Last Sunday saw Meg and Madge having a trip out to this, the first outdoor show of the season.  To tell the truth, it was a little chilly in the wind, but it stayed dry and the sun shone fitfully, so all in all a pleasant show.  The girls came home with a collection of second and third places, but were delighted to see their showing and herding friend April (Kiltondale Queen of My Heart at Jellwell) take a well-deserved Best In Show under judge of the day Mr Clive Olssen.

Today it was the turn of Diva and Beattie to have a trip out, to their favourite venue The Glebe, on a wonderful sunny springlike day.

 Diva was vigorously put through her paces by our trainer Jackie and it is noticeable that her work style is improving and looking more polished these days -  thanks to Jackie's insistence on one or two key points (not considered important by Diva but she is prepared to humour us!)

Beattie had a short session on close work in the round pen, starting a little cautiously but soon relaxing to show promise of a gentle responsive work style, very pleasing to see.

 Linda Peirson's three Beardies Joley, Jaxson and Ebony also took part in some pen work and we were especially pleased to see Jaxson truly enter into the spirit of things and begin to gently but firmly take control of the sheep.

 We finished the visit with a lovely walk around the field, watching all the Beardies gallop happy and free together - a great way to spend a sunny Friday afternoon, and they should sleep well tonight!

Here Joley (left) and Beattie (right, with one ear inside out to cool herself!) pause for a companiable drink at the trough before the trip home.  Interestingly these two bitch pups of very similar age were both born black, and Madge (at home and not pictured), also born black,  is several shades paler than Beattie now.   How Beardies do vary.....!