Ring of Fire

A couple of years ago I referred to the shedding ring to be like a ring of fire. And nothing could be more harder for me. Well fortunately that opinion has changed. But like most people I need to improve skills and can always use a reminder of where things have gone wrong. This weekend I went down to Alta-Pete Stockdogs for a shedding clinic. The first day covered regular shedding, second day was on the marked shed and the third day was the international shed. The used Craig for the first day and a half. He held up pretty good. He was a little sore the first night so I gave him some Medi-cam. The second day he was not sore at all. I brought out the big guns for the marked shed and the international shed. Meg was more than happy to step in.

As usual life on the road is very hard on Joe

Photo proof that Craig indeed can "lie down"

(photo by Jenny Glen)

Also have photo proof that Meg does in fact have another gear.

Shannon actually said
"man is that dog fast" Something that has never said about Meg.

This white ewe bolted for the barn and Meg had to pull out the niturous to stop her. And stop her she did.

(photo by Jenny Glen)

Always happy to listen while Scott imparts his wisdom.

Meg makes another good save during the international shed.

(photo By Jenny Glen)

As usual I failed at taking pictures. Thank goodness my friends are more proficient at photography.

Princesses in southern Saskatchewan

Naomi (apprentice princess) and I made the long trek down to Wendy Schmaltz's trial. I am so glad I carry all my princess essentials with me because this is not the kind of place for Princesses. I told Wendy when I arrived "you are a better woman than me". Even though it was far this was a fantastic trial. The sheep were a nice challenge and the scenery was beautiful. We will defiantly be back next year.

As always the Palace was the place to be seen at.

The new princess is working out just fine.
Check it out a pink hat too.

Right down the middle.

Naomi is a much braver handler than I was in my first year. 

Trialing on yearling range ewes in the nursery class.
Watch out kids she is going places.

(photo by Wendy Schmaltz)

(photo by Wendy Schmaltz)

It took Meg and I two days to get our shit together. Finally on the third day we had it all together and had a good run. No finals points for us but lets keep our fingers crossed we make it in with what we have.

My Nursery dog was consistent. We were one of only two dogs to get a score the first day. Not a great score but it turned out not to matter. After three days the reserve nursery champion was mine to lose. All we needed was a score.

Mack had other ideas and decided to go visit the kids at set out.

So I walked off.

In the end a great time was had by all. It may take me until next year to get all the dust out of my trailer.