Sled dog pictures from the archives as promised - Page 7

It's raining, so, good time to post more from Joan Ronalder archives:

Puppy pictures of Stampede, one of my main leaders, versatile in team positions and littermate, Duster, who was the jump rope specialist, and also was so versatile in the team, same as Stampede. Duster worked well in any position, on either side of the gang line, was gee/ haw leader, swing, and wheel dog. Pictures are from eight weeks and meeting one of my Smooth Fox Terriers, who, along with his brother, was my current dog act. Then, nine weeks, after a play time in a wading pool, and twelve weeks.
Pictures on an airstrip at a friend's place, and a ride in his plane after running the dogs. I'd brought a team for Bob (the pilot) to run along with me, using a wheeled rig he'd bought for the occasional recreational runs we'd make together on his farm.

Bob, the pilot, standing on the rig. I'm driving the team in front, Bob is following with my second string.

Ready for take off...

In the building we were showing in, in Greensboro, NC. There was a "blizzard", after the rodeo, a bunch of us were partying, and ran out of beer. Nobody wanted to drive it the bad weather, so, guess who got picked to make a beer run at 1:30 in the morning before the stores closed? I agreed to go, if someone went with me. It was about three miles to the store, down town, on four lane highway. Only people we saw on the road at that time of night were people leaving the bars, and we got a lot of woops and hollers. We had to change lanes, stop at traffic lights, etc. Got to the convenience store and a cop pulled up. I stayed with the team, while my passenger went in to make the purchase. I thought to myself, I hope there's no law against parking a dog team here. Well, the cop pulled up along side and commented, "so THAT'S what's been making those weird tracks in the snow I've been following". I said, yeah, it's a lot safer than driving a truck in this stuff. He laughed and said, be safe, and went on his way. We returned to the building, driving the dogs through the doors and into the parking area underground. Everyone was happy to see us return with the goods!

Joan's Indian Maiden act: http://www.thedogpress.com/NationalPetPress/V1-2/09-Ronalder-Interview.htm

Why was the paint dangerous, Joan? Was he a stallion?

No, I had him gelded a week after I bought him, after I got him lead broke well enough to be able to walk him after surgery during recovery. Turning him out was not an option, as he was what some would call a rogue, he'd "work" the fences, until he attempted to go over, so I had to hand walk him during the weeks of recovery.
Cassidy was a rank horse, my vet called him an 'outlaw', and suggested putting him down. I told her she didn't know a good horse when she saw one, and ignored her bad advice. Her reason for calling him an outlaw, was because when I reached to flip his mane over for her to get to the vein in his neck, the horse went from standing quietly in front of me, to lunging mouth open, teeth bared straight for my throat. I jumped back, just as his mouth closed with a loud clap inches from my neck. Had I not reacted when I did, he would have had a mouth full of flesh and arteries.
Three months later, I was riding Cassidy, training him for liberty act. Then two months after that, I had him at a theme park in Canada, using him for the introductions, and continuing on his liberty work. I also allowed our Cherokee Indian Fancy Dancer use Cassidy to ride into the arena on for his act.

Cassidy remained a dangerous horse, anyone who would not vacate the arena entry area, including off the panels used as perches to see into the arena....Cassidy would "make" them leave...rearing up, mouth open and striking with front feet. He hated people, but was the a one of a kind horse. One stock contractor I worked for said he'd turn Cassidy loose for me (I entered the arena first, then nodded for the gate to be opened for Cassidy to make his entry) .I gave him instructions to get up on the panel outside the holding area, then take the halter off, and immediately get off the panel. Guess, being as I'm just a girl, and he was the stock contractor, he knew how to handle my horse. I'm in the arena, couple hundred feet from the center gate where Cassidy is to make his entrance. I nod my head, signaling to the gateman to swing the gate open , gate opens, I crack my whip to bring the horse.... and no horse. I think, what the what? I ride a little closer to be able to see a little better. (I'm nearsighted and need reading glasses) There in the holding area, is Cassidy, on his hind legs striking at the fat stock contractor, who's pinned in the corner, trying to keep from being pummeled. I crack my whip again and call as loud as I can, "Cassidy !!"
The horse turns, and comes running out the gate to me, and we do our thing, just like nothing happened.
So, Cassidy had a reputation, when we approached the holding area of the arena gate. Every body scrambled, and anyone who would not listen to the arena directors, were told, stay there if you want, that horse will get you out of the way.
I heard one guy,when he's told to clear out,say, oh yeah, I see that Brahma. The reply was, it's not the bull you need to watch out for, it's the horse.