Today was the Alaska Herding Group show. It’s our favorite conformation show. It’s small and only herding breeds. It’s outside, in a quiet area north of Eagle River. The site is lightly shaded, and folks just seem more relaxed.
It is also the show where Kate began her Conformation career with a Best of Breed. That was two years ago.
Today Kate took Best of Winners. That meant she was the best girl Cardigan who had not yet earned her Championship AND better than the best boy Cardigan who had not yet earned his Championship.
In this case there were enough boys to form a major (a win worth 3 points or more – must have 2 majors as part of the 15 points required for a championship). When Kate beat the boys, she earned their major!
Kate has now earned the points (15) and majors (2) for her Championship.
She showed great for me today. Initially she was a little bouncy on the grass but we played mark/treat for nose up and mark/treat for trotting instead of cantering, and she pulled it together. She also did very well on stacking and keeping her paws where I placed them. I remembered to slow down on the down and back, and sped her up around the ring. I also got a clue on all four legs and helped her position her paws just right. Our friends and mentors were there today and we are grateful for their extensive help over the years. We are fortunate to have such knowledgeable and skilled friends.
Kate did a beautiful job and we are very very proud of her.