2018 Meeker Classic Reserve Champions
Barbara Ray & Maverick, 5-Year Old Male
Millboro, VA
Barbara Ray & Maverick before their run at the 2018 Meeker Finals – photo by Carly Thomson
Barbara Ray has competed in the Meeker finals several times, most recently 6 times since 2012 and three years with two dogs – 2016, 2017 and 2018. Those three years, Maverick has been one of the dogs placing 5th in 2016 and 7th in 2017 and Reserve in 2018. Maverick is a son of Barbara’s Stella and Amanda Milliken’s Monty. He and Amanda’s Howell are from different litters, but the same breeding. Running in the Meeker finals in 2018 with Maverick and Grantham, the dogs were fit and prepared much as in previous years, except this would be the first in a long time not running Stella who was replaced by her current nursery son Grantham (Grant). Barbara felt a bit anxious running 2-year-old Grant for the first time in Meeker.
Barbara Ray and Grantham 2018 – photo by Toby Leavitt
Grantham is a full brother to Maverick, but three years his junior. Both Maverick and Grantham won Canadian Nursery Championships, but Grant went on to take the 2018 USBCHA Nursery Champion title. Both of my boys are kind to sheep and easily biddable, which makes challenging runs easier to negotiate. Maverick is older, of course, so he draws from a deeper well of experience, making him more reliable. However, Grantham has shown me that he will rise to the occasion when given the opportunity to shine.
Maverick bringing sheep through the fetch panels – 2018 – photo by Toby Leavitt
Barbara humbly critiques her runs in the 2018 prelims, “In the preliminaries, on the cross drive I frantically asked both dogs to quickly cover the lower side of the panel to protect a miss and both dogs took off for a double lift. When something like that happens, a handler can only look to themselves for a training/handling error. I felt lucky to have made the semis. My trek to Meeker in 2018 was much the same as previous. I knew I had prepared as best I could, but the dogs, sheep, terrain and weather could sure combine to test me in unimaginable ways. My nerves were on edge, which is common at any important trial. I paced, prayed and meditated to keep my head in the game. I kept my distance from the dogs after letting them site sheep until just before entering the “on deck” area so they didn’t pick up on my nervous energy. I’ve learned to keep to myself for at least an hour before running so I’ll have ample time to get in a positive, focused mindset. Restricting caffeine and sugar have helped quiet my reactions to stressful situations that pop up during my runs.”
Barbara Ray Maverick close the gate at the pen – 2018 photo by Carly Thomson
While at home, her training routine fits in when time allows. Often choosing who to work because there’s not enough time to work all her dogs. Using her dogs doing farm chores present different scenarios and training opportunities that can simulate challenges on the trial field. Training young dogs have always been a favorite of a Barbara’s. Usually after the National Finals, she focuses on her nursery potentials while giving the older dogs a break.
photo by DKH productions
When asked what she would like to communicate to the general public about the sport, Barbara answers, “Every culture in the world tends to develop one or two truly unique ways to solve a problem. These methods stand out because they take on their own life and evolve beyond simply “getting a job” and become their own distinctive art form. It’s my firm belief Sheepdog Herding is one of the most extraordinary cultural practices to emerge from the British Isles. Anyone who’s struggled to get their pet to follow basic obedience commands can’t help but stare, slack jawed, as they watch an experienced handler work with a talented dog. You don’t see this level of control, trust, and cooperation between a person and an animal anywhere else in the world. While technology often makes traditional stuff like this obsolete, I’d challenge anyone to name a more efficient and elegant way to work livestock on a working farm today. Sheepdog Herding is one of the few cultural practices of its kind that not only survives but continues to thrive in the 21st century. As a handler with a passion for the sport, thinking about that brings a big smile to my face!”
Maverick 2018 – photo by Toby Leavitt
Barbara runs her family’s small commercial sheep and beef operation that includes managing cabin rentals on the property. Any extra time aside from the dogs and the farm is spent helping out at her daughter’s veterinary clinic. Completing tasks she couldn’t and wouldn’t do without her dogs, Barbara’s favorite part of working dogs is the teamwork involved.
We congratulate Barbara on her achievements with her dogs. Her breeding, record, philosophy and character make her a respected figure in the sheepdog world. Both Maverick and Grantham are entered in Meeker for 2019.