July 10, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World Stock Dog Championship Crowns Lumby B.C. Handler
Calgary – Diana Gauthier of Lumby, B.C made the highlight of her year sparkle with a brilliant performance in the World Stock Dog Championship July 9, 2007 in the Saddledome as part of the Stampede Stock Show.

“This is my favorite trial of the whole year. I love what it does for the sport…and you
treat us like royalty, I love it. I get a thrill out of showing what these guys can do.”
Gauthier operates a stock dog training center has been attending the Stampede
show for about ten years in her sixteen year career of stock dog trialing.

No stranger to the finals, she has about eight finalist jackets at home to prove it, the
World title had eluded her and her dog Keen Eye Teag. Teag is a nine year-old Border Collie who can run stock with the very best and is a good producer to boot; in fact, she’s got ten week old pups at home.

“Her mother, Shian, was my first competition dog. She was an incredible dog herself.” Shares Gauthier, “She left incredible shoes to fill. But Teag is an incredible dog herself.”

Teag’s first performance in front of a large audience was at the IPE, a fair in Armstrong, B.C. where she did a demonstration with her parents at nine months of age. “She’s smart, she’s thinking. I sit back and admire my dog. That’s part of the thrill. Even after nine years
working with her, I still get goose bumps working her. There is nothing else that compares.”

Second into the final with his first qualified dog, Grant Musgrove posted a 1:57 putting a great deal of pressure on the field to move quickly. It was all a plan to help Musgrove set up his second dog that would run last. Many competitors fell in attempts to beat his time.

“When I went in, I knew it was a do or die thing.” Said Gauthier, “ I had to trust my dog. If I take over, I will not be as fast in my timing as my dog is because I have not been genetically bred to work sheep, she has. So the more I trust my dog the better her timing is and that’s a real important part of the working relationship.”

So Gauthier and Teag went to work noting that the chute had been problematic. Utilizing her ability to anticipate the livestock and tackle the chute, Gauthier posted the fastest time of the trial, 1:29.

“I honestly felt that there were a number of competitors that could easily beat me and I was prepared for that, because I admire these guys, they’re awesome handlers. I enjoyed it thoroughly. But as they started knocking off I thought hey, this is even more fun!” In fact, of the final six competitors, only one handler would post a time, the rest ran out of time or were disqualified for gripping. Gauthier’s time stood the test, even from Musgrove.

“I’ve never won that much money!” She laughs of the $10,000 payday. “ I’m very happy.”

Musgrove was happy with his win although he had to laugh at how Gauthier’s run had turned the tables on him to steal the Champion title. “This is our best placing.” Musgrove explained with a glance to Alta Pete Zeus resting at his feet. “This is something I’ve always aspired to do. Stampede is one of the highlight trials of the year.” Musgrove ranches near Halkirk, AB and his dogs are involved in the day-to-day ranch operations. “I think it helps with his confidence…especially on these sheep. They were pretty strong lambs.”

Musgrove and nine year-old Zeus claimed the Reserve Champion title, while his dog Sam won the aggregate for the show. UFA, Queen’s University, ALS Environmental Division, BFL Canada, Bar T5 and Sunterra Farms proudly sponsor the World Champion Stock Championship.

For more than a century, the Calgary Stampede has been a gathering place for one of the most unique agricultural and western event showcases in the world.

For further information on the World Stock Dog Championship, visit www.calgarystampede.com and follow the links to agriculture.

For more information, please contact:
Cyndi Rowat
Stampede Agriculture
T 403.261.0162
C 403-660-2257
F 403.262.3067
E crowat@calgarystampede.com

The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its world-renowned 10-day Calgary Stampede, year-round facilities, products and services and agricultural programs that foster understanding of the agricultural industry. All revenue generated is reinvested into our
various programs and facilities.