Tarr and Rhos and herding ducks at 2009 demo.

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Wild Goose Chase Demos & Trials

Summer 2009

Eric and the Border Collies are taking time this late summer to participate in two sheep dog trials for the first time in a few years.

Report from the Aug. 14 Novice Leatherstocking Sheep Dog Trial in Cooperstown, NY --

Both Rhos and Tarr cooperated in the Pro Novice class with Rhos finishing 4th and Tarr, in his first trial ever, finishing 12 out of 32 dogs. The trial drew handlers and Border Collies from all over the North East and Eastern Canada.

Faith did not finish her "run" in a very difficult Ranch class. A class which was hard for young and top notch dogs, younger than Faith's 9 years.

All three dogs will cooperate in the Woolly Winds Novice Sheep Dog Trial at Taravale Farm and Kennel, 1165 Esperance Rd, Esperance NY. on Sept. 12 and 13 -- with Faith, Rhos and Tarr competing on the 13th only.

The Trials are sanctioned by NEBCA, North East Border Collie Association, of which Eric is a member.

April 15, 2006

FAITH and RHOS
at the
The Chancellor's Sheep & Wool Showcase at Clermont

The public is invited to this special, old-fashioned springtime event. The Chancellor's Sheep and Wool Showcase is based on historical model farming events at Clermont, is designed as a family event complete with live animals and crafts for the children. Fiber artists, wool enthusiasts, and those involved in the sheep and wool industry will be delighted to find offerings of exhibits, music, demonstrations, and items for sale. The event is free to the public with a $7 vehicle entry fee to the grounds. A nominal fee is charged for the house tour of the historic Livingston mansion.

From 1802 through the second half of the nineteenth century, the Livingston's farming estate, Clermont was renown for it's leading sheep flock -- both in size and quality. Clermont also became a center for agricultural experiments under both Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, who introduced merino sheep to the United States in 1802, and his son-in-law Robert L. Livingston. Both men were involved in groundbreaking work in fertilizers, crop rotation, living quarters and feed for livestock and sheep breeding. The Chancellor even carried his ideas to wild indigenous species, raising elk that he harnessed to plow and carriage. It is in this tradition that Clermont State Historic Site and Friends of Clermont present The Chancellor's Sheep and Wool Showcase.

While vendors, crafts for children, exhibitions of wooly animals and demonstrations in knitting, weaving, spinning, and more, will be on hand throughout the event, scheduled activities and entertainment include two sheepdog herding demonstrations slated for 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Eric Johnson, the former farm manager of Hancock Shaker Village will demonstrate the discipline, concentration, and instinctual drive of the herding dog as his charges direct a flock of ducks in complex patterns across the lawn.

Country Irish music will be heard on the East lawn of Clermont amidst the llamas, alpaca, and sheep. Fred DePaul, the farm manager of The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth, Vermont, will demonstrate the skill of hand, mechanical and electric sheep shearing throughout the day.

This seasoned Vermont farmer will also discuss sheep, their fleece, and spinning the wool. Vendors and demonstrators will be exhibiting knitted, woven and felted items, fleeces for spinning, and yarn for the spinner. The skills of spinning and weaving will also be highlighted. Early spring plants will also be for sale.

A Revolutionary War re-enactment group, the 1st Ulster County Militia, will be present in period clothing to show the civilian side of the War for Independence. This group of men tended sheep when they were not on the front lines. During that time, because sheep were in high demand and it was important to improve the flocks, it was illegal to kill a sheep under the age of four years. The group will present a mock trial based on this Ulster County law throughout the day. Women re-enactors from the group will be spinning and knitting items for the war effort.

Children will be able to try their hand at weaving, felting and other sheep themed crafts. Volunteers will be on hand to assist children in these skills under the craft tent. A silent auction including hand made items, as well as books and yarn will be featured under the music tent as an added attraction. Clermont is pleased to announce that the Germantown Booster Club will be providing food and drinks as an added visitor amenity this year.

For further information about this special event, contact Kjirsten Gustavson
at (518) 537 – 4240.

For photos and more information, please visit http://www.friendsofclermont.org/