Sunny days greeted a record crowd to the 2018 Meeker Classic. A strong line up of 130 dogs and their handlers walked to the post during the 3 days of preliminaries.
photo courtesy of DKH Productions 2018
Each dog and handler matched their skills and determination against some of the toughest trial sheep in the country. Sending their dogs 525 yards to fetch the sheep, handlers counted on the strength and will of the dogs to lift them and bring them to the infield.
Bridget Strang and Ben at the pen – 2018
Scored on six components of a sheepdog trial course, the outrun, lift, fetch, drive, shed and pen. Each dog and handler start their run with full points and the judge makes point deductions through out the run for errors and deviations from the prescribed course. A time limit is set for each round, but no score is given for finishing quickly.
Derek checks his watch as he gets ready to send Nell.
The top 30 preliminary scores qualify for the semi-final round on Saturday where an additional element (single shed) is added to the prescribed course. The top 12 dogs from Saturday qualified for the Double Lift Finals on Sunday. From that top lineup Derek Fisher, New Plymouth, Idaho and his seven year old female, Nell emerged as Champions with a score of 147 out of 170 possible points. This marked Derek’s 2nd Meeker Classic title, winning in 2000 with Heidi. Derek made history being the youngest competitor to ever win Meeker. An unmistakable bond of mutual respect and admiration marks these two as a pair that “clicks” and works together in a way that creates magic on the course. Derek and Nell were Meeker Classic Reserve Champions in 2015 and 2016.
Champions – Derek Fisher & Nell work the International Shed during the Double Lift Finals on Sunday, September 9, 2018.
Bruce Fogt, Sidney, Ohio, who competed at the first Meeker Classic in 1987, a repeat competitor and a past champion returned this year as a judge. Fogt commented that this was perhaps the best run he’d seen on the course over his many years associated with the Meeker Classic.
Barbara Ray and Maverick wait for their run early on Sunday morning of the Double Lift Finals.
2018 Reserve Champions, Barbara Ray and Maverick of Millboro, Virginia had a strong run of 133 points. Barbara had two dogs make it to the finals this year with her second dog, Grantham, placing 7th.
L to R: 2018 Top 12 – Maggi McClure, Faansie Basson, Derek Fisher, Ron Burkey, Barbara Ray, Shauna Gourley, Sonia Craig, Dave Imas, Bridget Strang, Cy Peterson (Randy Dye not pictured)
The other finalists included 3rd place winner Faansie Basson with his dog Sam, Cy Peterson and Reba in 4th, Shauna Gourley in 5th with Mira. Bridget Strang and Ben, Maggi McClure and Coal, Sonia Craig with Jen, Dave Imas and Tip, Ron Burkey and Rocky and Randy Dye with Ross finished up the championship lineup.
. . words can’t fully describe the relationship between handler and dog . .
The handlers and their dogs are the main attraction at the Meeker Classic, the focus of what we celebrate each year and a true testimony to the working dog and their human partners. We thank each and every competitor that has crossed our path here in Meeker. You are what this is all about!
See final 2018 results below:
In addition to the top 12, several other awards are given during the 5 day competition. These awards are listed below:
