Working Border Collies

In January of 2006 we added a new worker to the farm.  We purchased a registered Border Collie from Gary and Stephanie Payne of Weatherford, Texas (www.gspdorpersheep.com).  "Tess" was already trained by Gary and had competed at a few sheep dog trials in the state.  The objective was to relieve Bill of the duties of chasing sheep. 

Little did we know we'd just been hooked on another addiction.  Tess' primary job is helping to manage the everyday sheep chores, but Martha discovered competing at local sheep dog trials was an excellent way to learn more skills and to keep Tess honed. 

In January of 2008 we added a young male dog, Tim, pictured above.     

2009 Sheep Dog Trials

Tim started the trial season with a first place in the Ranch division at Fort Stockton and third at the Wineglass Ranch trial in January.  Moving up to the Nursery class, he placed 4th all three days at the April trials at Free to Be Ranch in New Mexico.  He was the only dog to earn a score in all 4 classes.  We move up to the big time in 2010, so we’ll keep you posted on our progress.  

In September of 2007 Martha and Tess debuted in the Ranch Division at the Permian Basin Fair in Odessa, Texas.  They won the division championship by having the combined high score.

A big Thank You to Linda May for these action photos!

Home        About Our Farm     About Dorper Sheep        Dorper Sheep For Sale        Links      Contact Us  

In September 2009, Tim had his opportunity to shine at the Permian Basin Fair.  He scored 84.5 (out of 90) in his second nursery class run, working Boer goats! 

Tim fetches the goats to Martha.

He brings them in a nice straight line to the pen.

Despite the reluctance of the goats, Tim puts them in the pen!

At the 2007 Texas State Finals

The State finals were run at Big Lake, Texas on November 16 - 18.  Tess had qualified to run in the Ranch Division by competing in at least 5 trials.  In the first Ranch Division go-round, she was 3rd of 26 entries, 7th in the second go, and her combined scores earned her a 6th place over-all.  The sheep were particularly tough, in each go-round nearly half the dogs were disqualified for gripping the sheep.

Martha was quite proud of Tess, she proved she could run with the big dogs!