Events

The next HGH herding trial will be held on October 12, 2013 and will be evaluated by SV herding judge Gerd Jahnke.

HGH Herding Competition in Rushville, NY

Our 16th Annual HGH Herding Competition took place on October 13, 2012. The First HGH Herding Club hosted this trial at White Clover Sheep Farm in Rushville, NY. SV Herding Judge, Herr Wilfried Scheld, evaluated this event according to the SV herding regulations. Four dogs were entered, all of them were GSDs.

Cool and brisk but fortunately dry conditions greeted the many spectators who came to observe this interesting event. The owner of the flock of exactly 230 sheep, Ulf Kintzel, ran first. This run is considered to be the more difficult one since the sheep aren’t used to the course yet. It is common courtesy that the flock owner offers to run first since it is also an advantage to compete with one’s own flock. The first run was done for title only and not as a part of the ranking of the competition. Ulf showed once more his five-year-old Lenz vom Dolderbrunnen and finished with his personal best of 97 points and an V (Excellent) rating.

The second competitor of the day was Kristin Siarkowicz with Lenz' littermate Lara vom Dolderbrunnen, who won last year's competition. Lara showed again a solid performance. The total score was 90 points and a V rating. She won second place and the Beth Johnson Memorial Medal for "Runner up".

Next was Gylla MacGregor with Dunja vom Quasliner Moor. Dunja is by now eight years old and this was her retirement run. In the end her run amounted to 88 points, an SG rating and a special remark by the judge of her independent and precise work in the wide graze.

Then it was time for lunch. The many spectators enjoyed the sheep hotdogs donated by White Clover Sheep Farm and the plentiful side dishes other club members and long-time spectators had brought with them.

After lunch ran the fourth and last competitor of the day, Kathy DiStaso with Elexa vom Quasliner Moor. She was able to improve last year's score yet again and received a V rating and 95 points, the highest score that has been achieved up to date by a competitor in our 16 competitions. Kathy won the challenge trophy sponsored by late Charlie and late Roberta Kaman (Fidelco, Guide Dogs for the Blind) which will reside with her for the next year.