Well, not exactly in Buffalo, but close by. We have been busy here the last couple of weeks, and we’re enjoyed every minute. But for me, working sheep and cattle with good friends and their border collies has been the icing on the cake, so to speak. Many mornings found Rue and me at Wendy and John Auzqui’s ranch east of Clearmont (less than a half-hour's drive from our RV park).
Wendy is an excellent instructor, and I always come away with a lot more knowledge and understanding that when I began. When we arrived to work, the sheep were ready and waiting. It almost looks like they're looking forward to it, but maybe it's the green grass that awaits after they are done "working."
Here are some pics of Rue on stock, as well as Wendy and Linda Lulias working some of their dogs. I had a great time, and look forward to the next.
Here is Rue working cattle.
Wendy was teaching Rue how to work a single.
She gets a pat for doing it right.
Then Wendy's Jet showed Rue how the pros do it...one step at a time!
Linda has a new pup. Gill got to meet sheep for the first time this week.
How's this for some early intensity!
Wendy and Frank set out sheep for some early morning work in the hay field.
Quirt got a chance to work...
then Linda and Sammy took a turn.
Back in the arena, Wendy's Tony set out cattle
and Linda's Tria worked.
After which, she watched intently while others took their turns.
Linda and Sammy practiced shedding (where the dog is required to separate several head of stock from the group and hold them for a period of time).
It's a challenge, because it is counter to the border collie's natural instinct to gather stock into a group. I think Sammy gets it!
Blaise showed some blazing speed on a set of five sheep,
Then had fun working a single for the first time.
Doing what you love with people you enjoy in a beautiful setting...it just doesn't get much better than this!
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