and it was. She ran out nice, decent lift and they busted like banshee to the away side to the drive panels while she tried to get them online. She got them online and sweet turn at the post (our best achievement) and nice but little wobbly on the drive and she failed to hear the flank to turn. She did turn them way up the field and they turned on her and she couldn't punch them to move so we DQ. It  was tough but she tried hard and I cant fault her heart.

Elizabeth Baker and Ross ran nice with a few offline and got 113 and I didn't see much of her run as I walking Nan back to the car but what I did see of, he had the sheep under control.  Don Whittington and Woodrow, a striking looking dog, had to work hard and ran out of time for a score of 60. The fetch was good and made the panel and nice post turn. Tom Wilson ran the young Kate
who had to work hard to convince the ewes to move on the fetch an the begining of the drive but the drive smoothed out and he ran out of time as he was going into the shed ring. He got a score of 67.  I didn't see Mary Minor and Feist but she walked. I also didn't see Michele McGuire and Molly but she got a nice score of 129.  Bev Lambert and Nan stopped short on outrun, fetch was good with two slippng by, wide turn, good drive but slipped past the second panel, and good shed and long time at pen abut didnt get them in for 129.

Terry Parrish and Bryce had offline fetch, drive was wobbly and got the shed and pen for 96. Scott Glen and Bliss had to work just a tad at the top of the fetch but Bless convinced them it was in their best interest to move and they came through the fetch gates and nice but slow post turn. She had to let them know that doing the drive was a good idea and they minded the call, and trotted nicely and straight line and crossdrive but went high on the second panel. Super sweet shed (and a good lesson in how to shed the range ewes) and she was working hem in the pen when one broke and she stopped it with a quick grip but was called for a DQ. Nice run to watch and how to handle the range ewes. The sheep are much harder to pen today and not many people got the pen.

I didn't see Peg Wilkinson and Liz as I was going to take my dogs for the BAER testing which didn't pan out as they had a short and canceled and hope to have it going tomorrow. But she got a a score os 131 and Bev Lambert said she had a good go. Debbie Bailey and Camp got a DQ for a grip. Kristin Sittner and Spy had a DQ. Rose Anderson and Britti looked nice (the parts I did see) and handled them nicely for a score of 106. Don't know if she got a shed or pen. Lora Withnell and Bella, a good team, sized up the sheep and Bella got a good handle on them but wavered off on the last part of the drive. She had a sweet shed but timed out at the pen for 96. The judges are keen on straight lines. Mine were banana shaped.  Denise Leonard, with her first foray to the west and her dog as well) had a nice runs with coupe of missed panels but racked up a score of 122.   (I hung out with Denise later and she is such a cool person. I really like  her zest for life) I didn't see Chris Jobe and Fly's run but they must have rocked it as they got a score of 145.

Laura Vishoot and Doc handled the sheep nice and slow and they times out as the sheep were going into the ring. Score of 72. Nice team and super nice handler who was very kind to me when I started and alway positive. Love her!

Ellen Skillings ad Emer  got a score of 96 . Didn't see the run but heard lots of chapping.

Shauna Gourley and Keli sure have been consistent in the large trials and it showed in her run as Keli handled them with authority.  Nice and control and sheep are not fighting the dog. Nice turn at the post and steady first leg.   There must be a dead spot near the first panels and her dog stopped ad looked back but quickly took the flank and it is windy towards the handers which does't help.  Inside of the first panels and then low and missed the second panels low. Sheep keep trying to break but she had some clever manipulating and before the sheep realized it, the shed was there. Nice walk to the pen and it's very quiet as they are going slow to try to ease them in. The sheep are not trying to go in and one breaks but it is brought back.  Quiet as the sheep are in the mouth of the pen and Keli is holding the one side and then all turn to face the dog who holds fast.  Patience is a virtue and they work again and again to ease them in but time runs out. Nice work for a score of 140

Barbara Ray and Tab had a decent run with a few bobbles but Tab took a hold of a ewe in the shedding ring for a DQ. Bryan White and Scoop  had one particular hard set and one ewe at the post turn kept trying to break for the exhaust and he walked at the crossdrive. He tried his heart out and the sheep were tough. Joe Haynes and Keally had a fast fetch but at the last part the sheep turned and they went offline.   Nice post turn and the turns have been the bane of many handlers.  Keally kept the sheep at a good clip on the first leg of the drive.  Had a tight turn at the first leg and low on crossdrive but got them back online quickly.  Little high at the second panels but got them through and nice line to shed. He lined them up quickly ad got the shed,  Joe is patience at the pen and he gets them in. Score was 154!

Karen Stanley and Clare had a nice run, and offline on the drive but missed her panels (?)  but tidy line to the shed.   Nice shed and clean.  No pen.   Score of 88

Thad Fleming and Ali had good outrun, lift and offline and missed panels. First leg was going well but dog hooked them back and missed the panels on the inside.  Got them set up nice for the crossdrive but the ewes are moving quite fast. He lined them out and slowed them down, but they burst down the field for a low drive and Thad recovered.  At the last part of the second panel, they went low and he had to work and they went high and then missed them. Wide turns but he got back online. The sheep gave Ali a big opening and he took it and regathered in the ring. The sheep have no desire to go into the pen and two keep breaking. Ali is working hard to keep them together and one sheep bolted towards the audience. Ali went after her and had to leap the chain to turn the ewe and got them back in the mouth of the pen but time ran out for  score of 90

Jean Singer and Sly (First time to the Finals) and she sent to the away side. Most of the folks have sent to the left.  Sheep faced off the dog and they suddenly got respect and made the panels.  Little trouble at the post turn but got it done and good flow on the first leg of the drive. Low on the crossdrive but working well and got the second panels. Nice patience in the shed ring and excellent shed!Hard working at the pen and nice handling by Jean but time ran out. Quiet and controlled and sheep worked well. Score 146. Way to go!

Roy Tabor and York, (son of Biscuit) went out nicely, a few bobbles on the run. But he handled the sheep well and bobble at the second panel but made up for it in the shed. Off to the pen where,again the sheep didn't want in. Roy is nice and quiet but timed out on the pen for 105

Alasdair MacRae and Gael...went out wide but came back.  Nice fetch but missed the panels at the last moment but got them back online quickly.  First leg was nice and he held then tight to the line and made the panels but he had to work for it. Wobbly but he got them settled and online and hit the second panels dead on. Tight turn to the ring and a great lesson on how to handle these sheep!   Ok, that was a super fast clean shed in like 5 seconds and a smooth walk to the pen.  The audience held their breath while he slowly walked then in for a huge round of applause. Score  161. Wow!

Terry Folsom and Quin. ran out nice and fast.  Nice fetch and made the panels.  First leg was online then the sheep bolted offline on the inside.  Offline on the drive and missed the crossdrive panels. Setting them in the shed and it is getting warmer now. The sheep are moving a lot better than this morning.  She got her shed and moving them quietly to the pen.  Time and score of 102

Bill Fogt and Jill.  Deep outrun and nice lift. Made the fetch panels and nice fetch.  (Don Whittington is helping with the runs details)  Nice first line but they stalled then got them going, wobbly but made the panels and nice turn. Little low but back online,  and she came forward and got them going quicker.  Made the second panel and wide turn, and offline on the last leg. Worked the sheep to take the back two and then to the pen.  Time and score of 139.

Bob Hickman and Mojo. Made the fetch panels. Low on the crossdrive.  One sheep broke in the shed ring. He got the shed. Time at pen and score of 119

Don just informed me that has no beer or whiskey...how sad is that ? A cool beer would be just fine right now. And I noticed my typing sucks but oh well!

Wendy Schmaltz and Floss.  Nice outrun and good lift. Working hard to stay online and just whipped past the panels.  Fast on the last half but got them back online. They had a nice turn at the post.  First leg was nice then sheep flipped back and then a grip. Dog has lot of power and wont any sheep be a brat. DQ

Last run of the day is Derek Fisher.  Jen  heads off to the left and checks for the sheep on the way up. Sheep break hard to the come bye side and she gets them back and then to the other side. Then back again offline and missed the panel.Got them to his feet and they swirled but got around the post.  It took a bit to get them going on the first leg but with  skillful handling he got the panels but the sheep finally lined up proper for the crossdrive.   Low at the second panel with one ewe busting out and he sent Jen to get her. Got them together and made the panels and back online to the ring.   He settled the high headed ewes in the ring and lined the ewes up.  Nice shed and pretty hold. Sheep in the moth and makes a break but Jen scoops her up.  Derek is quiet and slowly convinces them to amble in and the crowd gives a big round of applause.  Score of 130

Well, I was wrong, this is the last run Terry Murray and Jess had nice fetch and turn. First line was good until first panel and missed it on the outside.  Low on the drive and one bolted just before the second panel and she got them back.  She made the panels and nice last leg.  Super shed and then to the pen.  One sheep bolted to the fence and she was called off. This is a nice team that was impressive


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tuesday at the USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals

We took a few days to get out here and had a mini vacation along the way. We visited one of Getty's best friend in Ogden, UT to play catch up and watch the LSU game. Then off to enjoy a day at the Moab National Park and next time, we will need more than a day! And finally arrived in Carbondale, Co for the 2014 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals. We decided not to take the trailer but hotel it and it was a good decision as we could do more sightseeing. Nan and Maid sure enjoy the beds at the motels and feeling special.
 
Handler's meeting was on Monday at 5 and the course is pretty standard, maybe 500 yd outrun (not sure) and a 165 yard drive (So I was told) and long crossdrive, then shed and pen. Sheep were fat and alert and worked in large bunches and I watched them moved about and they looked very light or alert. It is held on the Strang Ranch and it is quite lovely, brilliant emerald green grass set against the wind blown craggy mountain hills and brush. I appreciate that they put on the trial and it looked well run and very efficient. Tons of food tents and vendor goodies to spend your money on and just well run.
 
Time is 13 minutes, with a left hand drive as well and sheep seemed to pen somewhat ok. I didn't get there until 1:00 ish as I am recovering from a head on collision and woke up to pain so took meds and waited until I didn't hurt so much to drive. I tried to remember the run but it got super windy, heavy rain and cold so I was trying to stay warm and didn't take notes so going off memory here. Please ignore the typos. The sheep would draw to the left on the fetch and on the first leg of the drive, the handlers covered  the draw on the left side and then the sly ewes would break to the inside of the drive panel and bust up the field.  Some almost made it 2/3 of the way back to the setout. Once they got them back online the last leg was to the shed and they were shed-able and pen-able. (are those real words or ones I just made up?) I don't know how they were in the morning. Some of the packets loved to turn on the dogs and challenge them for every step of the way.  But some folks had nice runs and you couldn't tell what you had until your dog picked them up. But nice sheep nevertheless.
 
I got there at run 22 which Jo Woodbury ran her dog, Bond. She had a nice run and got 101. Michelle Brothers got a DQ on a grip. Bill Berhow had a nice quiet run going and as one ewe broke at the pen, his dog gripped her at her head and was a DQ. Chuck Dimit and this three legged dog, Cole got a 76 but for a three legged dog, he handled the sheep quite well. As I was driving up, I picked up his wife to give her a ride to the tent since the handler's rigs is about 1/2 mile away and it was dumping sideways and she was walking. Ron Enzeroth and Mick laid down a stunning run, quiet and hit the panels and smooth...in the rainstorm and got a whopping 159. Fantastic and I thought I had overheard someone say the dog was only four...is the correct?
 
Mindy Bower ran Possum and that is one darn, nice dog but the score of 82 doesn't show the heart the dog had on the field. I liked this dog. Chris Bowen and Bella walked when the sheep became too cranky and Carol Clawson and Tell got a DQ for a grip.
 
As soon as the Canadians (next two runs) the weather went to hell in a hand basket. It begain to dump sideways and everyone ran under the tent. The rain swept the the tents in huge drops and soaked us and the wind nipped our bones and souls. But tough Dennis Gellings and Tess bravely ran the course. You could see the rain going at right angles to the ground; that's how bad it was. Dennis had to hold onto his rainhat to see and they bravely marched through the course and got a 106. The sheep had no intention of even participating in this run and would run everywhere to escape the relentless rain. Then another Canadian, George Stambulic and Kate went to the post in the driving rain. You could see the sheep at the top wanted to bust away for cover as he sent Kate. But those darn Canadian, being of tough wild frontier stock, manned up and kept on trucking while we all huddled like penguins under the tent. He had a nice controlled run and got a 121, in spite of the foul weather. At this point, I was glad my run is tomorrow.
 
 
Larry Moore and Bea got a DQ and Suzy Applegate walked with Tru. She had a packet that kept turning on Tru but Tru held her ground and when the ewe charged gave an appropriate "Hello, I am here welcome Kiss"  but she walked on the first leg of the drive.  Allen Hickenbottom and Bodie had a nice run, quiet and controlled and the rain finally began to cease and they landed with a score of 124 and it looked quite nice. LouAnne Twa and Craig had tidy turn and nice lines and it looked quite nice wen he grabbed a ewe for a split second in time in route to the pen. The drive was super nice and very controlled. They are a nice team.
 
At this point I left as I was wet, cold and my rib began to ache. I had gotten into a head on accident with a guard rail at 55 mph and still recovering from that so my ribs began to scream so back to the hotel so I don't know what the last score are. I will blog on some on Wed and TH and whenever else I can but no promises.
 
 Sheep in the exhaust.


Not all the scores but here is what I have so far.