PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST
The following was posted to RR-Folk by Bonita Snodgrass (unofficial marketing spokesperson for the Rodeo)
I had so many emails last night from folks who wanted more information on the Rodeo I thought a blanket note to the list would be the fastest way to answer every one.
The "dog show snob factor" is really over rated in our experience. We have never gone to a show that we did not have folks over to hang out at the RV or that we did not give the "guided tour". That's nearly 2 decades of impromptu lessons or attempts to educate folks who show up. Now I will admit there is one or two kennels I won't be caught dead around, (but they have developed a puppy mill or BYB reputation and bring their own holier than thou attitude to the rings.) Bob and I showed up, and from the start said "we don't know it all who can teach me what I need to know?"... later it was us saying , "hey you look like you are having some trouble with this, that or the other, can I show you how it is easier to do? " There are clicky folks any where. There are also folks like you and I , there to have fun, learn something and meet new friends. As with any group it is up to YOU to choose if you will let the clicky folks define the experience you will have. PTA, the spouses at your partner's job, the group at yoga or the gym who make you want to either leave or smack 'em with a free weight. LOL The attitude you bring with you is 10xs more important than the ones you may find there.
At any rate there is NO snobbing allowed at the Rodeo. Any one trying it is quickly disarmed. If you want to be left alone that's cool. But if you want to walk up and join any group you are welcomed whole heartedly. It is all about having fun, learning and making friends. Seeing what You and Your Dog can do.
Go to my website bwanakennel.com and check out the page on the Rodeo. Check out the Facebook page Karen just set up... Heaven knows I have a ton of photos on my own facebook page with Rodeo Photos. ( Bwanas Rhodesian Ridgebacks ) Or go to the TerraCotta website where Karen and Eric are currently updating all the info on this year's Rodeo.
It is in Connieutville, Pa about 1/2 hour away from Eire. In Amish Country at the Scattergun Reserve. ( Home to Eric and Karen Watson). Folks show up and can stay in local motels, or on the grounds, tents, campers, trailers, RVS, rental RVs..... you name it, it is about having a great weekend. There are Top Notch instructors in Agility , Rally , Tracking, Obedience, Handling, even Herding! You can try out something brand new that you have only watched from afar or you can fine tune something you are currently working on. When is the last time you were allowed to spend a weekend working on what YOU wanted to work on?
While there is the now Infamous Rodeo Fun Match which has Serious Prizes , There are also tests and trials run all weekend long in Coursing, Hunting both Fur and Feather, TDI and CGC. Another HUGE perk..... the Rodeo offers the American Temperament Test. NO Kennel has true Bragging rights if the dogs they are using can not claim to have been TT'ed . This test is given less than 200 times a YEAR across the Entire country !! You can have a dog with group wins galore in the conformation ring but if it can't pass a temperament test it should never be bred. I think many of us have seen "Champions" who's temperament was at best "iffy" why on earth is that being passed along to offspring? IMHO it is far worse than a silly tail set or too much white. Few of us have even heard of the test, but once Bob and I learned about it we have tested at least a dog a year since. 3 dogs last Rodeo !
And when I mentioned great food in my previous note, I am talking about seriously great food. Our own Southern Shrimp Boil, AYCE Gulf of Mexico Wild Shrimp , Cajun corn and potatoes. With Traditional Deep Fried Southern Party Appetizers and Bob's infamous Tekillya Margaritas. Once the cost of the food is covered every dime goes to H&G. Bob and I pick these Shrimp up from the Boats on the Bon Secour in Southern Alabama. Caught the day before we leave for the Rodeo. People just don't get this Seafood experience any where but the Deep South and the Ridgeback Rodeo. And Eric has an "in" with a butcher who delivers the incredible filets that the Scattergun's own chef, cooks to order. No rubber chicken, watery pot roast or mystery fish that we have learned to expect and tolerate at most National Specialties. ( Not slamming the Nat's here but truly gang you know how the food is rarely better than so so.)
Bon Fires and Hay Rides. Freshly mown paddocks, and a schedule that does not leave you wrung out and overwhelmed.
If nothing else think of this as The Vacation Your DOG deserves!! Pets, Companions, and Hard Core Ring Warriors, ALL hanging out having fun. ONLY 122 DAYS till the 2010 Ridgeback Rodeo !!
I will try to answer any other ???s privately but I have a litter on the ground so it I get too many it will have to be another blanket note to the list.
Hugs Ya'll
Bonita
Bonita and Bob Snodgrass
Bwana Kennel
www.bwanakennel.com Ethically Bred and Trained AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Champions, Companions and Therapy Dogs for Special Families"
