Chelsea Self/Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Starting Sept. 26 and operating by way of Oct. 1, the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA) National Sheepdog Finals shall be held at Carbondale’s historic Strang Ranch, an institution with deep roots within the Roaring Fork Valley that stretch again to 1965. Over the years, the ranch has served varied functions, starting from a cattle ranch and sod farm to an equestrian middle.
With all ticket and parking proceeds going to Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE), a non-profit animal shelter in Glenwood Springs, the occasion embodies extra than simply competitors — it’s about neighborhood assist. CARE stands as an important useful resource locally, providing a myriad of companies from pet adoption to feral cat TNR, spay/neuter help, and extra. CARE Executive Director Wes Boyd stated previous occasions have raised anyplace between $8,000 to $10,000 for the organization.
“Our partnership with Strang Ranch has been a major benefactor for us, and we can’t express our level of gratitude enough for what they have done for us,” he stated. “We are always looking for ways to increase our exposure and spread the word about the shelter in our community. They have allowed us that and more.”
The week-long occasion at Strang Ranch is open to the general public and affords extra than simply sheepdog trials. Attendees can count on a lineup of the nation’s high canine/handler groups, a distributors’ row with quite a lot of meals and beverage — together with beer — and merchandise choices.
To qualify for the nationwide finals, dogs should compete all year long, taking their high 5 collective scores from occasions to earn a spot. Only the highest 150 dogs make the lower, out of which 40 qualify for the semifinals, and finally, solely the highest 17 progress to the finals.
Strang Ranch proprietor Bridget Strang holds a private stake within the competitors. Three of her dogs certified for this 12 months’s competitors, and her ardour for sheepdog trials dates again to 2004, launched to her by a cousin from Meeker. It wasn’t till 2010 that she received her first canine and began collaborating in trials.
“I was introduced to it, and immediately, I became addicted,” Strang stated. “It’s an ever-changing landscape. On any given day, a handler can have a good day or bad day and change the whole dynamic of the contest.”
She aspires to at some point make it previous the semifinals and onto the world championships, which at the moment unfold in Ireland.
“I think our ranch is a perfect place to host these finals,” she added. “I think we have really figured out a way to guarantee the best sheepdog trials experience for everyone who participates. It’s a fantastic experience, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this event back to Carbondale and this ranch.”
Complete occasion particulars and USBCHA info are available at CarbondaleSheepdogFinals.com. Tickets shall be available for buy on the predominant gate.
