06/03/2024
Greetings from High Reaches Farm. This is for those attending the 2024 National Herding Trial.
First, a little about High Reaches. It started out in 1987 as a horse farm. When we started trialing our first Terv, Timber, we were often subjected to sheep that had never seen the large, furry Tervs. We decided the Tervuren needed a haven; a place where the sheep were friendly for our breed. And so High Reaches acquired sheep and started putting on trials. So now there is a 28-acre facility where Belgians are always welcome. The sheep see, and are worked by Tervs every day. Every set of sheep put out in the trials are set by a Belgian Tervuren, never any other breed.
It is our desire that this be the best Tervuren national trial ever. I hope we have thought of everything. But if we have not, please let us know.
For the RV people. As you come in the drive, through the red gate you will see a “T” ahead. RV parking is to the right. Sean, the RV master, will find you a place. Hopefully it is all planned out and you will cruise right in and park. There is water on the way in. It should be noted that Bowling Green city water is very clean and usable. There are no sewer hook ups but there is electric. I will say, though, that while there are six 30 amp plug ins this was designed to give RVs a choice of locations. The idea of having that many RVs was not in the plan. We might need to conserve electric in some way; please be patient. There are three garbage cans for the RV group. One of which is the designated doggy waste; this one is located next to the blue car you see on your way in. Please clean up after your companions. At present count their will be 20 Tervs staying on site so this could be important. For the RV people, the front gate is open during the day but it closes at night. If you need to get out at night ask for the gate code.
Walking. During the active trial please remain well clear of the judging area in progress. Other than that, you can walk anywhere on the property with the one caveat, do not go through a gate with a chain on it. These lead out of the property. The entire place is fenced in except for the front gate. You can walk out into the hay field (first check if someone else is using it), the two small pen areas on the west side, you can walk in the east field but stay well clear of the B course set up area, and you can go through the B course area into the north field. These are the off-lead areas, otherwise your companion should be on leash. It is important to note that we are sharing the property with a lot of livestock. Please keep your dog away from the areas where the livestock are living. The sheep will be staying in their central area, the A field, and the field to the south of their area. The woods is joint use. There might be sheep there. Check first.
Regarding the trial. We have 65 sheep here making up 12 groups. At the start of the trial the judge will choose a pen number where we will start. This means each group will only have to run 2.2 times. Our plan is, if a group gets run too hard by someone, I am going to pull that group from running. But please, refrain from running them.
This year there will be three Belgians performing sheep set out. Rio, Zuni and our new puppy, Ranger. When you walk out to the cone and arrange yourself and companion for the run, indicate to the stock handler your desire for sheep. It takes on the average 15 seconds for the sheep to arrive at the pan. My job is to deliver them quietly, without adrenaline to there. I will push them out using myself and a Terv but we will withdraw hopefully before your run begins. If I feel I would have to employ adrenaline producing procedures I might not put them exactly at the pan. I want them quiet for your run.
And speaking of quiet, although the sheep are well used to Tervs they behave better for the quiet workers. If your dog is running the sheep will be running. If you partner walks, the sheep walk.
We have 12 sets of ducks ready for the trial. Again, the judge will choose a crate number. We use what we call an FRS. Fowl Release System. The ducks will be put into the basket and the stock handler will withdraw. When your dog reaches the release point the rope will be pulled and the ducks released.
The plan is. On Saturday we will run the trial in order so that everybody has a chance to see all the runs. We will start with the test arenas you see when you pull in past the gate. Then ducks, and finally trial sheep. On Sunday it will be a little different. Everyone wants to be on their way to the host. Test will run concurrently with A ducks, and then B ducks etc. Especially for Sunday, try to be ready for you run when called.
The secretary will be housed in the livestock barn to the east of the house. This will also be the location of lunch and normally the awards areas.
When you arrive check to see if anyone is running in one of the test areas. It is polite to wait until the run is over before proceeding. Parking is everywhere except the spectator area near the A course. Anywhere behind the to***co barn. In front of the to***co barn. Down the driveway. West of the house near the chicken is shady. South of the house there is a lane but it is a little difficult to maneuver to get there. If you need a spot just ask an official.
Hopefully I have covered everything. If I have not, please ask. We want this to be an affair to remember. Oh, and do not forget to check out the ancient videos of previous national herding trials playing in the livestock barn courtesy of our archives committee.
Good luck and celebrate your Tervuren.
