Green Lane Sheepdog Trial

This weekend we braved the weather at the Green Lane trial. It's always a blast, and nothing... not even hurricane rain and wind will keep us away!!
Saturday started out well for us Novice handlers-- no rain :) The sheep that we use for this trial and not dogged at all! They are worked in the flock- but never in a trial type group(three's and four's) which made for some challenges! They also NEVER see a pen!! The Field is also pretty tricky. There is real heavy pressure behind the set out(where the set out pen is) and on the left side of the field(where the exhaust is!) The are nice enough to let the Novice dogs do a right side drive- which i have the hardest time with! I don't know, but i think it has to do with me being left handed-- i just work better on the left :)
So, Splash was first.. the sheep left before she even got to the top, but she got them to me. She still isn't totally driving- getting there! So i try to do a little assisted drive. She was a little wild, and just kept heading the sheep-back and forth she went!! that's as far as we got :) The sheep went into the "no fly zone" and we were called.
Rock decided that he could not lift! I was very happy with his outrun. He tends to be a little tight at the top, and we have been working on going out square and staying off. And also working on his impulsive self releasing to start! He stayed and waiting for me to send him.. and as he started to go out i could see him coming in, and he felt his sheep and corrected himself and pushed out! He ringed the sheep at the top of the outrun, and then busted right through them and it all went to hell after that! A running i went!!!
For the rest of the day we pretty much sat and did exhausting--see if we could remember what to do! They both did really well, Splash even got to push the sheep out and back to the set out pen. About halfway through the day---the rain started. and it POURED for hours!!! There were times of pretty good winds too. I stayed mostly dry, in my giant rain suit! Went through a pair of shorts, 2 shirts, 1 jacket and 1 NOT so rain prof rain coat. then pulled out the heavy duty stuff! the dogs were sitting out, soaking wet, but could care less! If wish i had some pictures!!
Sunday was MUCH better!! NO rain! perfect weather!
Splash was on the ball this time. she really covers pressure- so was short on her outrun, but it was the right place to stop! they did not get away. the fetch was a little hairy, but the drive was GREAT! i just let her cover the left side, and push them up! No pen, but she tried. Out of all the classes-- i think only 5-6 dogs TOTAL made the pen, including the Open dogs. And she placed Third!!!
Rock was better too. Still dove in and ringed the sheep at the top-not sure what is up his butt! But he was listening on the fetch and drive. the drive line was way off, and missed the panels but they were calm and he was calm and working nicely. He tried really hard at the pen too, SOOO close!! and he placed 5Th!!
We did some more exhausting, enjoyed the weather, and the Scottish Irish festival that was going on. All in all, a good weekend!!

Over due

We went to a trial in March, in Virginia. Pictures are way overdue! In Novice with the VBCA you have to wear on the drive. One thing i don't do well... walk backwards! I have a hard enough time walking in a straight line foward!

Here is Rock.. lift is a little off. She sheep REALLY wanted to head to the right--where the set out/exhaust pen was. Rock also doens't not outrun Away very well.. so going Come Bye pushed them a little.After the turn at the post... still wanting to head to the right.. trying to get them back online.

Since Rock was feeling especially pushy this day, the sheep were right on me when i got to the pen. They did go in.

Now Splash's turn. Splash setting up for the outrun.
On the Fetch... still a little offline, but much more control.
And me... that backwards thing... a little off line :)

On the way to the pen, which we did get. The pen was in a bad spot for pictures. Splash placed 5th and 6th.

Exciting!

So some fun things have been going on around here! The long awaited little girl is here :) And she is just wonderful! She has taken up her genetic right of passage... by sleeping under the computer desk. She follows me and lies by my feet where ever i am. I think grandma is going to be proud of her.

some funny things....being a full sibling to Drive i thought these pictures were interesting!

Sprint her first night..
Drive his first night!

Drive found a good place for a nap....

And so has Sprint!

It will be fun to so how a like they are as she grows!

Its been a while!

OK, so i've realized that i'm a blog slacker! We've actually be really busy and i just plain forgot! So lest back up a little. The weekend of may 31-June 1 we were at an agility trial. Speed got a Q in Standard, and Jumpers. Dash got to run with Tory for the first time :) He was VERY excited! They had some really nice runs, with a little more practice they will be hard ot beat :)

June 14-15 we were at the USDAA NE Regionals. Speed got his AD, and SJ titles!! Dash and Tory had some more really nice runs. Dash just seemed off, so after a visit with the PT he felt much better!! Their last jumpers run was perfect, except for one dropped bar.

June 21-22 we were at the biggest flyball party around! The Coconut Classic! IT was the first time we ran 2 teams, and the first time we ran the line ups! The dogs all did great, and we even got a few titles!

Unfortunatly on June 12th, we said good bye to Race's mom, Sprint. She was one of the most amazing dogs i have ever known and i loved her like she was my own! Its becasue of her that i have Race and i can't be any more greatful.

But then on June 22 we had some unexpected arrivals! A few days early, but all doing well :) Race's newest additions to the world! It is a repeat breeding of Drive, from Ignited Border Collies. So i decided the most fitting name for my last entry of a Race kid would be Sprint. To carry on her Grandma's legacy! And here she is!

Just Saying HI!

Ok, i thought i start with a quick picture update :) First the old man, poor Race... he had an eye ulcer that wasn't healing, so he had to have a little surgery and now has this thing that he has to keep on. its very sad.. poor buddy!

So here is the crew enjoying the weather!

First we have Mr. Drive! And Spark

Here is Rock ... and Little Speed!, being stealthy...

Next is Pixel and Meg..being Flat!

And Splash being FAT!!! With Rim... being gorgeous :)

Now Kiva..waiting for the ball(being stared at by Spy) and Corrie...also waiting for the ball!




























And Finally..Dash in his pool.. ok so maybe we need a bigger pool!

Not pictured are Razor and Sky who are visiting Grandma :)

Here we go....

OK, so this is my first attempt at "blogging". But i thought it would be a good way to let everyone know whats been going on! Short and sweet for now.. but there will be more!