Although this article doesn't contain technical herding advice, we hope it will
give inspiration, whether it be in herding or anywhere in life.
Howdy,
I was privileged to judge the first day of the AHBA SRO Nevada Jackpot Trial this past weekend. This was a Ranch Trial (HRD). My story has to do with a contestant thad had two BC's entered in the HRDIII Class (Advanced). Briefly, this course required the handler to cover a distance of a few hundred yards or so in 90+ degree heat with from seven to ten sheep; negotiate seven gates with latches, which included a gate sort of three marked sheep; travel over a fairly rocky alleyway about 200' long. It had a couple of "Y" chutes, a couple of "Drive Panels", then as an added touch it included a dressing circle with a "Tie Rack". Yes a tie, like the one Dad wore. The tie had to be placed over the neck of an unmarked sheep.
Back to my handler. His name was Andy. His first dog was Bob and his second was Joy. Andy was about the fourth run with his first dog, Bob. Like all the previous runs, he timed out. His second run with Joy went a little smoother. Andy hadn't been working dogs that long. In fact, he trained his own dogs. He drew from his experience of being a top Cutting Horse competitor, which allowed him to read stock and seemed to allow him to be in the right place at the right time. Well, this time Andy completed his run with seven seconds to spare.
When the scores were all tabulated it seems there was there was a tie for First Place. It was between Andy and a gal that I believe to be one of the top Aussie trainer/handlers in the country, Kyle Trumbull-Clark. AHBA/HRD rules say a tie is broken by the least amount of points deducted in two pre-determined sections of the course, and then by fastest time. When the score sheets were checked, again a tie on the first section. After checking the second section it was settled. Andy had won the top placement in the Advanced class. At trials end, Andy had also won the "HIT" award, which included a sizeable cash jackpot.
Did I mention the reason I knew Andy rode Cutting Horses was because I read it off his Championship Buckle he wore? It was from being in the Top Five in the Western States in 1970. Yes, 1970, the year I graduated from high school. Maybe I forgot to mention also that Andy said in a couple of weeks he'll be having his 81st birthday.
There wasn't a person there that day that wasn't root'n' for Andy to get that gate closed before time was called. Me especially, because I could see the seconds ticking away. I don't think anyone there took a breath as they watched him fumble with the latch on the exhaust gate. Yes, he fumbled with the latch, as he had done with the gate latch to enter the arena, as he had done with all the latches he had to open and close, including the gate for the sort.
Did I mention that Andy suffers from tremors caused by Parkinson's Disease? Just hooking the leash to his dog's collar is a job.
Did I mention what an honor it was to have Andy run under me that day? To watch this man not only traverse this course but to knock down a run that was truly worthy of the "HIT". When I presented him with the "HIT" award my dark glasses covered my water filled eyes, but the cracks in my voice couldn't be covered. This was truly a moment that I will never forget as long as I live.
Thanks, Andy. You have the spirit of a lion, and you showed everyone there that day what trialing is all about.
--Andy's New Friend, Steve