My name is Kaden Byrket, I am 18 years old, and live in Arizona. I compete with my two Border Collies in herding, and we also compete in agility.
When I was three years old, I started to participate in rodeo events. I knew I wanted to work with animals, so when I was 13 I decided I wanted to try something new. I thought agility would be fun, and I also wanted a dog that could help with our livestock. Molly Wisecarver, a trainer, handler, and breeder of Border Collies, helped get me started with the intention of competing in agility. My dog had other plans – When we got him home and he saw our goats, he was hooked, and I realized herding was the way to go. I practiced with my dogs once or twice a week after school and in the summers, and would stay with Molly a few days out of the week to help with the kennel and practice.
I love herding as it is very fun and rewarding, but the best part by far is getting to see my dogs do what they are meant to do, and see how much they love it. It is a truly incredible feeling.
I hope to continue participating in herding events and working with my dogs even as I attend a local community college.