The Meeker Classic weekend brought more than sheepdogs to town this year. The Buffalo Soldiers of the American West and Southern Ute historian Johnny Taylor Valdez shared pieces of Western history that are closely connected to this region, with presentations and demonstrations during the Meeker Classic and the first Josephine[Read More…]
Tag: Meeker Classic
2025 Meeker Classic Underdog Surprises!
By Daniel Zirin | Special to the HT MEEKER | The Meeker Classic is an annual sheepdog trials held in Meeker, Colorado (similar to the sheepdog trials shown in the 1995 movie “Babe”). And this year, fans were treated to a surprising champion that barely qualified for the finals to[Read More…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – September 28th, 2023
Another outstanding Meeker Classic thanks to community involvement Dear Editor, An open letter to the community: with the 2023 Meeker Classic in the books, it’s fitting to send out praises to the community for pulling off an outstanding event. These things don’t just happen — it takes the efforts of[Read More…]
That Classic magic …
The 36th annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials entertained hundreds of attendees this past week. Here are some photos from the event.
Welcome to the Classic!
Faansie Basson: finding balance with sheep and life By Anne S. Hatch MEEKER | There is a well-kept secret. In early September, as summer slowly slips into the rearview mirror, people flock to Meeker, Colorado, a small town located 225 miles west of Denver and 100 miles northeast of Grand[Read More…]
Meeker Classic to commence Sept. 6
MEEKER | In just a few short weeks, from Sept. 6-10, the 36th annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials will commence, and once again little ol’ Meeker will fill up with visitors excited to belong to our small community if only for a few days. This is an international, world class[Read More…]
TOP DOGS …
Faansie Basson (far left) and his dogs Jack and Finn took first and third place respectively at this year’s Meeker Classic. Basson was also champion in 2012 and took third place last year. In second and 12th place was Barbara Ray of Millsboro, Virginia (not pictured.) | CAITLIN WALKER PHOTO
Basson wins Meeker Classic ‘Triple Crown’
It was an accomplishment not often achieved at the Meeker Classic – this year, Faansie Basson and 7 year-old Jack came to Meeker to do some serious business. The sheep were unusually tough this year with only 48% of the 135 preliminary runs seeing a score. Oppressive heat during the[Read More…]
Counting sheep at the Meeker Classic
The border collies tend to get top billing at the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials, but it could be said that behind (or in front of) every good dog, are sheep that will test their mettle and bring out the best in dog and handler. These are the sheep Julie[Read More…]
Recipe Reveal: Magic at the Meeker Classic
MEEKER I Each September in Meeker, as the cars line up at the main gate, flags ascend poles, the set-out crew fills pens at the top of the course with sheep while smells of fresh coffee fill the crisp morning air. Clerks check their timers, running orders are posted, water[Read More…]
BACK TO THE CLASSIC …
This year’s Meeker Classic began bright and early Wednesday, Sept. 7. Above, Rob Miller and dog Ben of Middleton, ID, work sheep during a preliminary run. Find the schedule for the weekend, including runs, demos, exhibits and plenty more, at www.meekersheepdog.com. | CAITLIN WALKER PHOTOS
Annual quilt show supports women’s education programs
Take a break from the dogs and hot summer days to enjoy the hard work and artistic treasures at the 2022 quilt show. This year’s event is Sept. 9, 12-5:30 p.m. and Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Center, 200 Main St., in Meeker. Your small[Read More…]
