Steeplechase

Tag and Jo had a great day today- it was a chance to work out some kinks, and get into the flow of it. Their first Steeplechase had lots of great moments- his contacts, his listening, and his weaves are rock solid. Jo had a moment and forgot where she was going. Which cost them 10 faults. The second run was awesome. He was perfect. Jo was perfect, it was a beautiful thing to watch. He had one bar, and placed 15th out of 112 dogs!!! Wowsers!

Sarah and Gyp also had a fantastic day. Gyp was on, and Sarah did a great job directing her around the course. Their first run of the day was perfect. She slipped twice around corners (out of the weaves, and a tunnel) but recovered and ran her little heart out. She placed 3rd in her class with a qualifying score.

The second run was even better, and Sarah really gave it- Gyps performance proved that running hard makes a big difference. She placed 2nd, and of course Qualified.

Wicca and I had lots of fun. It was nice to feel that connection, and I was confident in my handling abilities. The first steeplechase was brilliant. It was smokin' fast, and she kept all the bars up. We had a missed weave entry, which only costs time, and placed 1st, and Qualified (which could be her steeplechase title...) The second run was also very good- our lines were smooth and tight. I caused a knocked bar with a late front cross, and she knocked the second last bar. Even with the 10 faults we qualified, and placed 4 th in our class.

Tonite was the Nationals Opening Ceremonies. It was pretty nice, although really long. We did a cute little parade of provinces, and the Alberta crowd was as rowdy as ever. At the end of the ceremonies the steeplechase finalists were called out. Wicca placed 1ST!!!! And will get to run in the steeplechase finals on Sunday for cash money. Gyp also qualified for the finals, placing 2nd in a very competitive class. Sarah and I got cool green shirts to wear Sunday afternoon, and it adds some more excitement to an already exciting weekend.

This is our set up in the covered crating area. Looks all homie doesn't it... :o)


and this, is evidence of the anal-retentiveness of my friends. All our classes are highlighted, what rings we are in, what the marker dogs are- all are labeled on this handy dandy list. :o)

Today was a really long day, and we are all beat- tomorrow will be even longer, but as always we'll have a report of our day in the evening.