Colleen and Jaenne came over last night to help me put sheep in and out of the trailer to get them used to it so we don't have any problems this weekend.
First up, Jaenne and Kip. They put sheep in and out, no problem. Then put them in a holding pen, and got another set. Nice calm, easy work.
Next up, Colleen and Reena. Reena was working awesome for Colleen, staying off her sheep, calming her stock, doing a wonderful job, but there was one ewe who would not cooperate.
Then ... Echo. I took her out to Russ' pasture, and we broke off a set to use. While waiting for Colleen, Echo held the sheep up against the fence just beautifully, occasionally coming in and making a mess and covering. It's something we've been practicing so I let her do it. We moved that one set into the smaller pasture with the intention of swinging them right into the front area. Handler error. The group joined Jaenne's other group. So I had to send Echo on an outrun the entire length of the short pasture. She was gorgeous! Got out nice and wide, went as deep as possible, lifted quietly, and fetched like a pro. We then sorted one set off and it came time to call her into the gate. "That'll do, Echo." She came in, the sheep split, and one took off. The chase was on, but she wasn't out of control. She got around her and brought her back. Very nice, little girl.
Then we were working on putting them in the trailer. I have to say, with all the pressure I put on her, and the ridiculous things I was expecting from her (way off-balance flanks, etc.), she put up with it all, took it all in stride and did a great job. We got them all penned but that one black ewe. Note to self: Leave her at home this weekend. The ewe ... not Echo.
Thank you, Echo. You're a wonderful teacher.
Happy tails,
JD
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