Calgary Stampede

First time at Calgary is over and done with for almost a week now and I can safely say that I survived. It is funny how this trial has turned into a big event. Any other timed arena trial is just a trial. But at this trial my phone was ringing all day. Friends that could not be there were wanting a play by play report of who did what.
all though Isla and I were not in the money I can say that we held our own and can't wait till next year. We ran almost very last on the first day so I had the chance to watch 70 runs before I ran. The sheep were a definitely challenge. If you sent your dog to the head of the sheep you were pretty much toast. The sheep would just stand there and stomp until your dog was forced to grip or just sit there and stare until your time ran out. So my plan was to go out and have Isla just flank back and forth and move the sheep that way. Boy did that work. We zoomed around the barrels and before I knew it we were around and at the pen. That's when I made some rookie mistakes and couldn't get my head together and Isla gripped off at the pen. But up until then we had the fast chute time of the first round. The second round didn't go as well the sheep were really heavy to the other end of the arena and your dog had to hold them the whole time. We got to the chute and ended up in a stand off and when I said walk up Isla said "sure thing mom"and showed those girl how time move. I was not disappointed in her she has not been a dog not to move sheep. Just sometimes at the expense of a run.

Isla and me on the jumbo tron

I learned a couple of thing about stampede that I will take with me for next year.

1. make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
2. when dark clouds are coming run for cover NOW!
3. bring lots of cash
4. the Shriner's are not a fun thing to watch.
5. It's a small world after all
6. Always bring a caddy to carry things and keep track of what the hell you are doing