Valentine’s Day Herding in Virginia!

Valentine’s Weekend AHBA Trial

As a farm owner, a trial and clinic venue host and AHBA Judge I know how much work and effort go into putting on an event! One always prays for good weather! But when a weather event like the last few days happen (snow, freezing rain and temperatures, no sunshine) it is an amazing feat to pull together and have the extra help to show up and have the event go on anyway!

This is what I saw and participated in a small way over Valentine’s weekend. Judges in general are usually a well-cared for small group…and Sunday I was very well cared for by Terri and her assistants. I mentioned I drink orange juice instead of coffee. I was given two bottles of delicious orange juice for the morning! And the choicest place to be to judge from. The night before I had a fine room to stay in at the local Hampton Inn. So, I was well rested and ready to Judge!

But oh, the drive to the event on Saturday from North Carolina was trying. It was sleeting and freezing rain and fog! The roads were good, but the trees were falling everywhere and needing removal. It took five and half hours for a four-hour drive. I kept thinking and yes praying for the event being held as I was on my way.

Now, think a bit about that…

As the person putting the event on this is one of the worst-case scenarios for weather…I want to be clear the ice stopped about 25 miles west of the event…they did not have ice on the ground on Saturday or Sunday.

1. Ice in stock water. 2. The temps hovering just above freezing. 3. Ice for the folk traveling. 5. cold temperatures to be out in working. 3. Cold wet weather and water on the course, water in your face down your back in your boots and COLD! 4. Cold! 5. And then mud! 6. Sometimes ewes give birth, and they did not disappoint! Yes, lambs were born too! 7. Then stock work is never easy but in cold wet weather it is challenging.

I arrived at the farm on Sunday morning to a very cheerful group of people! Greeted warmly and pleasantly, was given my assignments, and graciously taken care of.

The Trial began on time 8:30 AM and we finished around 12:30 PM. During Sunday’s trial it did not rain, and we had only cold damp fog and cold wind! No falling, freezing weather.

The stock handlers were amazing and cheerful good workers! They handled the sheep and goats with expertise and kindness and always considering the footing the stock was on. They loaded and moved ducks back and forth to their pens in preparation for (even though the duck runs were cancelled).

Terri was a trouper I never saw not one frown on her face and was as cheerful and happy as could be and never complained. She had this!

The secretary was on top of everything… and with the expertise of years of hosting, judging, trialing and yes secretarial work not one glitch! It made the handing out of awards easy for this judge!

The stock was nice. The sheep and goats were good to work. Even the 2^nd day Terri had enough sheep for all the runs so they were not tired.

The people trialing were troupers! The whole pleasant happy atmosphere had caught on! They worked their dogs in water, rain, cold wind, mud, and such…all with enthusiasm and love for their dogs and the work! I enjoyed judging a fine group of dogs and their people! It was a joy to see their good dogs and they all were good dogs!

As a judge I am for each person and their dog to have an amazing run. There was one that I had to call the run for lack of progress at the free-standing pen (Okay WE have all been there right?) the sheep wanted to go in, but the handler was unable to accomplish it. The second run with this handler she was working that dog right! Walking backwards watching and controlling going thru the course like she owned it! I am in my mind going YES! YES! With each obstacle she took perfectly! Including the free-standing pen! BUT! She forgot the Bridge!!! I suspect she will never forget an obstacle again! She did realize it but it was to late to correct. It is how we learn…experience. What a fine group of handlers!

I feel privileged to have been able to judge such good dogs and be part of such a well-run trial.

Vivian Kay Delk Keziah

Maple Grove Farm

(English Shepherds)

Denton, North Carolina