Getting ready to trial...(out of state)
Thinking about oing to a herding trial in Dewey, Arizona which is near Prescott , depending on the route you desire to take, is about a 6 to 8 hours drive. Interesting enough the scenic route in this case is the shortest but it can also be a bit challenging. This drive is beautiful going through some of the prettiest desert and towards the end nicest forest land Arizona has to offer.
This trip starts with receiving the premium list that describes all you need to know about their up coming trial. The location, near by motels, who the judges are, entry forms, the cost , the stock they are offering and of course the courses that are being offered on which date by which sanctioning body. The closing date and if day of trial entries are provided for. So there is a lot to review and decisions to make.
So now that you have entered it is time to decide where to stay for instance; the show grounds, a motel or some friends that live in the area. Check for Cov-19 restrictions on route, at the trial grounds and where you intend to stay, Do not forget where you intend to eat.
Next come plan your route, have at least two routes in case something goes wrong with your preferred route. Make sure your vehicle is up for the trip and make a guess as to your fuel consumption and where on route you are going to refuel. You also need to plan when to leave from (you do not want to miss the handlers meeting ) and when you wish to return. Falling asleep on the way home while driving in NOT recommended.
All of this preparation for me anyways has been the fun part . Not so fun for me is packing for the trip. The first rule to remember is that you are going to forget to bring something so you must make sure not to leave anything behind (dog/leashes).
When you have finished your runs at the trial make sure to stay for the awards at the end of the trial, for your score sheet and if you have earned any goodies and leave before awards then you may not receive them.
A Stock dog Poem...
I've seen the Rocky mountains and the Gulf of Mexico.
The California surfers and the palm trees by the row.I've read the works of Shakespeare and seen Picasso's paint,
The sound of concert pianist and heard the bagpipes quaint.And all of these have been thrilling but not one could compare
with watching stock dogs working a single or a pair.
There's magic in each movement That Mozart never had,
And beauty in each turn That makes my heart feel glad.
There's science in each answer Of every whistled tone,
That Newton never thought of Nor ever was he shown.
There's feeling in the handling That only poets know,
Or men that work with sheepdogs and feel the team work grow.
Wherever life may take you In sunshine or in fog,
You'll never quite forget it When Once you've worked a dog.
