By Annie-Claude Laniel
For those who do not know the Border Collie Quebec Association, this is a little news update on herding in Eastern Canada.
The ABCQ was founded in 2017 and now has, in 2023, 70 members and presented, last January, during its AGM, a great calendar of activities (clinics and competitions). Clinics were organized by the association from the first years but this season is very special since we will have our first sanctioned competition. This Novice-Novice, Pro-Novice and Ranch level competition will take place on August 26 and 27 in Dosquet, Qc. This competition is the culmination of several hours of meetings, work and organization. The ABCQ is fortunate to be able to count on the dedication and passion of many of its members and we thank them!
The big Sisters
In addition to its members, the ABCQ also benefited from the help of its “big sister” associations, the OBCC and NEBCA. When a child plays a sport, it is not uncommon to see him or her watching videos of his/her favorite player, identifying with their hero and without even knowing it, this experienced player becomes a source of inspiration for the beginner. It's the same for us as handlers. We admire experienced handlers and try to learn from them. The ABCQ did the same with the OBCC and NEBCA. During the creation of the Quebec association, the OBCC and NEBCA made it possible to offer quality models. The clinics offered and the competitions have inspired us and led us to surpass ourselves. One day the ABCQ will perhaps play this role of big sister with another association… you never know.
Upcoming projects
In addition to our first official competition in August, we will have a clinic with Mary Thompson on July 29 and 30. A two-day clinic with Day 1 theme Wear to Win and Day 2 theme Drive for Success. Thanks to Mary for these catchy titles! We are lucky to work this year with very good handlers who are also very generous and we hope to be able to do it again next year! You can read in a previous edition of the blog a summary of our first clinic of the year with Patrick Gosselin. Also, stay tuned, we will give you a report of our competition in August! Have a good season!
