10/06/2026
Yay Moss, 2026 US National Champion ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ
so excited for his 2nd title!
He handled the western sheep as well as he ever has, with a bit less eye than last year, he was in great form; he won his qualifying day, was 3rd in the semi and won best drive in the final.
His turnback was class and while his international shed had some challenges, his save from a rejoin was a thrill; his and Alasdairโs partnership is special.
Congratulations to Fansie Bassson and Finn, Reserve Champions and winners of best shed in the final; well done to all the finalists ๐๐
Nite โค๏ธโฆRan well all week and sure didnโt look 10.5 years old. He won his qualifying day and was 4th in the semi.
In the final we drew 10th and it was very hot .
Good turnback, likely the right trajectory, but I was worried about heat and his age;
I tried to pull him in to keep the 2nd outrun smaller (last years course on this field was bigger) but I did it too early, as tho to come in on 1st lot.
My attempt to help, ended up in a costly, unnecessary blunder (mistake Iโd likely make again trying to do best for him).
He had solid fetches and good drive but I miscalculated the shed, had a rejoin and we didnโt get it done.
Not our day, but what a last dance the past 30 days has beenโฆ.
I have such immense gratitudeโ for all the years of his bossing sheep, saving sheds, making difficult work easy, his mental fortitude, always direct af, and mostly, being the bestest boy ๐ฅฐ
Now itโs pupsicles and stuffed elephants in retirement ๐ฅณ๐ฅ๐ฅ love you buddy.
With Bute and Cymro, we both have work to do, ๐ + ๐..๐
Thank you to our judges Peter Morgan, Russell McCord, Fraser Shennan and Bruce Fogt.
Thank you to the entire host committee, trial committee, Lazy Spade Ranch, USBCHA, ABCA, Purina Pro Plan, event sponsors, sheep providers, shepherds, Ray Crabtree, Mike Meredith and the excellent set-out crew.
The generous practice field hosts, especially the countless, tireless volunteers, you were all tremendous and appreciated.
I was sick this week and grateful to all those that helped, (on the mend!) Besides a fantastic competition, seeing students accomplish goals, realize their dreams and getting to reconnect with friends was amazing.
Dogs have enriched our lives immeasurably.
We have so much gratitude for being able to live a life we love with them ๐๐๐
