January,2008
Thank you...
Class was very generous during this holiday season. You
might of noticed I did gain 10 pounds. Many of you provided your
favorite Christmas treats for Matt and I to enjoy and Boy did we!
The Christmas bonuses I received brought a big smile from me as they
caused the 2006 class budget deficit to disappear and I was able
to keep the price increase for 2008 almost non exsistant. It is
balanced with the new category for Senior Dogs. Something I have
wanted to do for decades. A dream come true!
What about the 2007 Budget?...
Well the big problem area was the price of hay and grain.
It increased $2000.00 from what was paid out in 2003. While the amount
made from sheep sales decreased $1000.00 when compared to 2003.
Wrangler Challenge and Western Kelpie Regional
Rancho Oso, Santa Barbara
Friday horseback cattle trial points and time. Then on Saturday and
Sunday we will host points and time trial Gamblers choice on English
crossbred Cattle and "Dog Broke Hair Sheep." Laurie Batson of
Parkfield, California will Judge with Cash payouts to Advanced and
Started dogs.
Format of a Gamblers choice will consist of take pens, Maltese
cross, trailer, drive, and other obstacles and when you complete the
required elements you can gamble and go back and score more points
if time allows. Courses will be available to all handlers day of
trial.
You can go to www.rancho-oso.com in January for accommodations and
meals
& to http://www.herdingsecrita.com/ to print out entries! we look
forward to watching some of the top handlers shoot it out at the
"Challenge."Adrian Lopez, cowdogger@verizon.net
The Sheep...(lambs
coming some have arrived!)
Many of the ewe's are close to giving birth to their lambs. It is more
important than ever to treat them kindly while you're working with them.
This means that dog's chasing them has to be brought to a minimum. A
gentle
nudge into their side to get them into the chute, dragging them with the
crook by the neck all have different consequences during this time of year
and is never a good idea anytime
Their udders have dropped and become a target to some dogs. Vulvas are
swollen and prominent and also become a target . "My dog has never done
that before" is now not an excuse because I am warning you
ahead of time to be more careful than you are normally.
Lambs have been born at class so some delays in the running of the class will happen. Do not worry ewes that I know are that close to lambing are not used for lessons!
January,2008