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Show Eog trials attract wide raimge off participants By Nancy G. Bostick Special correspondent The distinctive flash of black and white fun on the working stock dog course at the Diamond Hills Ranch north of Vernal Wednesday, Sept. 19, heralded the beginning of the 1990 Diamond Hills Worldwide Stock Dog Trials. The four day event sponsored by Woodey B. Searle and Dave Jolley of Vernal culminated Saturday with handler, Jim Swift of Grand Junction, Colo., earning the coveted bronze sculpture of a working stock which renowned artist, Lyle Johnson, completed as a special commission for this event In addition, addi-tion, Swift was awarded day money earned by his dogs during the trials as well as a sizable cash prize as overall winner. Alan MacDonald of Elgin, . Scotland was retained as judge. A shepherd since the age of four, MacDonald is known throughout the realm of stock dog trials for his exceptional abilities both as a judge and as a handler. In addition to a long and distinguished tenure as judge, MacDonald has trained dogs which have won the prestigious International Stock Dog title as well as the Scottish National title. The trials marked the second such event to be hosted in the Vernal area. Created originally to highlight the exceptional working capabilities of the working stock dog, stock dog trials have been a traditional sport in Wales, Scotland and Great Britain for many years. In recent years, trials have also become a familiar scene in the U.S. Popularity has gained momentum in-ranching in-ranching communities which has led to the introduction of trials throughout the states. Although many wondered how well the amer-ican amer-ican stock dogs rated when compared com-pared with their European counterparts, counter-parts, MacDonald assured visitors that native dogs' worked strongly and well for the most part. Personally, the judge prefers medium-sized Border Collies but stated that one of the most important traits in any working stock dog is in its courage and power. He pointed out that handlers whose dogs kept a distance dis-tance from the sheep were more able to control how well each run proceeded. In addition, MxDonald stated that each individual dogs eyes are important. "Some dogs have eyes that arc too concentrated concentrat-ed ihcy seem to freeze the sheep like prey. The sheep arc afraid to turn their backs on a dog whose eyes arc wrong." Beginning with the pro-novice portion of the trials Wednesday, competitors were able to enter younger animals whose training is in the beginning stages. Although , the young dogs were not as precise as the older Border Collies, it was evident lo those watching the trials lh;it the instinct of the working stixk dog is phenomenal. Even the youngest dog .showed an outstanding outstand-ing aptitude for the work. F;kh dog and handler was allowed two runs through the toimc from which winners were determined by an aggregate saw. I irst pl,KC was win by iWucc Ivgt and Uxk, Sidney, Ohio; Casey Fogl uh Dull pl.xcd second; thud was captured by Roger Culbrcalh and Tc!, Cull, Coin. tlimiruition tnaW were scheduled (or Thursday end I rnl.iy to deter mine final 12 fund'en and V'gS tn run the finals in (he rprrt m Saturday. Day money . faid rvift "IburUay Bm Itiday 9 well. 1htn'-Say' dinners imhidcd: ftnicC It KiU Mi'H vncA by J.m Sift. Jim 5ift am! Maid, f nday'i T fuc included. Bfwc I gt Kit. t!;e CWccn'i (inn; Hr.kC tct an.l It, ;v. Rjiih tVf.-f. O'H'xy. OJihi and hn tot!, Dan. ?.! . Jim Sifl Ff.i;n,!irg tnit tV final 12 A ft sM harder f. Saturday trtrrv- M ; and k-t, 5lft. (' "d 81 lfis Vu'.'rt, (JKiinvV, Hht 1t! ?- K (VWrh. O'tl. C ! n ': vr A!'.. r. ( ra.f.w t, M-T PKC .U ti, tV'rr. Kst. T'r-hC fret. If..! fV f. Va.1. J.i f a H -t jn It :;'. ! ,1-(.-: 1- -111 r n- i p,-.. tl-,t Ai i' : - rr f 1i r.;. !V h i m i') ffr l l i'' -" : , f 1 I " V Vi : . fr Alan MacDonald, Elgin, Scotland. course. The outrun is judged on speed and how well the dog is able to compete a pear shaped run which will end just above the sheep at the top of the course. As the dog nears the small group of sheep, the handler han-dler should begin signaling the animal ani-mal with verbal commands andor whistles to begin the lift. This phase is judged by how well the canine can encourage the sheep to begin moving towards the handler's post at the bottom of the course. Sheep should be started smoothly with a minimum of fear. Next comes the fetch in which the sheep are to be moved in as straight of a line as possible through a set of gates to the handler's post Dogs are Bruce Fogt, assisted by his dog, was a top contender con-tender is shown here completing the shed por GENERAL 111 DEER HUNT SERVICE i Front End Alignment ?195 I $ "1 c" rf c"-; UP TO $1000. INSTANT CRIDITf I ! I i I J J s judged on their control of pace, how straight the sheep are moved and how well they can anticipate where the sheep will go. In this particular phase especially as well as in the drive, the handlers' stockmanship must play a vital role. If the handler is unable to judge potential pitfalls, a misguided signal to his dog will lose important points. The fetch ends when the dog brings the sheep around the handler's han-dler's post and begins the drive which usually includes two or more gates set in a prescribed pattern. Following the drive, the animals are guided back to the post where the dog and master work in unison to pen the sometimes reluctant sheep. Harmony between the collie and handler is critical. Working too close or too far away from the herd will often result in the sheep attempting to escape resulting in a loss of points. The final stage is known as the shed. At this time, the sheep dog assists in "shedding" two sheep of the five. Ideal standards in this maneuver place the sheep moving in a uniform line with the stock dog separating the last two as they move away. The entire course must be completed in 15 minutes. Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny assuring competitors of an ideal day for the trials. Jim Swift and his border collie, Moss, exhibited exhibit-ed a run which combined the keen abilities of the dog with the mastery of a seasoned stockman. Moss worked the field with a steady control con-trol which highlighted the nuances in commands provided by his handler. han-dler. The combination provided tion of the trials Vernal Big O U EDGE ITUIRxS Take Advantage Of These SPECIAL PURCHASES TIRE G AMCRt-TRAC $Q395 mm ii r235?l.R15 r 4 Tiro Spin nnd Ontnnco AM f: on Vernal $1095 spectators with a stunning and brilliant bril-liant performance. Of the 100 points possible, Moss and Swift were awarded 94 which gained the.n first place in the open. Others showing to a distinct advantage advan-tage were: Ralph Pulfer and Dan in second place with 90; Lewis Pulfer and Mirk, 86; Dodie Green and Gwynn, 82; Bruce Fogt and Kit, 80. Visitors witnessing the event for the first time admitted to feeling a deep admiration for the innate ability abili-ty of the working border collie. Many were also impressed with the dedication -and knowledge of the handlers. Throughout the day, moments seemed suspended in time as the dogs demonstrated the important impor-tant role filled by working dogs. Swift expressed his appreciation for the chance to enter and win this particular trial. A relative newcomer to the event, he has been competing since 1988. Introduced to the sport in Meeker, Colo., Swift has attended eight to ten trials per year since that time. The win Saturday marked his first and his delight was evident. As with many who begin showing, Swift has been involved with livestock live-stock throughout his life. He also commented on the beauty of the Diamond Hills location and hopes to return for another opportunity to win the elegant bronze sculpture that has become a trademark for the local trials. As the day drew to a close, handlers han-dlers and spectators alike seemed reluctant to leave. MacDonald, preparing to return to Scotland, waved his hand towards the rust and cream colored sandstone which protects pro-tects the small valley. "You can see this is pictures and videos, but you can never truly appreciate the beauty beau-ty until you are able to see it for yourself." Like Swift, MacDonald recalled the feelings generated by a handler's han-dler's first win. Even though he has won some of the most important trials tri-als in the sport, he feels that his first win provided him with the most satisfaction. last Saturday. SPECIALS Mar i..V GENERAL TIRE G m'SrCW fel $095 T& ffeSjJV : ' f Short 2 Wheel mVkol ""TwhecT'i FsTrut Spcciois ! 1) Specials j I Rclino I Bcnrlntf Rcpnck j j ' , HQ'S! I .Hv ' y rffLlJ jr-"--' j s j j r W . ! ir:;J29,5i I ... ..II i k - j j - - j j r - - W I j j i i j ; J Ntl Vernal Express MacDonald, like many others, hopes to return to the remote northeastern north-eastern Utah location for future trials. tri-als. He remarked on the friendliness with which he has been made welcome wel-come as well as upon the incredible beauty of the locale. ' - r1- f" . .1 . ' Jim Swift and Moss (left) accepts the bronze sculpture from Von-netta, Von-netta, Alana, and Woodey Searle. Diamond Hills Restaurant and Motel sponsored the four day Stock Dog Trials. Jim Swift and his dog, Moss, displays the Bronze Sculpture he won in the overall competition. Swift and Moss made a formidable for-midable team in winning the overall competition last Saturday.- NEWS ITEMS call your Hometown Newspaper Vernal Express 789-3511. Li h k A , j J. o West Hwy. 40 Wednesday, Seal. 26, 1990 21 Searle and Jolley were recipient of appreciation for those attendir both as handlers and spectators. Tr thrill of the actual event when co'. pled with the historic and tradition combination of man and dog is i r unforgettable experience. ; ' f -'' - .in t u 1 mirt 1 "til O I I v amo srnvicc cr NTrn III IIIM8BMMiMrwipMIIMIUIIMIMIllll!rW!Blisj ML f r |