The Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial

July 29-31, 2011

(Novice Novice on July 29 at Wain Rd in Saanich, Pro Novice/Nursery/Open on July 30/31 at Taylor Rd, Metchosin)

Judge: Bill Berhow, Zamora, California

Contact: Judy Snell, judysnell@shaw.ca, Phone: 250-686-9011

Results

Novice Novice, Friday, July 29  (PDF)

Pro Novice, Sat/Sun, July 30/31 (PDF)

Open, Sat/Sun, July 30/31 (PDF)

Highlights from the 19th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial, July 29-31 2011

The annual premier sheepdog trial on Vancouver Island has become a traditional and highly anticipated event each summer in Metchosin, and this year’s competition was no exception. Now completing its 19^th year, the trial continues to attract top working Border Collies and their handlers from all over the north western U.S., as well as from B.C.  Known for its spectacular setting, the trial field offers panoramic views of historic farm lands, beaches, mountains, and seascapes from its classic Metchosin vantage point. Generously made available by property owners, Doug and Greta Ruth, the beautiful field has been synonymous with the event for the past 19 years. With its views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, bordered by an old stand of Douglas Fir and Garry Oak, it is hard to imagine a prettier location for a sheep dog trial. Add one of the most renowned sheep flocks of the Pacific North West- the Parry Bay Flock, owned by John and Lorraine Buchanan, -  and you have all the ingredients for a top flight sheep dog trial!

This years’ judge was Bill Berhow of Zamora, California. No stranger to many here, Bill has been supporting this trial as a competitor, judge, and clinician/ trainer almost since its inception. His influence and accomplishments have helped shaped not only the Metchosin Sheepdog Trial, but also the larger sport of sheep dog trialling in North America. Bill’s achievements and contributions in the world of sheep dog trials have been legendary with his multiple National Championships, consistent rankings in all of the major trials on the continent, and his membership in the very exclusive club of few, with bragging rights to having won both Canadian and US National Sheepdog Finals. Over the 19 years of the Metchosin Trial, he has won it more times, with multiple dogs, than any other handler. And, as it turned out, the overall Open winner this year was a daughter of his current top trial dog “Pete”.

Another strong turnout of spectators- many who are now devoted followers of the event from around the south Island, were treated to some excellent competition as working Border Collies from western Canada and USA showcased their skills at guiding sheep around the technically challenging course that demanded great precision and timing from both dog and handler.

As in previous years, the Novice-Novice Class was held on Friday; hosted on a nice field owned by Meadow Oak Nursery in north Saanich, also the site of West Coast Canine Academy. A small, but dedicated group of new handlers and beginner dogs train regularly at the venue, and it lent itself well for hosting the Novice-Novice class this year. The sheep were supplied by the Buchanan’s Parry Bay Flock. Ten handlers and their dogs each had two runs, with the combined scores determining the overall standings. Donna Allen and “Foxy” of the Lower mainland, were the overall first place finishers, with two consistent runs that saw them third and first respectively, in the two classes. The reserve winner was local handler, Ian Bruce with “Maya”, out of Linda Larsson’s bitch “Tikka” and Metchosin collie “Rhaq” – a former top trial dog of Martha McHardys’, who sired two of the other entries in the class. Another new local handler, Cayley Wilson and his dog “Liz”, turned in two solid runs to capture the third overall spot.

Saturday dawned cool and windy as the ProNovice class got underway on the main trial field off Taylor Rd. Eager spectators were winding their way into the sheltered viewing area above the beach and by lunch time, a capacity crowd were avidly following the action on the field. Duncan handler, Ian Ripley, and his little imported bitch “JoJo”, won the day’s class and went on to be the overall P/N champions of the weekend. Veteran handler, Brian Nelson of Langley, with his homebred dog “Beau”, were second overall with the Reserve P/N honors. Brian was also to go on and place with two older littermates in the Open class, and was the well-deserved winner of the award for the “2011 Breeder of the High Scoring BC Bred Dog”. Brian was also the “Judges Choice Award”, for his sportsmanship and diplomacy both on and off the trial field – a very successful weekend for sure! The third ranked overall team was Julie Carter, and her young bitch “Bobbie” bred by Norm and Vicki Close of Idaho. Julie was host of the Novice-Novice class and previous days’ competition, at her West Coast Canine Academy training center. Fourth overall in the P/N class was Martha McHardy and “MarCar Rick”, the young son of her former top trial dog “Ryan”. Fifth overall was Roy vanRykswyk and “Katie” who traveled from Enderby, B.C. to compete.

The Open class commenced after a lunch break, and the well supported concession on site, operated by volunteers from the Metchosin Community House, fed hungry handlers and spectators who enjoyed fares off their menu such as ‘Metchosin Lamb Burgers’ hot off the grill. The standard Open course included the gather and drive, followed by a pen and then a single. The Open class was two trials, over the two days, with ribbons for the combined placings. Saturday’s Open class was won by Jeff Marroni of Olympia, Washington, with his homebred bitch “Carmen”, out of his wife, Dee’s bitch, “Dharma”, and sired by Bill Berhow’s “Pete” – who was the 2009 Metchosin SDT Open champion. Incidently, “Carmen” is also a granddaughter of the Buchanan’s “Marcar Shane”, who spent his lifetime working with the Parry Bay flock. Brian Nelson put his two littermates, “Sweep” and “Pleat”, into the second and third place spots on Saturday. Both are sons of Canadian and US National Champion, “Pleat” owned by Scott Glen of Alberta. Jeff Marroni then placed fourth with his oldest dog, “MarCar Mick”, who was bred in Metchosin by Martha McHardy, and littermate to her top trial bitch “Ceri”. “Mick” also won the coveted ‘High Scoring Senior dog, aged 9 and over’ trophy -offered by his breeder each year in memory of her old “Vic” (“Mick’s” grandfather.) Fifth place honors went to Leslie Pfardresher with “Bill” of California.

On Sunday the running conditions were about perfect; cool and clear, without the strong winds of the previous day, and the top scores reflected the ideal conditions with some lovely completed runs. Ruedi Birenheide of Duncan with “Teak”, and Martha McHardy with her veteran bitch “Ceri”, both scored 89 points out of a maximum 100, with “Teak” breaking the tie for first place on outfield work, with “Ceri” being the second place finisher of the day. Jeff Marroni put “Carmen” solidly into the third spot, just one point behind the other two top bitches. Last year’s Open winner, “Jenny”, owned by Patricia Pedersen of Sequim, Washington, was Sunday’s fourth place finisher. Jeanne Boudrieau and “Rocky” also from Washington, placed fifth.

At the end of the weekend, it was Jeff Marroni and “Carmen” who were the overall Open Champions for 2011, and being their first Open win to date, it was somehow sweeter for being on the fields from which her origins sprang, and where her grandfather and great grandfather before her, spent their working lives. The second place dog, “Teak”, owned by Ruedi Birenheide, also traces her roots to Metchosin through her sire, “MarCar “Blair”. Her overall placing also earned her the “High Scoring Vancouver Island Dog”  trophy - breaking Martha McHardy’s dogs’ longstanding claim on the award. Brian Nelson was third and fourth overall, with “Pleat” and Sweep” respectively. In fifth place for the weekend was Jeff Marroni’s “Marcar Mick” – litter brother to Martha’s “Ceri”, and to “Teak’s” father, “Blair”, who all turn 10 years old at the end of this year.

So concluded another successful Metchosin Sheepdog Trial. Next year will be its 20^th year – making it one of the longest running trials in the province and indeed, in western Canada. As always, the ongoing success and continuation of this well regarded trial is due in large measure to the support it receives from the community, the handlers, local businesses, and great volunteers, in addition to the hard working trial committee.

Martha J McHardy

19^th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial 2011 – Judges Profile

Bill Berhow, Zamora, California USA

Bill Berhow is one of the most respected judges, trial handlers, and teachers of both dogs and their owners, in the sheepdog world. He has won both US and Can. National Finals, as well as most major trials on the North American continent over his career. He has supported the Metchosin Trial since its inception as both handler, judge, and friend, and has retained close ties to Metchosin from his many trips here over the years. We are glad to welcome him as this years’ judge for the 19th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial.

Organized by Martha McHardy and Ruedi Birenheide

Record Attendances mark the 18th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial, July 30-August 1

Perfect weather conditions graced the 18th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial; much appreciated by sheep, dogs and spectators in attendance at the spectacular panoramic trial field, at Glengarry Farm in Metchosin. Generously made available by property owners, Doug and Greta Ruth, the beautiful field, overlooking beach, ocean, and mountains, has been synonymous with the event for the past 18 years. With its views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, bordered by an old stand of Douglas Fir and Garry Oak, it is hard to imagine a prettier location for a sheep dog trial. Add one of the most renowned sheep flocks of the Pacific North West- the Parry Bay Flock, owned by John and Lorraine Buchanan, and an internationally renowned judge - Mr. Cyril Roberts, of North Wales -  and you have all the ingredients for a top flight sheep dog trial! The record turnout of spectators were treated to some excellent competition as working Border Collies from western Canada and USA showcased their skills at guiding sheep around the technically challenging course that demanded great precision and timing from both dog and handler.

This years’ judge, Mr. Cyril Roberts, of Powys, North Wales; a seasoned shepherd, National team handler, and international judge; was here on his inaugural visit to Canada. He had seen some Canadian-bred Border Collies and their handlers, competing in Washington state trials he had judged in 2009, and so he was looking forward to presiding over his first Canadian sheepdog trial and meeting more of the Canadian contingent, with their reputation for breeding strong, capable dogs. He was not to be disappointed with the caliber of dogs he had the opportunity to observe while here, and took favorable impressions back ‘home across the water’ to his native UK- ancestral home of working Border Collies everywhere.  He enjoyed a few days sightseeing around the Victoria and Duncan area during his week on Vancouver Island, as well as a days’ visit with the Parry Bay Flock and their owners, John and Lorraine Buchanan.

As in previous years, the Novice-Novice Class was held on Friday; hosted by Collie Acres Farm in Saanich, owned by Brian Epp and Celeste LaCroix, both members of the trial committee and avid handlers themselves.

Some very promising dogs and handlers in the Novice/Novice class were cross-entered in the following days’ Pro Novice classes, giving ample indication of their competitive intentions and potential to become serious threats in future trials. The mid-island handlers of Cobble Hill, Duncan, Chemainus and Campbell River dominated the class of 12 dogs, with John Hellemond and “Annie” taking first overall honors, while Doe Shires with “Hawk” followed closely behind by one point, thus earning the Reserve place. Julie Carter, of Saanich, handling “Mirk” owned by Rachel Mirel, won third overall, and Judy Snell of Cobble Hill with “Betty” claimed the fourth place standings. There was one USBCHA Nursery class held on the ProNovice course on Saturday, which was won by Ian Ripley, with his little imported bitch, JoJo.

Two litter sisters took top overall honors in the ProNovice class. “Tessa” owned by Patricia Pedersen, from ‘across the Strait’ on the Olympic Peninsula, was the ProNovice overall Champion, after a lovely smooth run on Sunday that garnered the highest score of the weekend. Tessa’s sister “Tee” owned by Julie Carter of Saanich, was hot on her heels in the second overall spot. Both are granddaughters of the Buchanan’s well-known Border Collie sire, “Shane” - and a fitting tribute to him and the flock he helped manage over his lifetime. Two Duncan handlers took the next overall spots: Ian Ripley and “JoJo” in third, and Linda Larsson with “Bella” came out with the fourth overall spot. Fifth overall was local Metchosin handler Aileen McConnell, and her young male dog “Chance”. With a large class of over 30 entries, the class offered some stiff competition from both seasoned and relatively new handlers alike.

It was destined to be Patricia Pedersen’s weekend, as she was also the overall Open Champion with her bitch “Jenny”; a daughter off her old retired trial dog, “Roy”, who graced the same field with his presence on many occasions over his career. Jenny’s grandmother also traced her roots to Metchosin through Martha McHardy’s old “Tee” ; a half sister to the Buchanan’s ‘Shane’. Ruedi Birenheide of Duncan and “Teak” were well positioned after winning the first days’ Open class, and intent on making a strong claim for the overall prize, until gambling on a risky shed at the end of their second run resulted in an uncharacteristic disqualification and put them out of the running. The two original organizers of the trial, Martha McHardy and Aileen McConnell, each put a dog into the top overall Open standings. Martha’s tremendous bitch “Ceri” held on to her second place winnings from the first day, to also take second spot overall, and Aileen’s “Peg” earned the third overall accolades in a strong Open class of 25 teams. US handler Donna Donahue of Washington with “Kate” took the fourth overall ribbon, as well as the trophy for the Best Combined Outfield Work in the Open class, while Californian handler Marilyn Bates with her veteran dog “Rob” won the fifth place ribbon as well as the trophy for “High Scoring Senior Dog, aged 9 years and over”, donated by MarCar Border Collies in memory of the lines’ foundation sire, “Vic”.

The Metchosin Community Association ran a well supported concession, with profits re-invested in the support of ‘Metchosin House’ programs.  As always, the ongoing success and continuation of this well regarded trial is due in large measure to the support it receives from the community, the handlers, local businesses, and great volunteers, in addition to the hard working trial committee.

Once again, a memorable and very successful sheepdog trial showcased the superb talents of some of the best working sheepdogs and handlers from the west coast of Canada and USA.

Results

PDF file with complete results

Photographs

NB: Photographs from our photographer and competitor Jeff Marroni are now available at:  http://www.marroniphotography.com/ (click on “Gallery” and “Metchosin 09″)
The gallery will be updated as time permits.
NoviceNovice winner’s gallery is below (scroll down this page.)

For Results click on “Results” -> “2009″ in the menu tabs above.

Highlights of the 17th Annual Metchosin Sheepdog Trial

With strong, unrelenting winds whipping the Parry Bay coastline on the Saturday, everyone braced themselves, and rose to the occasion, despite occasional interludes in the action, to right the temporary fencing along one side of the course! Still, dogs and handlers managed some stellar runs with the slightly spooked sheep, who were challenging to settle and guide in the gusty conditions. Sunday dawned clear and still- almost perfect conditions as if to make up for the previous day, and all the players benefited- as well as the supportive spectators. Once again, the spectacular setting of the panoramic trial field, overlooking the Straits of Juan de Fuca - impressed handlers, spectators and judge with its unparalleled natural beauty. Added to this was the high caliber of working collies and their handlers, tested by one of the most renowned sheep flocks of the Pacific North West- the Parry Bay Flock, owned by John and Lorraine Buchanan.

This years’ judge, Mr David Rees joined us from Brynaman, South Wales. Not only was David impressed with the caliber of sheep and Border Collies he saw, on this, his first visit to Vancouver Island, he was equally impressed by the natural beauty of the area, declaring it to be surely one of Canada’s best kept secrets!   He enjoyed his time visiting the Buchanan’s, and trading ’shepherding  talk” and flock management comparisons between the two countries. He was also able to take a daytrip to the Comox Valley to meet and visit with retired BC handler,  Mr. John Wickson and his wife: one of the founding breeders and handlers of working Border Collies in western Canada.

As in previous years, the main portion of the trial was held on the picturesque field of Glengarry Farm, overlooking Taylor Beach; generously made available for the event, by property owners Doug and Greta Ruth. The Novice-Novice Class was hosted by Collie Acres Farm in Saanich, owned by Brian Epp and Celeste LaCroix,; key members of the trial committee.

With the largest Novice entry in the trial’s history, the growing interest of new handlers taking up the sport is an encouraging sign. Julie Carter, of Saanich, took first place each day with two different dogs, “Drift” and “Woody”; but consistency paid off for Ian Ripley of Duncan, with his young imported bitch, “JoJo”: taking first overall; followed by Julie and “Drift”, and Michele Masselink and” Dew” in third, and another Duncan handler, Linda Larsson, with “Bella: taking fourth overall.

Two Island handlers qualified their young dogs for the USBCHA National Nursery Finals for their first time: Brian Epp with “Dharma”; and Julie Carter with “Tee”. Jorgen Persson of Oregon was the other qualified team from the weekend, with “Merckx”

Two litter sisters took top overall honors in the ProNovice class - “Teak” owned by Ruedi Birenheide prevailing for the first overall, followed by “Maggie” owned by Celeste Lacroix in Resrve.  Both handlers placed second dogs in the ribbons, with Rudi’s “Scot” in the 3rd spot, and Celeste’s “Silas” in 5th.Jeff Marroni of Olympia Wash., was fourth overall with his young bitch “Carmen” - a daughter of the overall Open Champion.

No stranger to first place accolades in the Open Class, was Bill Berhow of Zamorra, California and his great dog “Pete”, who together, have won the Metchosin Sheepdog Trial more times than any other handler/dog team. Not only a renowned handler, Bill is a noted clinician and judge, and veteran of the sport in North America. This year, as in others, he also spent several days in Metchosin, teaching and coaching handlers while sharing his considerable experience and knowledge. Two veteran British Columbia handlers, Brian Nelson and “Pleat”; and Martha McHardy and “Ceri” took the 2nd and 3rd overall placings respectively. Both Brian and Martha bred and trained their two dogs, and both will be strong representatives at the upcoming CBCA National Sheepdog Trials, and then again at the USBCHA National Finals in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

The Metchosin Community Association ran a well supported concession, with profits re-invested in the support of ‘Metchosin House’ programs.  As always, the ongoing success and continuation of this well regarded trial is due in large measure to the support it receives from the community, the handlers, local businesses, and volunteers, in addition to the hard working trial committee.

Once again, a memorable and very successful sheepdog trial showcased the superb talents of some of the best working sheepdogs and handlers from the west coast of Canada and USA. Detailed results and photos can be viewed on the trial website at http://msdt.ca

Martha J McHardy

The first photographs from our photographer and competitor Jeff Marroni are now available at:  http://www.marroniphotography.com/ (click on “Gallery” and “Metchosin 09″)
The gallery will be updated as time permits.

Slideshow of the Novice Novice Trial

Judge of 2009 MSDT - David Rees of “Rhosfar Border Collies” Brynaman, South Wales, UK.

David was born in the industrial heart of Wales; surrounded by sheep and the world of shepherding, and has been immersed in the heart of sheepdog trials and its rich history of prominent dogs and handlers in Britain, as well as other parts of the world for all of his life.  As a young man, he worked as a hill shepherd, in the mountainous ‘Brecon Beacons’, managing three thousand ewes and one hundred fifty Welsh Mountain ponies.

He considers himself fortunate to have known many of the great handlers and breeders who have shaped the Border Collie breed, as well as many of older knowledgeable shepherds, that shared their craft and skills with him. He knew Jock Richardson when he was in his prime with the famous Cap - of which David says “he was so knowledgeable and skillful that I doubt if we see his like again, and Cap was certainly every bit as good a dog as people say” . He has remained friends with the esteemed Barbara Carpenter, of the famous “Brocken lines” and when she heard that David was to come to Vancouver Island, she is sending along her special regards, as she knew long-time Vancouver Island handler, John Wickson, during his education in Britain, while he was her neighbor for a time!

Over the years, David worked, competed and trained many dogs under his “Rhosfa” Border Collie prefix, and exported many of them to trial handlers in North America and the Continent. He continues to be in demand for arranging custom sales of dogs around the world, as well as starting young dogs, coaching trial handlers, and judging. He has written extensively over his lifetime, as a featured columnist in sheepdog journals in both the UK and the USA, and is a published author of historical fiction as well. We look forward with great anticipation to David joining us for the 17th Annual 2009 Metchosin Sheepdog Trial.