2012 Marin County Fair: Meet the Athletes!

Border Collies at Marin County FairMOST OF the athletes entered in the Marin County Fair Sheep Dog Trial are Border Col-lies. Many, but not all, are registered with the American Border Collie Association (ABCA.)

Border Collies are considered by many to be the best herding dog around. They suc-cessfully herd sheep, cattle, pigs, and poul-try. They also herd balls, shadows, children, and (unfortunately) sometimes cars.

Working Border Collies have no standard appearance. They can be black and white, red and white, tri-colored, or speckled, in any combination. Their coats vary in length; their ears may stand up or lay down. Eye color, physical size, coat, and markings vary, as do other physical attributes. Physical soundness, instinct, and the ability to herd livestock are the most important attributes of a working Border Collie. Border Collies are one of the few breeds originally bred for their herding ability and intelligence.

Continued on Page 2

JULY 4, 2012 REDWOOD EMPIRES H E E P D O G A S S O C I AT I O Nw w w. R E S D A . c o m C E L E B R AT I N G 6 5 Y E A R S

ANGUS | DUNCANS MILLS, CA

COAL | ROHNERT PARK, CA

HOPE | DURHAM, CA

KIT | SANTA ROSA, CA

ROSS | SEBASTOPOL, CA

CALI | NOVATO, CA

DICKENS | SANTA ROSA, CA

JAKE | SEBASTOPOL, CA

LUKE | COTATI, CA

TRUE | NOVATO, CA

CALLIE | ZAMORA, CA CHANCE | ZAMORA, CA

DYLAN | NOVATO, CA

JASPER | SANTA ROSA, CA

OPI | SONOMA COUNTY, CA

WYN | DURHAM, CA

PREVIOUSRESDA HIGH

POINTS CHAMPION

PREVIOUS RESDA TRIAL

WINNER

FIRST YEAR AT THE FAIR

2012 RESDA HIGH POINTS

TOP TEN YEAR TO DATE

USBCHA NATIONALLY

RANKED

SPECIAL MARIN FAIR

EDITION

2 REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION July 4, 2012

High Points Championship | Year to Date TotalsEACH YEAR the dog and handler team scoring the highest cumulative points across all RESDA trials is awarded the High Points Champion-ship. The yearly total is calculated as the sum of each team’s nine best scores. Each trial counts a maximum of 50 points towards High Points. Each handler has one “no points” trial, shown as NP, or a judging assignment. “ProNov” means the handler and dog competed in the ProNovice class at that trial. Only Open class scores count toward High Points. Open-class, year-to-date scores for the top ten High Points contenders are shown below. The complete roster of teams and standings can be viewed online at www.RESDA.com.

Come to all RESDA trials to watch your favorites compete for the High Points Championship!

HandlerName

DogName

Points (Year to

Date)

TrialAvg

SpringTrial

SlavenTrial

OwensTrial

7 OaksTrial

Sonoma MarinFair

1 Colleen Duncan Hope 139.3 27.9 21 37 DQ 36.3 452 Teri Tucker Jasper 132.8 33.2 NP 19.5 34 38.3 413 Karen Kollgaard Cali 128.8 25.8 20 14 26.5 36.3 324 Jack Mathieson Ross 98.5 19.7 0 10.5 34 20 345 Tom Radelfinger Luke 92.2 18.4 19.5 17.5 DQ 21.7 33.56 Tom Trent Angus 87.6 21.9 0 15 Judge 29.6 437 Barb McPherson Callie 63.3 21.1 34.5 13 NP 15.88 Sharon Heringer True 61.0 30.5 ProNov ProNov ProNov 27.5 33.59 Rhonda Lauritsen Craig 58.7 19.6 10 9.5 39.210 Jack Mathieson Jake 58.0 11.6 16 9.5 RT RT 32.5

Call Karen Kollgaard (707) 584-5762 | Santa Rosa, CATraining for Herding and Obedience

Puppies for SaleWorking Border Collies, Born May 13, 2012

RESDA Presents

12:00 PM Chris Beck Arena

SATURDAY AUGUST 4

Sheep Dog Trial

Sonoma County Fair

SHEEP • DOGS • SUNSHINE

JULY 2012S M T W T F S1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION

2012 TRIAL CALENDAR

Date Time Event LocationJudge (Winners for Completed Trials)

APRIL 7 9:00 AM SPRING TRIALOpen, Pro Novice and NoviceRESDA Members Only

Johnson Ranch Yorkville, CA

OPEN WINNERS: BARB MCPHERSON AND CALLIE

APRIL 28 9:00 AM SLAVEN TRIALOpen, Pro Novice and Novice

Slaven Ranch Zamora, CA

OPEN WINNERS: COLLEEN DUNCAN AND HOPE

MAY 6 9:00 AM KEVIN OWENS TRIALOpen, Pro Novice and Novice

Owens Field Yorkville, CA

OPEN WINNERS: TERI TUCKER AND JASPER

JUNE 2 8:30 AM SEVEN OAKS TRIALOpen, Pro Novice and Novice

Seven Oaks Ranch Santa Rosa, CA

OPEN WINNERS: RHONDA LAURITSEN AND CRAIG

JUNE 24 12:00 PM SONOMA-MARIN FAIROpen Only

Petaluma Fairgrounds Petaluma, CA

OPEN WINNERS: COLLEEN DUNCAN AND HOPE

JULY 4 12:00 PM MARIN COUNTY FAIROpen Only

Marin County Fairgrounds San Rafael, CA

GORDON CONTIVAL

JULY 15 9:00 AM BEEBE JOHNSON MEMORIAL Open, Pro Novice and Novice

Gary and Wanda Johnson Ranch Boonville, CA

NANCY TODD

AUGUST 4 12:00 PM SONOMA COUNTY FAIROpen Only

Sonoma County Fairgrounds Santa Rosa, CA

COLLEEN DUNCAN

AUGUST 26 10:00 AM MENDOCINO ELIMINATIONSOpen, Pro Novice and Novice

Boonville Fairgrounds Boonville, CA

KAREN KOLLGAARD

SEPT 16 10:00 AM MENDOCINO FAIRQualifiers Only

Boonville Fairgrounds Boonville, CA

KAREN KOLLGAARD

OCT 7 1:00 PM HARVEST FAIROpen Only

Sonoma County FairgroundsSanta Rosa, CA

JACK MATHIESON

OCT 14 9:00 AM FALL TRIALOpen, Pro Novice and NoviceRESDA Members Only

To Be Determined JOYCE SHEPHARD

Border Collies at Marin County FairContinued from Page 1

Their most unique quality is called EYE. EYE means the ability to intimidate live-stock with a determined stare and graceful body movement. Local ranchers prefer this unique style, as compared to the barking, biting and excessive movement that may be exhibited by other herding breeds. Original-ly from Scotland and England, Border Collies are now used worldwide and are recognized as one of the most intelligent and versatile of all canine breeds.

The athleticism and intelligence of Border Collies have earned them starring roles in television and other media, Canine Com-panions, and Search and Rescue teams as well as in herding.

Zamora, CA

Today’s Trial Sheep Provided by

Bill Berhow, 3 Time USBCHA National

Champion

Training for Sheep Dogs and Handlers

(530) 867-4653

THE REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION (RESDA)IN 1947, less than two years after World War II ended, a group of Mendocino County sheep ranchers decided friendly competition was the best way to determine who had the best working sheep dog.

The ranchers designed a unique course that tested the variety of skills needed on a working sheep ranch and founded the Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association (RESDA.) RESDA Sheep Dog Trials using the RESDA course have been run each year since then. These trials demonstrate the teamwork required to successfully run a livestock operation.

SCORINGSCORING OF the course is divided into seven different areas. At most RESDA trials, each team starts with a maximum of 50 points. A key goal is to minimize exertion on the part of the sheep, so sheep should be moved in a direct line through each part of the course. The line followed by the sheep is an important aspect of the scoring, as well as competent completion of each part of the course.

THE OUTRUN, LIFT AND FETCH (UP TO 15 POINTS)AFTER THREE sheep are let out, the dog is released and runs up the right or left side of the arena to complete “the outrun.” At the top of the course, the dog gains control of the sheep in a motion called “the lift,” then brings the sheep down the arena and around the pen in either direction to complete “the fetch.” Outruns should be wide. The dog should control the sheep as quietly as possible and bring them down the arena in a straight line. All three sheep must go around the pen in the same direction. The handler must remain fully behind the pen and not cross “Line A” (shown on the diagram below) until after all three sheep have crossed it.

FIRST AND SECOND PANELS (UP TO 5 POINTS EACH)THE SHEEP should remain together and under control. They should be moved at a calm and steady pace. All three sheep must pass through the opening between the panels in the forward direction. The handler must be standing on the base next to the panel when the sheep go through or it doesn’t count. The fewer unsuccessful attempts at an obstacle the higher the score.

THE CHUTE (UP TO 10 POINTS)GETTING THE sheep through the chute is one of the most challenging parts of the course and often separates winners from hopefuls. The handler stands on the base next to the chute opening and gives the dog commands to help him or her guide the sheep through the narrow opening. The team must make two attempts at each obstacle (panels and chute) before they can move on to try for the next. Each team must successfully complete two out of the three arena obstacles (panels and chute) before proceeding to the pen.

PEN (UP TO 15 POINTS)THE HANDLER opens the pen and stands on the base while the dog attempts to guide the sheep into the enclosure. The handler cannot close the gate until all three sheep are completely within the pen (no shoving with the gate.) Any movements by the sheep past or around the pen will result in a loss of points.

TIME LIMITEACH DOG and handler are allowed a maximum of ten minutes to complete the course. Timing starts when the dog is sent from behind the pen at the beginning of the run.

2012 TRIAL CALENDARRESDA CURRENTLY runs a total of twelve Sheep Dog Trials annually in Northern California, including both ranch and fair venues. A variety of venues and sheep flocks tests the mettle of both dog and handler. The dog and handler team scoring the highest number of cumulative points across their nine best trials each year is awarded the RESDA High Points Championship. See page two for the complete 2012 RESDA trial calendar and current High Points standings.

WITH OCCASIONAL TWEAKS, THE TRIAL COURSE ILLUSTRATED ABOVE HAS BEEN USED EACH YEAR SINCE THE REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION (RESDA) WAS FOUNDED IN 1947 BY A GROUP OF MENDOCINO COUNTY SHEEP RANCHERS.

THE RESDA COURSECourse Examples

RESDA Member Sharon Heringer and True at the first panel; RESDA Spring Trial April 7, 2012. PHOTO BY CELESTE AND JEFF THOMAS

RESDA Member Bill Slaven and Chance at the chute; RESDA Spring Trial April 7, 2012. PHOTO BY MAUREEN LYONS

RESDA Member Tom Radelfinger stands quietly at the pen while Luke ushers three sheep in; RESDA Spring Trial April 7, 2012. PHOTO BY MAUREEN LYONS

While the handler should not gesture during the run, celebrating after a successful pen is just fine. RESDA Member Barb McPherson and Callie pen three to win the RESDA Spring Trial April 7, 2012. PHOTO BY MAUREEN LYONS

3 REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION July 4, 2012 www.RESDA.com

A

B

B

C

D

D

C

A

Seven Oaks Trial Open Scores1. RHONDA Lauritsen and Craig 472. TERI Tucker and Jasper 46 3. COLLEEN Duncan and Hope 43.5 4. KAREN Kollgaard and Cali 43.55. SUE Gustafson and Glen 38.56. TOM Trent and Angus 35.57. SHARON Heringer and True 33 8. JENNIFER Stewart and Flash 28.5 RT9. RHONDA Lauritsen and Holly 2710. TOM Radelfinger and Luke 26 11. ANN Raines and Singe 25.5 RT12. MAUREEN Lyons and Pete 24 13. JACK Mathieson and Ross 24 14. BILLY Trent and Coal 20 15. BARB McPherson and Callie 19 JACK MATHIESON and Jake RT BILL SLAVEN and Chance RT BILL SLAVEN and Callie RT NANCY TODD and Ace RT GORDON CONTIVAL and Annie RT JENNIFER STEWART and Brook DQ

Seven Oaks Trial ProNovice Scores1. KAREN Kollgaard and Dylan 322. BARB McPherson and Chip 31.53. COLLEEN Duncan and Wyn 27.54. BARB McPherson and Jade 255. JANE Hurford and Mitch 236. ALYCEN Johnson and Reno 217. GEORGE Powell and Gracie 208. BILL Slaven and Bud 159. RON Stark and Faye 6.5 BILLY TRENT and Ryme RT

SEE WWW. RESDA.com for complete Seven Oaks Trial score details.

Sonoma-Marin Fair | June 24, 2012 The Sonoma-Marin Fair trial, held near the end of June each year

at the Petaluma Fairgrounds, is traditionally the first fair trial of the

Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association (RESDA) season. The chal-

lenges of arena trials are different than those of ranch trials; dogs

who excel on one type of course may perform poorly on the other.

The breed and flock of sheep also affects trial performance.

The flock of Barbados sheep used this year at the Sonoma-Marin Fair

trial moved cooperatively if handled gently, but were quick to squirt

off if handled with too much pressure or aggressive movements on

the part of the dog. This made for challenging runs and a sense of ac-

complishment for handlers who scored well on the course.

Judge Kevin Owens awarded first place to Colleen Duncan and her

dog, Hope, who scored 45 out of 50 points on their run. Colleen and

Hope are doing extremely well this year. This trial was their second

win, and they moved up to first place in the High Points competition

(see page 2.) Colleen may have been even more pleased by the per-

formance of her other dog, Wyn, who came in second with 43.5 points.

This is Wyn’s first year competing in trials, and this was her first Open

trial. Winning second place in her first Open trial is a significant ac-

complishment for Wyn. Tom Trent and his young dog, Angus, came in

a mere half point behind to take third place with 43 points.

NEW RESDA TRIAL IN 2012

SEVEN OAKS TRIAL | SANTA ROSA, CA

FIRST: COLLEEN DUNCAN AND HOPE SECOND: COLLEEN DUNCAN AND WYN THIRD: TOM TRENT AND ANGUS

On June 2, 2012, twenty-one Redwood Empire Sheep Dog Association (RESDA) members and other handlers turned out for the inaugural Seven Oaks Trial, held in a ranch setting southwest of Santa Rosa, CA.

With twenty-one dogs competing in the Open class and an additional ten dogs competing in the ProNovice class, it was the largest turnout for a RESDA trial so far this year.

Requiring an outrun more than 150 yards in length, the Open class was scored on a 60-point basis rather than the RESDA standard of 50 points. When the outrun exceeds 150 yards, combined scoring for the outrun, lift and fetch may be increased from 15 to 25 points at the discretion of the trial host or judge. On this day, Judge Nancy Neal made the decision to adjust the scoring basis.

Open class winners were Napa, CA resi-dent, Rhonda Lauritsen and her dog, Craig, who scored 47 out of 60 possible points. Santa Rosa, CA resident Teri Tucker and Jasper came in second with 46 points, fol-lowed by Durham, CA resident Colleen Duncan and Hope with 43.5 points.

Because all trials are adjusted to a 50 point basis for the annual RESDA High Points Competition, these three teams earned 39.2, 38.3 and 36.3 points respec-tively towards their High Points score. All other Open scores were adjusted for High Points as well.

Combined scoring for outrun, lift and fetch in the ProNovice class was also in-creased from 15 to 25 points. Without the chute, the ProNovice class had a maximum of 50 points.

Santa Rosa, CA resident Karen Kollgaard and Dylan won the ProNovice class with a score of 32 points. Napa, CA resident Barb McPherson and Chip came in a close sec-ond with 31.5 points, followed by Durham, CA resident Colleen Duncan and Wyn in third place with 27.5 points.Shaded by one of the towering, namesake trees at the Seven Oaks Trial, RESDA member Jack Mathieson

sends his young dog, Jake, “away” on his open class run. PHOTO BY SHARON J. HERINGER

Sonoma-Marin Fair Trial Scores1. COLLEEN Duncan and Hope 452. COLLEEN Duncan and Wyn 43.53 TOM Trent and Angus 434. SUZANNE Farris and Roxie 425. BILL Slaven and Chance 41.5 6. TERI Tucker and Jasper 41 7. JACK Mathieson and Ross 348. SHARON Heringer and True 33.5 9. TOM Radelfinger and Luke 33.510. JACK Mathieson and Jake 32.5 11. KAREN Kollgaard and Cali 32 12. KAREN Kollgaard and Dickens 24 13. BILL Slaven and Callie 16 14. SHARON Heringer and Dylan 11 BARB MCPHERSON and Callie DNR KAREN KOLLGAARD and Kit DNR RHONDA LAURITSEN and Craig DNR RHONDA LAURITSEN and Holly DNR

www.RESDA.com4 REDWOOD EMPIRE SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION July 4, 2012 www.RESDA.com