American Shetland Sheepdog Association National Specialty Herding Test and Trial
by Carol Delsman

The sun shone brightly on 74 Sheltie entries at their National Specialty in Brownstown, Illinois. Hosted by Darnfar Ranch, the sheep and ducks put these dogs through their paces. Judges Bonnie Daley and Dana Hasemeier had their hands full judging test and trial on both ducks and sheep.

As the kick off event of the National Specialty, many spectators made their way to the site. Sheltered from the sun under canopies and sheds, this enthusiastic group cheered on each exhibitor as they met the challenges of herding livestock.

Sixteen entries walked proudly away with a qualifying run and for those in the trial, a chance at the HIT and RHIT awards.

Trial duck runs started off the day and proved to be too much for many entries. Try as they might, entrants and their dogs had a difficult time convincing the ducks that running the course was better than escaping back to the pen. True to her name, Karashome's Amazing Grace under the guidance of handler Shelby Cook, showed that it could be done and with style. Having just celebrated her 7th birthday, she showed that with age comes the patience to work less than cooperative foe. This earned her the award of HIT Ducks.

Sheep trial runs were equally challenging with stock that was unforgiving of dogs that weren't in the right place at the right time. Four dogs met the challenge and were awarded placements as well as qualifying ribbons.

Four year old, Kandisweet Temptation owned by Dea Leeman, not only won the Started class but went on to be awarded the coveted HIT Sheep at her national with a respectable score of 86 under judge Dana Hasemeier. Again showing that calm quiet work is what was needed under these circumstances.

RHIT also came from the started class. Sunshine Jusdandy Indigo Gal, PT, OA, OAJ owned by Lisa Schwartzenberg .Another impressive run with a score of 78.

Third place in the started class went to a truly versatile dog at the age of 10. AM/CAN

CH. Kandisweet Night Wind, PT also owned by HIT winner Dea Leeman.

With entries gaining each year, the American Shetland Sheepdog Association is to be commended for their support of the working dog.

Herding Test Sheep Qualifiers:

Plail's Ruff N'Ready Riley owned by Sheila Kitchens
Acadia Cierra Like a Rock owned by M. Malanowski
Kismet's Lasting Impression owned by Tamara Lewis
Whispering Echos Tidal Wave owned by Melissa Lamere
Purdee Steppin' Wolf, AX, OAJ, owned by Sharon Harrington
ShuLaLe Kell Victoria owned by Sharlene DeFee-Rubenstein
Lakehaven's Roll of the Dice owned by Lisa Schwartzenberg

Pretrial Test Sheep Qualifiers:

Cheyanne, CD, HT, MX, MXJ, owned by Wendy Woods
Trinity's Ewe Fetching Devil, owned by Christina Kleman
Cornerstone Crimson Pride, HT owned by Jean Fisher
Sandy Isle The Water Boy, PT owned by Maribeth Keitz
Mirthaven's Jane Venning, OA, OAJ, PT

Herding Started Sheep:

First Place: Kandisweet Temptation owned by Dea Leeman
Second Place: Sunshine Jusdandy Indigo Gal, PT, OA, OAJ, owned by Lisa Schwartzenberg
Third Place: AM/CAN CH Kandisweet Night Wind, PT owned by Dea Leeman

Herding Started Ducks

First Place: Karashome's Amazing Grace owned by Shelby Cook

Herding Intermediate Sheep

First Place: MSR'S I Got A Chance owned by Shelby Cook

HIT Ducks

Karashome's Amazing Grace owned by Shelby Cook

HIT Sheep

Kandisweet Temptation owned by Dea Leeman

RHIT

Sunshine Jusdandy Indigo Gal, PT, OA, OAJ owned by Lisa Schwartzenberg

Click on image for caption and larger view.