12th Annual Metchosin Sheep Dog Trial
July 23 - 25, 2004
Record Breaking
temperatures match Sizzling Performances by Top Western and Local handlers and
their Talented Border Collies, at the 12th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog
Trial
by Martha McHardy
Despite record-breaking temperatures in the mid and high 30’s Celsius for southern Vancouver Island, the sheep, dogs, and handlers attending the 12th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial once again treated spectators and fans to stellar examples of some of the finest working Border Collies of western Canada and USA, during the running of this event, held July 23-25th/04.
The renowned Metchosin trial field, with its panoramic views overlooking the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Olympic mountains, was once again made available for the trial by generous hosts, Doug and Greta Ruth. Local flock owners, John and Lorraine Buchanan, provided the fit and canny Parry Bay Sheep, who were nonplussed by the warmer-than-usual temperatures, and provided a very even and fair testing for all competitors.
As in past years, local British Columbia handlers were well represented, as well as teams from other parts of western Canada and USA, including Alberta, Washington, Oregon, and California. This years judge, Don Helsley of Idaho, accompanied by his wife Jean, did an excellent job of evaluating the performances of handlers and their dogs, as they guided their sheep around the standard ISDS style course, to appreciative support from the many spectators who cheered on the competitors in their bid to complete smooth, successful runs.
Top placings in the four classes were well distributed between returning teams who have competed many years at this trial, along with some new handlers here for the first time. Former judge and well known competitor Bill Berhow of California, provided strong competition in both Open and P/ N classes, placing first overall in Open with his great dog “Pete”, and 4th with his veteran dog “Dan”. First time participant Denis Nagel of Alberta put his two dogs, “Finn” and “Belle” in the second and sixth spots overall, and the husband and wife team of Sandi Eccker and Ken Johnson of Washington claimed the 3rd and 5th overall ribbons with “Nan” and “Hap”. B.C. handlers, Bob Stephens of Kamloops and Gayle Cochlan of Ashcroft turned in steady performances in the very competitive field, with Bob’s “Wisp” taking 7th place overall, and Gayle’s “Cap” and “Kate” taking the 8th and 9th slots respectively.
Nancy and Bob Stephens of Kamloops mounted strong performances with their good young dogs to dominate the top placings in the Pro Novice class, with Nancy and “ RMS Ike” taking the first overall ribbon, and Bob the third overall spot with “RMS Pat”, and the always competitive Bill Berhow took the Reserve ribbon with his young “Sid”. Jeannie Helsley and “Dalli” claimed the fourth overall ribbon.
Two littermates from local breeder and handler, Martha McHardy, had the top qualifying scores in the Nursery Class, with first place going to Jeff Marroni and “Mick”, (who was also fifth overall in the Pro Novice class) and second to Martha and “Blair” on the Saturday. Their placings were reversed on the Sunday, with Martha and “Blair” taking the overall award in the two classes by just one point.
The top winners in the Novice/Novice class held on Friday, went to Wash. handler Joe Haynes and “Ruth”, closely followed by co–organizer Celeste Lacroix who took the second and third overall ribbons with her young dogs “Silas” and “Foxy”.
Other special awards recognized the achievements and fine workmanship from the following teams; the Best Outfield Work over the weekend went to well known local organizer, Aileen McConnell and “Tess”. The Best Pen as selected by the judge, went to Nancy Stephens and “RMS Ike”. The Swallow Hill Farm Trophy for the breeder of the High Scoring British Columbia bred dog, went to Bob and Nancy Stephens for the weekends’ efforts of “RMS Cap”, owned by Gayle Cochlan of Ashcroft . The High Scoring Can. Border Collie Assoc. Registered Dog was Denis Nagel’s “Finn”. Eleven year old “Dan”, owned by Bill Berhow, won the MarCar “Vic” Commemorative Trophy, for the High Scoring Senior dog, aged nine or over. Local handler, Martha McHardy and her Open dog “Ryan”, claimed the Shady Lane Farm Trophy for ‘Top Vancouver Island Dog’; her third consecutive year winning this award. The Most Unfortunate Handler Award was given to Patrician Pedersen of Washington; knocked off her feet at the pen on two separate occasions (with no serious injuries, thankfully). However her misfortune was somewhat mitigated by her excellent 4th place standing on Saturday’s trial by her Canadian bred dog, “Roy”.
As in previous years, a well-supported local concession was provided on site by volunteers of the Metchosin Community House, with proceeds going to further assist this local community resource.
This year’s judge, Don Helsley of Idaho, was high in his praise for the overall smooth running of the trial, the caliber of competition, and for the great camaraderie displayed by the competitors and organizers of the event. And, as noted by judges in previous years, he commented on the numbers of attentive and knowledgeable spectators, who clapped and showed their appreciation, as the dogs successfully negotiated various aspects of the course, was another significant factor that has contributed to the sterling reputation of the Metchosin Sheepdog Trial, garnered over the past twelve years. The great support of this event by sponsors, volunteers, handlers and members of the community, give it a truly special quality that has made it into one of the premiere trials in the country, as well as being an event that showcases a fascinating and unique part of rural history and culture.