Working Border Collies

    Border Collies have always played an important role at Trial & Error Acres, especially since the original purpose for having sheep was to train the dogs for sheepdog trials.  However, as time went on and more sheep were acquired, the dogs' importance in flock management became their primary role.  Without the dogs' help, sheep chores would be far more difficult and time consuming.  With the dogs' assistance, managing the flock is quick and efficient.  By utilizing the instinctive talents and abilities of the dogs, any flock management chore becomes far less of a "chore".  I can not imagine managing a large flock of sheep without my dogs.

      After an eleven year hiatus from sheepdog trials, I began competing again with the dogs in November of 2006.  While I still strive to produce top quality Bluefaced Leicester sheep, my primary focus now is to improve my capabilities as a sheepdog trainer and handler.  My dogs are doing well at the trials, and I thoroughly enjoy working with them to achieve success on the trial field.  I owe my success to the remarkable talent and ability of my dogs, in addition to the incredible wisdom shared with me by knowledgeable friends.

Partners of the Past

Bunks, now deceased, was my first working sheepdog.

Go to the Tribute to Bunks page

Mist, also deceased, was always a willing partner.

Go to Mist's page

Lark has been an invaluable partner on and off the trial field.

Go to Lark's page

Wren, now 13 years old, is retired from sheepwork.

Go to Wren's page

The "boys" at T & E Acres

Kep is as talented as he is  photogenic.

(photo by Barbara Klein)

Go to Kep's page

Drift is proving to be a skillful young sheepdog.

(photo by Barbara Klein)

Go to Drift's page

Rye is the youngest member of the team.

Go to Rye's Page

Scout joined the T & E team in 2006.

(photo taken by Kelly Mansfield)

Go to Scout's page

The Dogs at Work and Play

Bunks, working the original Barbados sheep with calm, quiet authority

Lark holding the sheep away from the feeder

(photo by Susan Schoenian)

Holding sheep off of the feeders is a tremendous asset to the shepherd,

who prefers to put out feed without the interference from the hungry sheep.

Bunks, being patient with a young, inquisitive lamb

Mist cooling off in the stock tank

Wren sometimes helps by carrying feed buckets.

Wren and Lark taking a break from sheep chores.

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This site was last updated 01/17/10