El Presidente Sheepdog Trial

February 20 & 21

Well, I confess that I originally had no intention of attending this trial.  I suppose that the trial bug nailed me at Zamora, and I just had to make another go at it. This was my first visit to the lovely Helsley Ranch.  What a beautiful spot!  On top of the world.

On Saturday, it was a pretty cold world, with a few snow flurries.  The course was challenging, especially if one were not quite tall.  We shorties often lost sight of our dog and the sheep on the driveaway, and this did me in during my first run with Brynn.  Ripley’s first foray onto the trial field for 2010 was a lovely success, and Tucker was … excited!  And, exciting!  He can be counted upon to bring the cheap thrills.

Sunday we were confronted with the daunting task of penning the sheep while remaining firmly planted at the post ourselves.  I thought it was virtually impossible … until I saw quite a few of my competitors make a nice job of it.  I guess it was just impossible for me.  Back to the drawing board!