Watching a day of agility (Steeplechase plus Masters Gamblers and Standard (?))* and watching so many people's videos** from these two local*** USDAA trials this month, I'm taken back--
I started competing in agility the week I turned 40. Wish I could've started years sooner, but dang agility had barely even been invented back then, local clubs barely started.
Ah, yes, I remember being able to run, pre-knee-and-particularly-spine arthritis! A blast! Loved living on the edge when my dog burned jet fuel almost on autopilot, racing through the course just on my words or a little body language and using their own experience as I barely managed to keep up or stay ahead, adrenaline peaking.
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* I worked as timer/scribe on July 3 at the Bay Team USDAA in Prunedale.
*** Last weekend, SMART also hosted a USDAA trial in Prunedale; I stayed home.
Cool that you got to experience that!
ReplyDeleteIt was! Can't say that I was always exhibited the best sportsmanship to myself on occasions when the wheels fell off, but I tried hard to not take it out on my dogs. Experienced dog trainers know this about dog behavior: "It's the human's fault." Whatever it is. Almost always. (discounting illness or genetic flaws or maybe a couple of other things.)
DeleteBut, yes, the awesome successes, whether making a difficult turn or handling at a distance or whatever: A blast!