Ogden Valley News | 2007-08-01 | Page 13

Volume XIV Issue XX The Ogden Valley news Page 13 August 1, 2007 Kelley Creek Farm Dog Trials nd The 2 annual Kelley Creek Farm Sheepdog Trial was held June 30 through July 2, 2007. Farm owners Brent and Patsy Dickens of Huntsville said that this year’s trials attracted twice as many competitors as last year, and offered a purse of $5000. Exhibitions of Dog Agility, Dock Diving—a fun sport where dogs of all varieties dive off the dock into the pond—and a masterful demonstration of Don Couch and his dog Ali at the Kelley Creek Dog Trials. hunting dogs at their best were this year’s visitors’ delight. In times past, the land that Kelly Creek Farm occupies was the center of a huge sheep raising operation. Some Valley residents remember going up as boys to camp, gather sheep, and swim in the pond. The days of the large sheep ranch are gone from the floor of Ogden Valley, but a small piece of that history is re-enacted almost daily. Under the tutelage of resident trainer Shauna Gourley, Border Collies and other herding breeds learn how to herd sheep in the rippling fields, and dogs swim in the ponds and play games on the grassy agility field. There are many more amenities than in days past, but the goal is the same. A sheepdog trial is a competitive dog sport in which herding dog breeds move sheep around a field and through fences, gates, or enclosures as directed by their handlers. Sheepdog trials have probably occurred at agricultural fairs and shows for centuries. The present form is thought to have developed originally in the “Borders” area between England and Scotland, from which the Border Collie also comes. However, the sport’s organizing bodies regard the first recorded sheepdog trials as those held in Bala, Wales, in 1873. According to Ray Crabtree, a course director, after 180 years of breeding these Russian Impressionism Painting Workshop Available Kathy Murdock, Anne Marie Oborn, and Victoria Reece have been painting together for years. All three of them have studied at the Repin Art Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia. The three artists will be presenting a Russian Impressionism painting workshop at the Eccles Community Art Center in Ogden. The workshop is designed for beginning to advance artists to work from life in pastels, oils, or watercolor. The schedule will include artists’ demonstrations, lectures, and working from life or still life, and with clothed models. The three-day workshop will be held August 22, 23, and 24. Tuition is $375 with an additional model fee of $30. The workshops will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then resume from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. At least ten participants are needed for this workshop to be held. A maximum of 15 participants will be accepted. The presenting artists will be working and discussing with a limited palette, so participating artists should bring what supplies they have. A supplies list will be made available for those needing further instructions. If you are interesting in registering for the Russian Impressionism workshop, please call Debra, Donna or Liz at 801392-6935. For more information about the artists, workshop, and Eccles Community Art Center, visit <www.ogden4arts.org> Nancy K. Stukan 866-2848 Representation for Buyers & Sellers dogs there is not a more efficient way to to be fairly wild and present more of a chalherd sheep . . . not on horseback, not even lenge to the handler. Spectators and hanon ATV’s. Dog Trials are a way to con- dlers alike were impressed yet again with tinue this tradithe wonderful tion of beneficial ambiance and the human and aniwelcoming attimal cooperation. tude of the ownSince ancient times, the staff has Ray, who is also ers. Attendees an animal commu- become an international symbol of shep- were able to herds. From nothing more than a long nicator, says that bring their own animals are send- stick picked up in the field, to the work of dogs on a leash, ing us information art that Don Couch (Idaho) carries, the staff sit back, relax in enabled men to work with sheep in the constantly. To the shade, and our ancestors, this watch the comfields and the mountains. information was petition. Or, they Ron’s staff is a hand-carved of zebra essential to surlet their own dog wood from Africa, pieces of inlaid Sun vival but modern Valley marble, and beautifully polished wil- have a go at agilday humans have ity, swimming low. But Ron says that the staff is much become poor lisin the pond, or more than a symbol; it is an essential and teners. A shame, diving from the useful tool. he feels, because dock. Overall, The crook on the end enables the shep- it was a day to animals connect herd to reach out and grab a lamb or ewe. enjoy watching us to the land. It is an extension of your arm allowKelley Creek’s an exhibition of ing you to open gates for moving sheep. dog trials received skill and animal raves from both Because sheep have good eyesight, they communication. judges, competi- will follow the directional pointing of a staff. For more tors, and speci n f o r m a t ion, The staff is a walking stick. As sheptators. One herds covered mountain ranges it became contact Shauna of the event Gourley: Trainer/ a balancing tool. judges, Patrick Shepherds can use a staff for self-pro- Animal Behavior Shannahan, who Consultant tection. Old-timers tell stories of fending has competed on at 745-2535, the U.S.A. team off badgers and other aggressive mammals redsky_kelleywith their staff. that attended the [e-mail] World Sheepdog or Ray Crabtree: Trial in Tullamore, Ireland, was impressed Animal Health/Behavior Issues, <www. with the competition field and with the animalsperspective.com> You can also sheep that were not “farm flocks” used to visit The Utah Stockdog Association webdogs and people but “range sheep” who tend site at <www.utahstockdog.org> The Staff Slopeside at Powder Mountain Slopeside at Powder Mountain 3 BD $1,690,000 New construction with Condo $599,000 Fully furnished with 2-car garage and views of the slopes. all the upgrades. www.NancysEden.com What would you do with your time if you didn’t have to clean? Licensed, Bonded, & Insured Unsurpassed views in North Fork. Ski-in Ski-out Powder Mountain $610,000 Lindal Cedar home on lg. view lot. $699,000 Four lots available slopeside. 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