WINNEMUCCA - Years ago, a little boy wanted to introduce his Border Collie, Mo, to his kindergarten class. His father readily agreed. After all, this was the family's ranch dog - a loving, gentle pet that not only provided hours of play at home, but was a loyal and kind protector of the boy and his younger brother.
Once at the class, the father turned to speak to the teacher for a short time. When the two broke from their conversation, imagine their surprise at finding that Mo had "herded" nearly two dozen 5-year-olds into the corner of the classroom and was obediently awaiting orders for how to proceed.
Kent Maher laughs at the retelling of that story. The president of the Agricultural District No. 3 was out of law school by the time his loyal collie, Mo, played out that famous scene with his son, Guy. But prior to that, Mo had been Maher's trusty companion for many years ranching in Smith Valley, southwest of Reno.
"He was one of the better cow dogs I ever saw work," he said. "He just made my work so much easier."
Good cow dogs are worth their weight in gold, said Tom Casey, who helps coordinate the Winnemucca Cow Dog Trial and Sale on behalf of the Ag 3 Board. Casey said these livestock guardians exhibit pride, nobility, bravery and loyalty all rolled into one animal.
"Their primary desire is to keep their 'herd' together, whether cattle, sheep, the neighborhood cats - or children.
He continued, "Their primary drive is to work, and to please, and more than anything they need a job to do in order to be at peace with themselves."
This week, cow dogs from across the West will demonstrate those skills and attributes as they take part in the 23rd annual Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend.
The weekend will include five fast-paced and fun events that will draw participants and spectators from numerous Western states and Canada; in all, more than 2,000 people are expected to pack the Winnemucca Events Complex.
Up first on the weekend's roster is the Winnemucca Cow Dog Trial and Sale, set for Wednesday and Thursday. In all, more than 70 canine athletes are expected to participate.
Over the course of the two-day competition, canine competitors work on verbal commands or whistles to put several head of cattle through various obstacles and maneuvers that simulate actual working ranch conditions.
The Brace Class will take place at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday with the Open Class following at 1 p.m. Thursday, the Ranch Class will begin at 9 a.m. The Cow Dog Finals are scheduled for 5 p.m. with the Cow Dog Sale at 7 p.m. All sale dogs must participate in at least one of the three classes.
The event is sanctioned by the United States Border Collie Handler's Association, Inc. with a portion of the event's proceeds going to the Humboldt County Search & Rescue.
Handlers must be on horseback and are limited to two dogs for each class. The event will include one elimination round with the top five dogs advancing to the finals in both classes.
"Our goal is to place these great cow dogs with the people who need their skills and expertise," said Maher. "We have a lot of fun with this event and I know our participants do, too."
Admission is free to spectators; concessions will be available for sale.
For more information, please visit www.RanchRodeoNV.com or call (800) 962-2638.
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