7 replies to this topic

[Tea]

You know I have never even seen a cattle dog trial. I have seen and helped with cattle with the dogs. And I guess I assume the trial will be similar to a sdt.

But I am taking my Pup to her first trial and it is on dog broke calves in an corral, a USBCHA trial.

So what should I expect?

Everyone tells me it is a great trial to start with. Its the one in OR over Halloween.
(I have to say all the organiizers are great, they have really encouraged me.)

I'm going to bring Mutton Hotdogs for the BBQ

Whoops- forgot to ask- do you think I should bring my horse to her first trial? She is used to working with my horse, but my rig got screwed up hauling sheep to ID and I would have to really work to get it ready.

[stockdogranch]

So what should I expect?

It really depends on the trial. You should see some really nice dog work, but you might also see some folks doing a whole lot of moving the calves with the horse and not much dog work. You'll spot the good ones--those will be the ones who move the stock calmly and quietly, not the rodeos (those will be easy to spot, as well). While every once in a while, one of the "rodeo" dog/handler teams may do well, it's the calm, quiet movement of the stock that is the ideal.

As for bringing your own mount--I prefer to, if at all possible, as that just gives you one less thing to worry about. I've borrowed horses at trials that turned out to be less "settled" than I would have liked--wouldn't side pass to save their souls to get gates (eats up a whole lot of your clock), wouldn't stand still while waiting for the outrun and the fetch, etc., etc. There's nothing like having your own trusty mount that you know and that knows you, so you can concentrate on what the dog and stock are doing.

If you're in the Rancher (Novice) class, you should be allowed to move with the dog and stock once the stock have come across the fetch line, but watch out for not crossing lines, or riding into obstacles, etc., which will DQ you.

Have fun--wish I were going!
A

[Tea]

Thanks!

I wish you were too!

I am trying to get Pete to run one of the older dogs!

[Tea]

The trial cancelled due to weather

[stockdogranch]

Oh, crap! I was logging on to ask how it went...
A

[sluj]

Oh, crap! I was logging on to ask how it went...
A

Not to post puppy pictures??

[DeltaBluez Tess]

I remember at one cow dog trial that I borrowed my good friends horse...she was wild...spin and reared I and tried her best to toss me. I did get through the course but by the time I was done, I got a big round of applause for staying on the horse.

My friend quickly sold the mare the first chance he got!

[Tea]

Yeah, Pete and I were very dissapointed. We were going down there to spend some time together, run the tiny dog and visit with people.

Sigh

Oh well,

I have many friends with commercial cattle operations, anyone open to putting on a trail in WA? I couldn't do it, (Don't know enough, but I could get the cattle and the spot to hold it. I also need help getting some cattle dog broke if anyone is up to that. Gunny is having trouble with her hips, and she is who I use. My poor old Gunny.

Taw was very sad. She wants to be a cattle working dog, she works goats and sheep but she is kinda embarrassed.

I will try to take photos of her, but I've lost my camera again. My cell phone went through the washer and dryer, I think that might be where the camera went.

My Sterling, the horse, is a saint, Gloria knows! He puts up with everything. Lambs under him, Kids sitting all over him. Little dogs, gaint dogs, Birds of prey landing on him. My filly that chews on him.

But he was recently gelded, was a stud for years, and he does scream sometimes. My dogs are used to this. But maybe trial cattle would not like it much.