MEEKER I For 29 years, sheepdog trials have been a common sight in Meeker, but on June 7, 40 cattledogs and their handlers will meet at Ute Park for the inaugural Meeker Classic Cattledog Trial.
Everyone is invited to come watch his historic event and learn about the sport of cattledog trials—free of charge.
Designed to mimic actual working conditions in cattle operations across the country, a cattledog needs to be able to gather cattle from a distance, bring them in closer and maneuver them through a series of panels while the handler remains beyond a line, giving voice or whistle commands.
Typically, there is one difficult obstacle that requires the handler to assist the dog in sorting through a series of gates or alleys. The dog needs to maintain a delicate balance of strength and calmness to efficiently work the cattle.
This trial is sanctioned by the National Cattledog Association and points will go toward qualifying for the 2016 National Cattledog Finals.
Dogs entered in the trial are coming from Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Coloa and more. Most will be on their way to Steamboat Springs for the 2015 National Cattledog Finals the following week.
The Meeker Classic committee is excited to host this new event.
This event has been planned to coordinate with the Meekerpalooza that will be at Ute Park on June 6, the day before the trials.
It will be a good time to get out your hat and sunscreen and join the fun with this new event.
Runs will start at 8 a.m. and will go for most of the day. Free admission and concessions will be available. There will be bleacher seating or you can bring your own chair.
For more information, contact Maym at the Meeker Classic (970-878-0111) or any of the cattledog committee members, who include Ryan and Kelcee Roman, Cynda Norell, Bruce Clatterbaugh, Regas Halandras, Michele Morgan, Rene Neilson or Greg Cunningham.
