December 1, 2022

Bud Boudreau, Red Owl SD
2022 Inductee into the American Border Collie Association Hall of Fame

One of the many benefits of hosting a sheepdog trial

is the extraordinary people you have the opportunity to meet. Such is the case with Bud Boudreau of Red Owl, South Dakota. Visitors and handlers have a special spot in their heart for Bud. A soft spoken man that radiates kindness and a love of the Border Collie, Bud is a rare gem that we get to call our friend.

This year at the USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals in Minden, Nevada,

Bud Boudreau of Red Owl, South Dakota was inducted into the American Border Collie Association Hall of Fame. Bud joins a host of other prominent handlers that have competed at the Meeker Classic – Amanda Milliken (2021), Bruce Fogt (2019), Vergil Holland (2015), Emil Luedecke (2014), Tom Wilson (2010), Jack Knox (2003), and Ralph Pulfer (1998). Bud told us he was deeply humbled and honored by the recognition. We congratulate Bud on his accomplishments as a handler and are grateful for his friendship. Among his achievements are wining the Nursery Finals in 1988 and Reserve National Champion in 1993.

No words can adequately describe this man

that has time for a visit with anyone. A veteran member of the sheepdog trialing community, Bud has a life full of animal and livestock experience. In his early years he worked as a blacksmith for the thoroughbred operations in the east. While healing up from a back injury, Bud was turned on to Border Collies and he’s not looked back since. Giving up a good job in the East, Bud headed west to make his living with border collies.

Quoted from a 2016 Article in the Fence Post Magazine:

“You have to enjoy training something,” Boudreau said. Many dog trainers also love working with horses, but “Border collies almost make training horses boring. These dogs are noted for their brains — they have so many instincts. Our job is to just keep elaborating on them, stretching it out. You begin to see how intricate their minds are.”
Today Bud is one of the most “life experienced” competitors in the Western sheepdog circle, and brings a deep understanding and authenticity to the sport.

Bud has mentored numerous handlers through the years.

Always willing to share insight and knowledge for free – Bud’s demeanor puts one at ease and allows you to learn. He knows the border collie blood lines  and can share stories and history for most any dog. One only needs to watch Bud on the trial field to understand the deep seated appreciation for his dogs. He finds the good in all and will often blame himself for any mishap on the trial field.

He worked for the Hayre Ranches located in Texas and South Dakota

– breeding and training the border collies needed to run 10,000 goats and sheep on the rugged Texas range. Not one to brag, Bud credits his dogs for his successes and has endless stories of the feats accomplished by his dogs. One in particular comes to mind of a dog he sent way out to fetch some sheep. When the sheep came in the dog wasn’t with them.   When Bud went to find the dog, he found him holding down a renegade ewe by the wool on her neck. Just waiting for Bud so they could finish the job.

In the evenings Bud can be found around the campfire with his guitar.

Partnered up with other talented handlers, he plays for the love of music and the guitar. Bud says he gets up at 4 each morning to play the guitar – it keeps his fingers nimble and arthritis at bay. He’s been known to be a good hand with a golf club and frequents the Meeker Golf Course each year. Easy going and frugal – Bud won’t hesitate to bunk in his pickup if there’s not an available room to rent in Meeker.

There’s an unending list of “Bud” stories

in the repertoire of sheepdog trials and border collies around the country. We consider ourselves fortunate to be graced when told one by him! He moderates the content of his stories to match his audience.  Congratulations Bud – you’re deserving and worthy of such an honor!