class is timeless
Johnny belonged, together with MBE John Templeton, and the in Belgium more known Bobby Dalziel, to the absolute top handlers of the previous generation.
Up to 3 times he won "the International" :
the championship between the best 15 handlers of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland selected at their respective national championships.
The competition consists of a qualification with 60 absolute top handlers, followed by a double outrun by 15 finalists. The absolute must-win match in the United Kingdom.
It is undeniably one of the best of all times. He won 2 times in 1991 and 1994 with Spot, which you will see here on the video, and 9 years later with Maid in Stranraer. {2003}
With Rob he won the national championship twice.
Widely appreciated for his stockmanship, Johnny descended from a generation of shepherds from the Scottish Border region. His home base in Headshaw, Ashkirk near Selkirk is the ideal training place amidst rolling, ascending fields and thousands of sheep.
Here you can see Johnny and Spot during a run in the framework of One Man and his dog from 1993.
The approach is more old school, extreme flanking is not yet fully established, but the sheep knowledge of the gentleman-handler is great.
The 7 mules (black face ewe x bluefaced leicester ram) are handled almost perfectly on the fantastic grounds in Chadsworth estate, where an international run was later made. It runs so well that it seems almost obvious and simple.
The control and intonation that John puts into his voice and whistles are beautiful. No shouting, no whistle when the dog comes around the pole, or works at the pen, but clear and accompanying commands that do not excite any of the animals, dog or sheep.
class is timeless
Johnny belonged, together with MBE John Templeton, and the in Belgium more known Bobby Dalziel, to the absolute top handlers of the previous generation.
Up to 3 times he won "the International" :
the championship between the best 15 handlers of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland selected at their respective national championships.
The competition consists of a qualification with 60 absolute top handlers, followed by a double outrun by 15 finalists. The absolute must-win match in the United Kingdom.
It is undeniably one of the best of all times. He won 2 times in 1991 and 1994 with Spot, which you will see here on the video, and 9 years later with Maid in Stranraer. {2003}
With Rob he won the national championship twice.
Widely appreciated for his stockmanship, Johnny descended from a generation of shepherds from the Scottish Border region. His home base in Headshaw, Ashkirk near Selkirk is the ideal training place amidst rolling, ascending fields and thousands of sheep.
Here you can see Johnny and Spot during a run in the framework of One Man and his dog from 1993.
The approach is more old school, extreme flanking is not yet fully established, but the sheep knowledge of the gentleman-handler is great.
The 7 mules (black face ewe x bluefaced leicester ram) are handled almost perfectly on the fantastic grounds in Chadsworth estate, where an international run was later made. It runs so well that it seems almost obvious and simple.
The control and intonation that John puts into his voice and whistles are beautiful. No shouting, no whistle when the dog comes around the pole, or works at the pen, but clear and accompanying commands that do not excite any of the animals, dog or sheep.
class is timeless
Johnny belonged, together with MBE John Templeton, and the in Belgium more known Bobby Dalziel, to the absolute top handlers of the previous generation.
Up to 3 times he won "the International" :
the championship between the best 15 handlers of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland selected at their respective national championships.
The competition consists of a qualification with 60 absolute top handlers, followed by a double outrun by 15 finalists. The absolute must-win match in the United Kingdom.
It is undeniably one of the best of all times. He won 2 times in 1991 and 1994 with Spot, which you will see here on the video, and 9 years later with Maid in Stranraer. {2003}
With Rob he won the national championship twice.
Widely appreciated for his stockmanship, Johnny descended from a generation of shepherds from the Scottish Border region. His home base in Headshaw, Ashkirk near Selkirk is the ideal training place amidst rolling, ascending fields and thousands of sheep.
Here you can see Johnny and Spot during a run in the framework of One Man and his dog from 1993.
The approach is more old school, extreme flanking is not yet fully established, but the sheep knowledge of the gentleman-handler is great.
The 7 mules (black face ewe x bluefaced leicester ram) are handled almost perfectly on the fantastic grounds in Chadsworth estate, where an international run was later made. It runs so well that it seems almost obvious and simple.
The control and intonation that John puts into his voice and whistles are beautiful. No shouting, no whistle when the dog comes around the pole, or works at the pen, but clear and accompanying commands that do not excite any of the animals, dog or sheep.