First you must click this link to download and print out your entry form. Then, carefully fill out entry form to get your total.
 
RRodeo2010-entry-form2.pdf
You can then pay by using either the "Pay Here" Pay Pal button below, or mailing with check or money order. If you use the PayPal link to pay, don't forget to fax, scan and email or snail mail your entry form to me ASAP!

AGILITY:
There will be a complete Ridgeback-sized agility course set up all weekend for your practice and enjoyment. No age limit but use common sense and listen to your event manager/instructor, Susan Tinch, who will be returning again this year for her 2nd rodeo. Susan is pictured above with Sala, dressed for cold weather, and here is her bio:

Susan found and fell in love with agility 12 years ago. Her training styles have evolved with her continuing education and now consist, as much as possible, of purely positive dog training methods. She believes strictly that there is no place for punishment in agility training, and tries to always set her dogs up for success and take responsibility for their bad behaviors (counter surfing). Susan has been in dogs her whole life, and Ridgebacks for the last 5 years. She lives in Georgia with her husband, 2 Ridgebacks and their house-mutt. They participate in conformation, agility, rally, lure coursing and are just starting in carting and dock diving. As a Certified Recreational Therapist, Susan has also done some Animal Assisted Therapy with her dogs. Susan teaches the “Dog Sports Foundation” class at Lucky Dog Agility in Winterville, Georgia. Susan volunteers with Ridgeback Rescue, as a foster mom, home evaluator, transporter and quilter; and has been an active member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Association of Metro Atlanta since 2004. She also enjoys sewing Ridgeback sized dog coats. One of them is pictured above on Sala. You may contact her ahead of time if you wish to order a customized Ridgeback coat and she will fit it to your dog at the Rodeo. Just email her at susantinch@hotmail.com. Click on these links for more photos of the coats:
5.jpg;  14.jpg

For more information about AKC agility go to:
www.akc.org/events/agility/index.cfm

CGC-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TESTING & OBEDIENCE:
We plan to have CGC testing available at the rodeo all 4 days. Judy Henke from Madison, WI will be our CGC evaluator this year. She and Gail Cartter will be partnering in the performance ring which will include Rally, Obedience and CGC testing.  Here is Judy's short and sweet autobiography:

"I've taught Obedience classes for 25 years with Badger Kennel Club and also several years with the Dog Den, located in Madison. And I've taught CGC and assisted Gail with the Rally Classes. I have put a CD on a Weimaraner some years ago, and, as Gail mentioned CGC, RN and RA titles on two of my Ridgebacks. I've also put championships on several dogs throughout the years. And I've been Obedience, Training Management, and Show Chair, and have worn many other hats for the local AKC Club in the past 36 years that I've been active in Ridgebacks. I've been a RRCUS member almost as long and have been editor of "The Ridgeback" magazine for eight years and on the Board, too. Gail and I work very well together and I don't think you could have a better team to assist you at the Rodeo."

The price of the CGC tests are included in the cost of your rodeo entry. ALL Ridgebacks should be able to get their CGC title to prove their worth as the intelligent and wonderful companion dogs and good canine citizens that they are. It only takes a little training! There is no age limit for a CGC.  For more information about AKC's CGC program and obedience rules, check out the following link:

AKC CGC Program:      www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm
AKC obedience:          www.akc.org/events/obedience/

CANINE MASSAGE
K-9 Unwind.........Katherine Coverdale is a Licensed Canine Massage Therapist from Colorado Springs. She received her canine massage license through the Rocky Mountain School for Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM). Katherine especially loves the opportunity to work with active dogs and their owners, and has plenty of experience with two very active Ridgebacks of her own. Katherine owns two Terracotta Ridgebacks, one of which was nationally ranked top ten in straight racing for race year 2008. Katherine looks forward to the 2010 Ridgeback Rodeo and to meeting and working with your dogs!

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ridgeback Rescue.

Canine Massages will be offered as follows:
a) 20 minute massage and consultation (may be all at one time, or split into a sports warm up and cool down mini massage): $15
b) 30 minute massage and consultation: $20
c) Custom Packages to include multiple massages or multiple dogs can be accommodated at a discounted rate.

 

CONFORMATION HANDLING CLASSES: I am very pleased to announce that Sandie Gordon of (the original) Dimond Ridgebacks is coming back to the rodeo for her 2nd year, not just to play, but to head up the conformation ring. Sandie will teach handling classes that will be available off and on all weekend so as to brush up on your handling skills for the fun match or for that next big show. There is no age limit for these classes, but we will try to put similar age groups together.

Sandie saw her first ridgeback on TV at the Westminster Kennel Club. It was love at first site! She was immediately on a mission to own one of these magnificent dogs. When Sandie finally found a ridgeback puppy she had absolutely no intention of showing , but when the breeder asked her to try showing the puppy, fear of losing the puppy took over, and her reply was “sure, why not?” Over twenty years later, conformation showing, lure coursing and other dog activities have become her passion. During that time, Sandie has been active in her local ridgeback club serving on the board for over 17 years including a term as President. She has been RRCUS Breeder of the Year, Owner Handler of the Year and is currently serving a second term on the RRCUS Board of Directors. Sandie has bred over 55 conformation champions, many dual champions and RRCUS ROM. Ridgebacks that Sandie has bred have also gained titles in obedience, agility as well as first-ever endurance trial winner in the U.S and many are active therapy dogs.

We really look forward to having Sandie return!

 FLASH!!! WE WERE JUST INFORMED THAT SANDIE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE RODEO DUE TO WORK SO WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A CONFORMATION HANDLING CLASS TEACHER! IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME!!

FUN MATCH
Every year we hold a fun match for Ridgebacks of all ages, from the babies to the veterans. The match is planned for Sunday afternoon. Judge to be announced......or maybe we will keep it a surprise! Doesn't matter, it's all for fun and for training the youngsters and newbies for the show ring. Classes will be divided by age and we always have ribbons, prizes and trophies.

HERDING INSTINCT CERTIFICATION (HIC):
Kelly Malone is returning to the rodeo for her 4th year to head up our Herding event. Kelly has stated that our breed representation at the rodeo has at least as much and maybe more herding instinct than some AKC herding breeds! Kelly is an AHBA (American Herding Breed Association) judge and has German Shepherds. Let your Ridgeback show you his/her herding talents (or not!). This is always one of the bigger attractions at the Rodeo. It's great fun to watch and very interesting to see our dogs transform into a working dog right before our eyes. HIC certificates will be passed out for dogs that make the grade. This counts as a point towards a VC or VCX too! Kelly needs at least 10 dogs per day to make it worth her while, so sign up soon!

Due to the high cost of transporting a dog-broke herd of sheep, there is an extra fee of $35 per dog for the HIC test. This is the advance entry fee. Day of rodeo gate entry fee will be $40. Friday and Saturday only!!

If your dog passes their HIC test, or already has their HIC, and Kelly thinks you are ready, she will give you and your dog a personal herding lesson for the same price and will show you how and where to go from here and how to advance in the sport of herding with your Ridgeback.

For more information go to the AHBA website or the AKC herding event links below:
www.ahba-herding.org
www.akc.org/events/herding/index.cfm

HRA - HUNTING EVENTS
We are planning to offer the following hunting events, qualifiers and trials:
1) Junior Level Game Bird Qualifiers (quail)
2) One Game Bird Trial (quail)
3) Junior Level Small Game Qualifiers (rabbit)
4) Game Recovery Tracking Junior Qualifiers
5) Two Game Recovery Tracking Trials (could earn a title here)
6) Junior Level Carriage Qualifier (using a horse and carriage or wagon)

I suggest everyone go to the "new" HRA website to learn more about these events and how they will be run:
thehra.com/index2.htm,
especially the Trial System Regulations. The schedule and fees are up there and the entry form is also there. A separate entry form must be used for each event and each dog. Entries are limited!

HRA entries must be received by July 1, 2010. If limits are reached, entries will be put on standby. Then if limits are reached, entries will be returned.

LURE COURSING PRACTICE/ STRAIGHT RACE PRACTICE/AKC JC TESTS:
Raisin River Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Michigan (RRRRCOM) will once again be hosting the JC and new QC tests this year, which will be on Sunday only. Thanks again Raisin River! We will have runs in the AM and again after lunch in the PM. Member, Charles Pike, will be our coursing event manager for the coursing and racing events. If anyone is interested in helping, please get in touch. We will have a complete lure course set up all 4 days for practice runs and a "drag race" as I like to call it, set up for race practice. No age limit here, but use common sense and listen to experienced racers and coursers that will be available to help you. Pre-entry fees for the JC and/or QC tests will be $15.00 until July 21 and gate entry will be $20.00. Downloadable  Premium is available here:
RRodeoJCPremium2010RRRRCOM.pdf

NOTES REGARDING THE NEW AKC QC (QUALIFYING COURSER) TEST;
As of January 2010, you do NOT need a JC in order to enter the open stake in an AKC field trial anymore. But you DO now need a QC form, unless your dog has already run in the open stake. Your dog must prove he/she can run cleanly with another dog in the QC test, the judge must sign the appropriate form, and you must attach this form to your first trial entry, very similar to an ASFA certification......but more expensive. The owner is responsible for finding a dog to run with of similar running style, hopefully another Ridgeback! The JC suffix title is still available for those that may want it, possibly never wanting to compete any further. Dogs must be 1 year old to run in an AKC JC or QC test.
 
Practices will be free (included in rodeo entry). There are two organizations that host lure coursing field trials, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the originator of the sport, The American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA). To learn more about Lure Coursing, check out their websites below.

The Large Gazehound Racing Association (LGRA) sponsors the real race meets for Ridgebacks and you can find more information on their website below too.

www.lgra.org

www.akc.org/events/lure_coursing/index.cfm

www.asfa.org/

ATTS - AMERICAN TEMPERAMENT TESTING SOCIETY:
We have applied for the test date of Sunday July 25 and the date has been approved!  There is a 40 dog limit for this test and we really need at least 20 dogs to cover ATTS expenses.  All entrants must be at the orientation at 9:00am without their dogs. Dogs must be at least 18 months old. There is an extra fee of $30.00 for this test if entered in advance along with your rodeo entry. Day of entry (gate entry) fee will be $40.00. Because of the importance of temperament in our breed and breed specific legislation, we are allowing RR owners  to attempt the TT title this year without entering the rodeo if that is all they want to do. Cost for these folks will be $40 pre-entry or gate entry and they will have to leave as soon as they get their results.......unless they decide to stay and participate for the day in other rodeo events in which case they must pay the $70 one day fee.    Please try to enter in advance so the chief tester will know how many dogs he/she will be testing. Photo above is of the umbrella station.

The following is straight from the ATTS website:
Because of breed-specific dog legislation and negative publicity associated with many breeds of dogs, temperament testing has assumed an important role for today's dog fancier. The ATTS Temperament Test provides breeders a means for evaluating temperament and gives pet owners insight into their dog's behavior. It can have an impact on breeding programs and in educating owners about their dog's behavioral strengths and weaknesses as well as providing a positive influence on dog legislation.

What is temperament?
W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer, in his article, "The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing," defines temperament as:

"the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment"

The ATTS test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. The test is designed for the betterment of all breeds of dogs and takes into consideration each breed's inherent tendencies.

The test simulates a casual walk through the park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog's ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.

Test entry forms will be available on site for gate entries, or you can download from their website and have filled out in advance. Test form MUST be double-sided!! For information on the American Temperament Testing Society or to download an entry form go to:
www.atts.org

ATTS is always looking for new testers. If you are interested and would like to get started in becoming an apprentice tester, go to the ATTS website above and fill out and send in the Apprentice Tester application well in advance and you would be able to apprentice at the rodeo.

TRACKING
Karen Phillips of Buckeye Tracking Club says she is returning once again this year to show us how to get started in tracking with our Ridgebacks. Karen will only be here on Thursday and Friday July 22-23 this year, so if tracking is your thing, you better put in now to get the days off work! No age limit and pups are welcome and encouraged. Tracking games, track laying and short practice tracks are a few of the things Karen will show you, along with tracking demos with her dogs. She is also an AKC tracking judge and can do tracking certifications if anyone is ready for that big step! We will need to know this in advance so a track can be laid. For more information about AKC tracking tests and getting started in tracking go to the AKC website at:

www.akc.org/events/tracking/

FOOD/FUN - GRILLED WILD ALASKA KING SALMON, BURGERS AND DOGS COOKOUT, STEAK FRY, BONFIRES AND HAYRIDES:
Thursday night dinner is new this year! Max and Suzy Eberling have offered to bring Wild Alaska King Salmon. I think we'll season it and grill it and serve it over a bed of greens with some crusty Italian bread, 2 beverages of your choice (wine or bottled beer) and dessert.  Don't miss Thursday night!  Friday night all you can eat burgers, hotdogs and sweet corn cookout with all the fixins. Saturday night steak fry (the social event of the weekend!) and not just any steak but succulent filet mignons cooked to perfection by Chef Jason. The rest of the menu is being planned. Then great bonfires and real hayrides for all to enjoy.  See Ridgeback Rodeo Entry Form for food pre-orders. Food and drinks will be available for purchase for breakfasts and lunches all weekend. 

PHOTOGRAPHERS:
1)  We will be asking Marilyn Giesige of "On Location" to return again for her 5th Annual Rodeo. She just loves the people and the atmosphere and said she wouldn't miss it last year! Marilyn does wonderful collages that are virtually seamless and enjoys doing head shots, performance events  and portrait work also. Just let her know at the beginning of the rodeo which events you want photographed and she will try to be there. She did the great Rodeo poster that we use for advertising in The Ridgeback magazine. Eric finally framed it for me so look for it in the lodge.

2) Asta McCormick will be our second photographer and between the two of them our photography needs will be covered. You can see a small sampling of Asta's photos here www.pbase.com/la_vista_baby/rodeo from Ridgeback Rodeo 2008. Plus I think one of Asta's puppy buyers is coming and bringing his camera too.

"REAL" LION HUNT

Try your hand at this game of skill! Buy some tickets, "kill" the lion and get a chance for a fabulous prize! The more times you "kill" the lion, the more chances you get to win. Better practice up! 

VENDORS:
We are always looking for interested vendors to come to the rodeo. Free space, just bring your stuff to sell! If you know of anyone that might be interested, please send them our way. Coursing blankets, leashes, collars, slip leads, muzzles, whatever! Just let us know so we can find a spot for you.

RAFFLES:
Raffles and maybe an auction this year!  If you have anything to donate, please let us know.  All raffle and lion hunt proceeds will be donated to Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc. If you would like to donate something for the raffles or auctions, but can't think of a thing, you can always donate cash! Just use the "make a donation" button below, powered by PayPal. We will use it soley for some neat dog related items. Just let me know who you are so I can put your name on the items purchased in this manner. You know your money will be going to a good cause!

Ridgeback Rescue link:   www.ridgebackrescue.org/
AKC CHF DAF link:          www.akcchf.org/index.cfm

VET ON CALL
Country Doctor Vet Clinic
24 S. Cucumber Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
440-576-9440

CAMPING/MOTOR HOME PARKING:
No charge for primitive camping, vehicle parking or motor home parking. Plenty of room for self-contained motor homes, but a very limited number of electric hook-ups will be available, possibly only 6 or so, and will be on a first come first served basis, depending on who gets their entries in first. Cost for electric will be $15/night and will be on the entry form. No permanent water hook-ups, but plenty of free well water is available. Not much shade. Clean outhouse.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FOLKS NOT CLEANING UP AFTER THEIR DOGS. WE WILL HAVE "POOP POLICE"!

HOTELS/MOTELS:

DAYS INN
600 Days Blvd., Conneaut, OH 44030
(Interstate 90 exit 241 at Rt. 7)
440-593-6000
There are a very limited number of rooms that allow dogs in the rooms at this hotel. $10/dog pet fee last year. Lots of grassy areas to walk dogs, outdoor pool. 17 miles from Rodeo site.

DAV-ED MOTEL
5750 State Rt. 193 at I90 exit 235, Kingsville, OH 44048
440-224-1094
Small town motel with about 16 rooms, one dog per room, $5/dog fee last year. 18 miles from Rodeo site. Outdoor pool, very reasonable rates.

GREENROOF INN
8790 Meadville Road, Girard, PA 16417
814-774-7072
(5 miles north of Albion on Rt. 18)
Read their pet policy. About 20 miles from Rodeo site. Here's their website:
www.thegreenroofinn.com

SUNSET MOTEL
13825 Ridge Road, West Springfield, PA 16443
814-922-3550
(Interstate 90 exit 3 PA-OH state line, north on Rt. 6N to Rt. 20, left 1/2 mile to motel)
Book this one early as they say they fill up most weekends in the summer. Very reasonable rates plus $5 pet fee as of last year. Very nice per my husband, Eric. About 17 miles from Rodeo site. Website is:
www.sunsetmotelpa.com

PLEASE RESPECT THE ROOMS AND GROUNDS SO WE CAN USE THESE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE FUTURE!

Click here to get Mapquest driving directions to the Rodeo. For destination use: 20884 Beaver Center Rd. Conneautville, PA 16406:
www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp

The 4th annual Ridgeback Rodeo official "candid" photographers were Carol Ann and Roy Brown from Canada. Check out their photos here:  gallery.me.com/cainto#100036&view=mosaic&sel=0

I set it on "slideshow" when I watched it and just sat back and relaxed for a bit. It took a while to load on my PC so be patient.

We held our 3rd annual (and best yet) Ridgeback Rodeo the last weekend in July 2008. The photo collage at the top of this page (created by Marilyn Giesige) is from one of the evening hayrides. The Rodeo was a huge success thanks to all of the entrants, participants, friends, helpers, neighbors and family. I had no time to take photos, but thanks to some photographer/rodeo entrants, you can check out their photos through the links below and get a feel for the rodeo.

This first one belongs to Asta McCormick:
www.pbase.com/la_vista_baby/rodeo

This link is to Carol Ann Brown's photos:
picasaweb.google.com/cabinto/ridgebackrodeo08

Enjoy! We are looking forward to Ridgeback Rodeo 2010. It will be held the last weekend in July 22 -25.