All of the pieces fell into place
to make for a great year at the 2023 Meeker Classic. Weather was great, the sheep even better and so many people turned out to cheer on the dogs and their handlers. Veteran handler Tom Wilson, Gordonsville, WV and his four-year-old dog Bet claimed the winning honors of the Double Lift. This is the third time Tom has won the Meeker Classic and the 15th time he’s qualified for the finals since 1990.
Tom and Bet – 2023 Double Lift – photo courtesy of PiperAnne Worcester
2023 was a good year at Meeker for Tom and his dogs.
He and Bet had the 2nd high score on Thursday of the preliminaries and was awarded the Cowboy’s Lift Award by the Set-out Crew. On Friday he and Tess had top dog of the day. He emerged from the semi-final day with Bet placing 3rd and drew up as the last run of the day on the Double Lift Finals. Good scores marked the finals day as time went on. When Tom and Bet walked to the post they faced some good scores to beat: Noelle Williams & Clay – 124, Kathy Knox and Seth – 126 and Joni Tietjen and Monster at 131. A picture book run landed Tom and Bet a score of 134 to win the 2023 Campionship The team was awarded the Best International Shed Award donated by Cat Bird Stockdog Training.
The Finals results ended with Joni Tietjen and Monster as 2023 Reserve Champions,
Kathy Knox and Seth in 3rd and Noelle Williams a close fourth. Spectators were well rewarded during the entire trial with the final lineup of 12 great dogs the culmination of a great week.
Joni Tietjen’s Monster gave an heroic effort during the International Shed. Joni and Monster won the Reserve Champion Honors for 2023. Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Walker
Final Results and the breakdown of the scores are available on DogTrialEntry.com.
A list of the Added Money and Special Awards for 2023 can be found on the Meeker Classic website. It was a great year all around – Record crowds, happy vendors and happy people were the theme of the sheepdog trials this year. Folks were happy to be there, to share their time in Meeker and to enjoy the hospitality and beauty of the White River Valley. The resiliency and good will of the community was on display throughout the event. Truly a display of human natures best attributes.
Local FFA members provided educational opportunities to all that wanted to learn. Photo courtesy of DKH Productions
The Historic Wilber Barn
showcased a juried art and photography show featuring some of the finest border collie pieces to be found.
A Meeker native that now lives in Lake City, Kansas won the Fine Art Competition with her charcoal piece titled “Focus”. Selected by Juror, Jeremy Browning, this piece will be the 2024 Poster Art.
Photographer Kelly Mayfield, Corryton, Tennessee won the Photography Honors with her piece titled, “I’ve Got my Eye on Ewe.” All of the art pieces can be seen on the Meeker Classic website.
All in all, the event was a success and folks said good bye for another year with a smile on their faces.
More trial photos are below:
Joni Tietjen and Monster at the pen during the Semi-Finals. Photo by DKH Productions
Kathy Knox’s Seth – 2023 Double Lift Finals – 3rd Place – photo by Rob & Liz Shipley
Noelle Williams and Clay – 4th Place, Double Lift Finals – photo by Rob & Liz Shipley
Bev Lambert’s Lee turns a Meeker ewe – photo courtesy of PiperAnne Worcester
Terry Murray and Jill – 2023 International Shed – 6th Place – photo by PiperAnne Worcester
Thad Fleming and Flo – 7th – photo by PiperAnne Worcester
Ron Enzeroth’s Annie – gets back to work after cooling in the water. 8th Place, Double Lift Finals – photo by Rob & Liz Shipley
Randy Dye’s Hemp – 9th Place- photo by Rob & Liz Shipley
Randy Dye & Mitch – 10th Place – photo by Rob & Liz Shipley
Mindy Bower and Steele – 11th Place – photo by Rob Shipley
Lori Chamberlain’s Millie – 12th place – by Rob & Liz Shipley