News and Brags
Check back here to see student brags and updates on facility improvements and plans.
May 2009
Sharon, Sonic and Marti
Sharon traveled to Portage, Wisconsin on the first leg of a three-stop trip. Both boys did well at the USBCHA trial with Sonic's third place finish in a Pro-Novice class of 30+ dogs on May 2 earning him $95.
The second leg of the trip was spent at a 5-day Derek Scrimgeour clinic in River Falls, WI. Sharon has new knowledge to share!
And the third leg of the trip was spent at The Bluegrass - one of the largest USBCHA trials in the United States. Sharon and Marti were 6th (just out of the placements) on their first Nursery (dogs less than 3 years old on 8/1/09) run and then 1st out of 50+ dogs on their second Nursery run. Beating some of the most experienced handlers out there with a nearly perfect 88 points out of 90 possible was a dream for Sharon that still doesn't seem real. And it was done without a blasted whistle too ;c). Marti is now qualified for the USBCHA Nationals in Oregon in September but Sharon won't go without getting whistles figured out! Sonic finally got to run on the third day and took 7th ($65) out of a 50+ class of dogs on the tough Texas range sheep who had buffaloed the Open handlers the previous two days. Marti and Sharon didn't do so well on the tough sheep so fell out of the running for any overall Nursery awards. Given the first place on day two, Sharon didn't care!
The ultimate honor came on Day 4 when Sharon received the Most Promising Handler award for her performance with both boys on the small field over the trial week - the 4 judges vote on the recipient. What an honor and thrill!!
Congratulations to Sharon and the boys for a spectacular job on the field!
Renee and Luther
Congratulations to Renee and Luther for their very first herding competition accomplishment! At their National Specialty over the Memorial holiday, Renee and Luther earned their first leg towards their HT! Renee reports they received lots of nice compliments on how well Luther did herding and he was a pleasure to watch. What a great job for both of you! Renee and Luther take advantage of stock rental at Woolman Herding in between lessons with a couple instructors including Sharon at times.
Marv and Murphy
Congratulations to Marv and Murphy for earning their PT at Purina Farms at the end of May! Their judges told them they should have no trouble moving on the A Course Started level!
April 2009
We held our very first herding clinic on April 11th. This included 12 working dogs and handlers, as well as many auditors. The clinic was for the novice and an introduction to herding. The day began with demonstrations and discussion of herding.
After taking a lunch break, the afternoon began with instinct testing for participating teams in the round pen. Many handlers had the chance to come into the round pen to work with their dogs.
It was a good clinic and we enjoyed meeting new people as well as reconnecting with friends after a long winter break from working dogs.
December 2008
As of early December, the farm has a snazzy new run in shelter for the sheep which is officially up and functional.
November 23, 2008 - St. Louis Herding Club
Congratulations to Marv and Murphy for earning their HT at the St. Louis Herding Club! Great job for both of you!
October 4 & 5, 2008
At the Green Acres USBCHA Trial in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sharon and Sonic had their debut run in the Ranch Class. Big Congratulations are in order as they took 2nd place on Saturday! The following is a video clip from their run this past weekend...
September 2008
Some of our students went to Fowlerville on Friday, Sept 19 to compete in an AHBA trial. Here is how they did...
Matt and Border Collie, Autumn, earned one leg of their HCT title.
Marv and Rottweiler, Murphy got 2 legs of their HCT officially earning them their title.
Ron's GSD, Sophie, handled by Sharon, got 2 legs of her HCT and earned her title.
Congratulations to all the students and their dogs that earned legs and titles that weekend!
On September 5-7, Sharon attended the Crook and Whistle Trial in Wisconsin running Sonic and Marti.
Marti took first place in Nursery on Sept 5 and tied for High Combined Nursery Sept 5-7.
Sonic took 4th place (out of 48) on Sept 7.
May 15, 2008
Construction on the driveway is now under way.
April 30, 2008
Since trialing season is off to a slow start this year, the biggest news at the moment is that the Woolman Farm is scheduled to have a driveway put in during the month of May.
April 19, 2008
With the ground finally drying up a bit, today we were able to have our first day of group lessons. It was wonderful to reconnect with some old faces and meet some new ones.
