Tuesday, June 10, 2008

RESDA in Boonville, CA, June 8th

We carpooled up to beautiful Boonville in Mendocino County on Sunday for a Redwood Empire Sheepdog Association trial.

http://www.resda.com/

The trial was held at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in a rodeo arena that is irrigated grass. No foxtails! The sheep were range ewes who have been used for a couple of trials earlier this year, but are not worked often. They figure out the dogs very quickly.

Bid ran in Open and had a beautiful outrun, lift and fetch and panels. We blew it on the freestanding y-chute and pen, though. The Open dogs ran on 3 ewes. I was pleased that Bid was happy in his work. He listened well and tried very hard.

http://web.mac.com/jackmathieson/RESDA/JohnsonMem2008.html#5

Coal ran in Pro-Novice in his RESDA debut and handled the new situation and arena pretty well. His class got 5 re-run sheep and many of the young dogs were drawn to the exhaust rather than to the letout. Coal and I were able to avoid this problem and overall, his work was very nice and he listened well. He ended up 4th in the class. He just needs more mileage and exposure to new sheep and situations.

It was a nice day in good company at a lovely location.

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