Barbara Ray and Grantham – International Shed – 2021 Meeker Classic

2021 Meeker Classic Reserve Champions
Barbara Ray & Grantham, 6-Year Old Male
Millboro, VA

Barbara Ray’s name is a familiar one in the Meeker Classic winner’s circle.  Over the years she has qualified for the double lift finals nine times  – beginning with Mirk in 1993, Barbara and her dogs are always strong contenders. Three of those years she’s qualified with 2 dogs (2016, 2018 and 2021). Both Grantham and Maverick made it to the Double lift in 2018 and 2021. Qualifying for his first double lift in Meeker as a 2 year-old nursery dog in 2018, Grantham placed 8th overall that year while Maverick was Reserve Champion. In 2021 the two dogs switched places with Grantham taking Reserve honors and Maverick placing 5th.

Barbara and Maverick – 2021 Meeker Classic – photo by DKH Productions

Grantham is a full brother to Maverick, but three years his junior. Out of Barbara’s Stella and Amanda Milliken’s Monty. He, Maverick and Amanda’s Howell are from different litters, but the same breeding. 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.

Grantham had a great trial at Meeker in 2021 – he was top dog of the day and had the Highest Preliminary Score of 170 dogs. He came in strong and stayed that way. Grantham has shown that he will rise to the occasion when given the opportunity to shine. The Meeker Sheep are guaranteed to challenge the dogs, it’s such a thrill to watch them take the test,” says Barbara of her dogs. Both dogs were easy to train and serve her well on the farm.

Barbara Ray and Grantham as a 2-year-old – 2018 Meeker Classic

Barbara started with her first border collie in 1979 shortly after graduating from college. She purchased a flock of 300 pregnant western ewes and was desperate for help managing them. She uses her dogs every day on the farm as she manages the family’s small commercial sheep and beef operation. Using her dogs doing farm chores presents different scenarios and training opportunities that can simulate challenges on the trial field. Completing tasks she couldn’t and wouldn’t do without her dogs, Barbara’s favorite part of working dogs is the teamwork involved. Barbara humbly critiques herself saying that she has long been too controlling of her dogs. Both Grantham and Maverick are such good team-mates, she’s learned to trust them to take the reins during a run.

Barbara’s dogs work with her every day on the farm. You can see the mutual trust and respect. Photo courtesy of 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!”

Barbara Ray & Grantham – 2021 Preliminaries – Photo by Toby Leavitt

We congratulate Barbara on her achievements with her dogs. Her breeding, record, philosophy and character make her a respected figure in the sheepdog world. Maverick is retired in a good home in North Carolina while Grantham is entered in Meeker along with Dan. We look forward to seeing you in Meeker Barbara and wish you luck!

Barbara and Maverick after a good run – 2021 Meeker Classic Double Lift Finals – photo by PiperAnne Worcester