Sue R Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 The first trial of the Buckeye Cow Dog Association, Inc.'s Winter Series begins Friday evening, January 12, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. with a USBCHA sanctioned Open Horseback Cattle Class. The handler's meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. immediately before the start of the class. (Or when the we are finished setting up the course!) The Buckeye Cow Dog Association, Inc. is entering its third year. It is an organization of livestock enthusiasts and stockdog handlers comprised of people with both sheep and cow dogs. The purpose of the organization is to promote low-stress livestock handling methods with stockdogs. BCDA has hosted numerous trials and is looking forward to another great year. In 2006, handlers brought dogs from over 12 States and Canada to attend the 18 trials held throughout the year. It is not necessary to own or ride a horse to compete in the stockdog trials. The trials are open to all competitors whether one is a member of the association or not. BCDA also sponsors clinics and seminars throughout the year. Marc Christopher of Missouri http://www.christophertraining.com/ be holding a stockdog training seminar on Thursday and Friday immediately before the trial. All working slots are filled in the seminar. Auditors and spectators are welcome. Three to five head of stock will be used with 7-8 obstacles over an 8 minute indoor course scored on a points plus time basis. On Saturday and Sunday, January 13-14, 2007, there will be additional USBCHA sanctioned Open Sheep and Cattle Classes as well as a sanctioned Nursery cattle class. Additionally, there are classes for Ranch Sheep, Novice Sheep as well as Ranch and Novice cattle. The handlers meeting for the weekend classes starts at 8:00 a.m. and immediately before each class. The ranch and novice class time limits may be less than 8 minutes. Cattle classes will be held first followed by sheep. The pay-back in each class is 50% of the total entry fees. Prizes and awards will be given through five places. Additional sponsor awards will be included as well. All classes will be scored on a points plus time basis. All breeds of dogs are welcome. In past trials, Australian Shepherds, Kelpies, Shelties, Blue heelers, Border Collies and Hangin' Tree Cowdogs have competed. BCDA members will accumulate points toward year-end high point awards. Arrangements can be made for horses. 55 cwt cattle and polypay cross sheep will be used in the trial. The course is designed such that skillful handling and stockmanship must be utlitized to complete the course within the time limits and with the most points. It is not a race to the finish as it is necessary to progressively put stock through each obstacle in order to earn the right to continue the course. While the trial is not judged in the technical sense of pear-shaped outruns, cross-overs, straight lines and the like, the number and difficulty of the obstacles rewards good herding instincts, dog handling and stock sense. Even though we have been experiencing spring-like weather of late, the classes will be held indoors at the Rafter L Bar arena at Lavelle Farms in SE Ohio. www.lavellefarms.com. Horse stabling, indoor rest rooms, a heated spectator area, camper hook-ups and on-site concessions will be available as well as a Saturday night handler's dinner offered by the Federal-Hocking FFA Alumni Chapter. The trial is not yet full. So if you have been thinking about coming to one of the BCDA trials or are looking for some way to interrupt the post-holiday blues, come on out and enjoy the weekend with a fine group of stockdog folks. Please download the entry form from www.buckeyecowdog.com Please contact me with any questions. John P. Lavelle Lavelle Farms Rafter L Bar Arena 3078 Fox Lake Road New Marshfield, OH 45766 www.lavellefarms.com jlavelle@johnplavelle.com 740.664.3313-Home 740.664.2276-Barn 740.664.1002-Fax 740.593.3348-Office Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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