WINNEMUCCA, Nev. - The Wesern States Ranch Rodeo Association brings their National Finals Rodeo to Winnemucca Nov. 3 - 6. In addition to three big days of Ranch Rodeo action, there will also be jackpot team branding, jackpot team roping and jackpot bronc riding. One new event for the finals is the Ranch Dog Challenge
The Ranch Dog Challenge is an event showcases the abilties of some of the hardest-working staff on many ranches - the working cowdog.
During the competition, events will showcase the natural calming ability of the dogs to the stock they are working - all while maintaining efficient control of the livestock with minimal stress to the cattle. It's important that anyone (or anything) working the livestock - either cowboys along with their horses or dogs working on ranches - be gentle enough not to cause the stock harm or undue stress.
With good working dogs, one cowboy can get the work done that would take six cowboys without dogs. Good working dogs save the ranchers a lot of money in labor - along with less on the job injuries to cowboys.
Contest organizers will set up a course in the arena to simulate working cattle in the corrals and keeping control of them with a dog. The contest will be a time and point system (1 point for each head of cattle put through the obstacles and in the event of a tie in points we will determine the winner by the fastest time). This will be a horseback event, and there are two classes.
The Open Class welcomes entries from ao anyone that wants to enter their dog in the competition.
The Cowboy Class is specifically for non-pro dog handlers and working ranch hands that use their dogs on the ranch.
The entry fee is $75 per dog and they can enter more than one dog in each class. To enter or for more information call Jerry Howard, JMH Kelpie Dogs, (307) 750-2530. Pre entry is required. Full rules of the contest are posted to the WSRRA official website, www.wsrraorg.
The trial will start on Nov. 3 with a handlers meeting at 8 a.m. in the main arena of the Winnemucca Event Center.[[In-content Ad]]
