Canines Compete in First Cattle Trial

The Red River Cattle Dog trial took place today at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center.

And this contest had handlers putting their four legged friends to the test to see which would be crowned "Top Dog."

In this arena at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center, canines took center stage.

The Red River Cattle Dog Trials gave dogs a short amount of time to maneuver cattle in this wide open arena.

"Every course they complete .... or obstacle within the course... they'll get a set of points and they've got to do it within seven minutes," says Langdon Reagan, coordinator for the dog trials.

And they do it through voice and whistle commands.

"People that see it love it and if they live on a ranch, I want one of those. I want a dog that will help me. That's what these dogs are. They're helpers," says L.H. Wood, who entered his dogs in the contest.

While this event is meant for entertainment it is also a very real and important part of life on a ranch.

"The dogs are a big help. I don't know that they'll ever replace the cowboy but you can get by with fewer. The dogs can sure get a lot done gathering cattle and we have lots of ranches, farmers, stockmen, everywhere using dogs now," says Kenneth Beasley, who also entered his dogs in the trials.

And thanks to this event, more people are becoming aware of a dog's role in the agricultural industry.

About 60 cattle dogs and their handlers competed in this first time event today.

The winners will walk away with bragging rights and a cash prize.

Coordinators say the winners of five divisions are:

Open Division Winner: 
Kenneth Beasley & Bo
Colorado City, TX
Time: 3:22


Pro Novis Division Winner:
Brent Phelps & Par
Waco, TX
Time:  4:59


Novis Class Division Winner:
Tracy Onstead & Diamond
Fort Worth, TX
Time: 3:59


Nursery Division Winner:
Steve Knipmeyer & Sugar
Time: 4:25


Intermediate Division Winner:
Glenda Blessing & Gib
Paradise, TX
Time:  4:55