Some of the nation’s best cattledog handlers visited Holyoke last weekend, Sept. 15-16, for four divisions of National Cattledog Association-sponsored cattledog trials. Dogs herded cattle through a series of obstacles, which were set up in the new pavilion at the Phillips County Fairgrounds. The trials gave owners the chance to show off their dogs’ superior training and ability to herd cattle with minimal stress and instruction. Here, Mickey Spence’s dog, Pearl, controls a group of cattle during the second day of intermediate-division competition. — Johnson Publications
Organizer Brian Biesemeier directs his dog, Wit, during the Sept. 16 intermediate division of Holyoke’s first cattledog trials. — Johnson Publications
First cattledog trials offer promising start to 3-month series
Shrieking whistles and tramping hooves filled the pavilion at the Phillips County Fairgrounds last weekend, Sept. 15-16, as enthusiasts from around the country ran their dogs in Holyoke’s first cattledog trials.
V- Cattledog Trials organizer Brian Biesemeier said the event was well-attended, especially considering that it was the first of its kind in the community.
“Most first trials aren’t this big,” he said. “We’ve had a really good turnout, and most people said they would come back and bring someone else.”
Biesemeier estimated that about 40 dogs ran each day. Some handlers ran multiple dogs and competed in multiple divisions.
Cattledog trials are meant to showcase a dog’s ability to move cattle quickly and accurately, with minimal agitation. Livestock fences were arranged in the pavilion to provide a series of obstacles, and handlers were allowed only limited communication with their animals.
Handlers earned NCA qualifying points for their placement in each of the two trials. Dogs that earn enough points will be allowed to participate in the 2019 NCA regional and national finals.
Dogs were grouped by age and skill into the open, intermediate and nursery classes. Biesemeier also included a novice class for handlers who are just getting started in the sport and aren’t worried about earning qualifying points for their animals.
Among the competitors from Colorado and beyond was Kent Herbil of Putnam, Oklahoma, who won the open class at the 2018 nationals with his dog, Sweep. Herbil ran Sweep and three other dogs in the open class of the Holyoke trials.
“I think it was a good trial and a good venue,” he said. “If we can be here next time, we’ll be here.”
The trials were the third event to be held in the new pavilion since the July fair and the Purina Research Farm to Ranch Cattle VIP Experience on Sept. 11.
Corporate supporters included Jake’s Feed, who donated tarps, and Points West Community Bank, 4S Feeds, Cornerstone Hay and V- Imaging, who sponsored the trophy buckles.
Biesemeier is still soliciting sponsors for the subsequent trials in the series, which will be held on the weekends of Oct. 20-21 and Nov. 3-4.