Hope Brigade Days

Sunshine and 30c degree weather had sheep and everyone seeking shade both days. The tents were for the sheep. There were nice trees spaced around the outside of the ball field allowing us to park our vehicles(dogs) in the shade.
Downriver Farm provided sheep for the 2nd Annual BCSDA arena trial during Brigade Days in Hope, BC. $2400 in prize money up for grabs attracted handlers from 100 Mile House & Lumby, BC, Deming WA as well as local competitors. We got two runs on Sat. with prize money to 3rd place on the combined top score/fastest time. Diana Gauthier, Lumby was 1st and 3rd. Dirk Vansant, Deming was 2nd. About 2 dozen dogs were entered with the top 12 handlers qualifying for the final 2 runs on Sunday. Dirk ended up the overall winner with Cap to earn $600.00 while Diana won $500 for 2nd on Sunday with her good old dog, Teag. They are 2008 champions of the famous Calgary Stampede SDTrial and Reserve champions this year.
Blair and I began Sun. with a very clean fast run - getting to the shedding ring in under a minute. However things went completely down hill as I could not get any where near the marked ewe for the ribbon pull. So we timed out leaving 8 points on the field. Our second run was much better - completed the whole course with 28 points with another smooth and timely run. Several others also timed out in the shedding ring which allowed us to finish in 8th place and a nice $80 prize.