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Our
12th Annual HGH Herding Competition took place on October 4, 2008.
The First HGH Herding Club at White Clover Sheep Farm’s new
location in Rushville, NY hosted it. SV Herding Judge, Herr Wilfried
Scheld, evaluated this event according to the SV herding regulations.
Five dogs were shown, all of them were GSDs. They all qualified
and achieved their HGH title.
Crisp and sunny fall weather brought out an even bigger crowd than
last year, exceeding 100 spectators. The spectators asked many pointed
questions and made the trial one of the best we ever had. We truly
were the talk of the town. Unfortunately, none of the local newspapers
showed up like last year.
The owner of the flock of about 220 sheep, Ulf Kintzel, offered
to do the first run. This run is considered to be the most 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. Also, the first
run was done for title only and not as a part of the competition.
Ulf showed Brix vom Eichenluft, owned by Molly Graf. Brix is 3 years
old and finished with the highest score of the day, 94 points and
a V (Excellent) rating.
The second run was done by Kathleen DiStaso from New Jersey. She
and her three-year-old Elexa vom Quasliner Moor received a Good
with 79 points. That was third place.
Next came the seasoned competitor Kristin Siarkowicz with veteran
Abel vom Quasliner Moor. Abel is already 9 years old and obtained
the HGH title numerous times. He also has a SchH 3 title. Despite
of his age Abel came in second with 85 points and an SG rating and
Kristin won the Beth Johnson Memorial Trophy for best dog handler.
This concludes Abel’s competitive career.
The fourth competitor was again Kathleen DiStaso with Ike vom Dolderbrunnen.
Ike was imported as a pup from Germany and comes from a sheep farm.
He too has a SchH 3 title. Ike received a Good with 77 points.
Now a bitch in season followed. The herding rules require that females
in season run last. Gylla MacGregor showed Dunja vom Quasliner Moor.
Dunja is three years old and already obtained the HGH title in 2006
and 2007. Gylla was able to improve last year’s score and
finished first with an SG and 86 points. Gylla also won the challenge
trophy sponsored by Charlie and Roberta Kaman (Fidelco, Guide Dogs
for the Blind).
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Click
on the picture to enlarge.
Handler Ulf Kintzel with Brix vom Eichenluft,
owned by Molly Graf
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