This is the registration for the 2025 Summer Symposium. Unlike previous years when registration was "a la carte" this year the format will be set up according to training level and discipline. There are 2 working sessions each morning (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). Session 1 is 7 AM to 8:45 AM. Session 2 is 9:15 am to 11 AM. Then hourly classroom/workshop sessions in the afternoons.

Monday morning's first session - we will have a sorting exercise to determine which level you are currently working at and assign schedules. Throughout the week - students and dogs can be re-evaluated at any time and tracks can be changed at the discretion of the faculty.

Registration: You can sign up for 1 day, Monday through Wednesday (The Short Stack), Thursday & Friday (The Super Short Stack), or the entire week. Wednesday will start with a Hands-On livestock handling practicum, then the choice of tending field trip with Andreas and Kerstin Smietana or a Pack Walk with Hana Fullmer, then a variety of workshops. Wednesday evening RTN hosts an AHBA trial with HTAD (arena), HTD (field) and JHD/HCT (tests).

Green Core Working Classes for novice dogs with no herding experience being handled by people without prior herding experience (HIC/HT) - stock dog style taught by Roy Sage and Hannah Fullmer. Curriculum includes: introduction to the bubble, reading stock, what is balance, stops and call offs, and basic commands. Tending Style taught by Lauren Sandrin & Linda Rorem. Curriculum includes: Introduction to borders, working on the graze, stops and call offs, and basic commands.

Blue Core Working Classes for novice/started dogs and handlers (dogs must have a reliable stop and stay. Working off lead or dragging long line on PT and Started trial levels )- Stock dog fundamental classes taught by Catherine Hadley and Britney Mazzer. Curriculum includes: gathers, controlled movement and fluidity, square flanks, negotiating obstacles, and mental yield. Tending fundamentals taught by Kerstin and Andreas Smietana. Curriculum includes: basic road work, large pen work, grazes, negotiating obstacles, picks and stops.

Orange Core Working Classes for intermediate & advanced dogs and handlers (dogs who have a reliable stop and stay, and are competing at the Intermediate and Advanced levels: Stock Dog arena elements taught by Carol Ann Hartnagle (Monday & Tuesday) and Carol Gerken (Thursday & Friday), Field elements taught by Marian Potts. Intermediate and Advanced Curriculum includes: Expanded outruns, driving away/cross drives, penning, and shedding. Tending elements taught by Andreas and Kertsin Smietana. Intermediate and Advanced Curriculum includes: the placement, the narrow graze and advanced elements of the traditional style FCI program.

Afternoon Classroom Sessions: A variety of classes to address herding from the novice to the advanced handler and dog team. Topics range from herding trial basics and etiquette, course mechanics, hands-on livestock care, and introduction to judging. Introductory lectures and workshops offered on carting, tracking, barn hunt, scentwork, and whistle use & training,

Private Lesson Sessions: Private lessons will be offered with our instructors on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. These will be available for reservation during the symposium, some restrictions will apply.

* Sign up for Sessions are rated per handler/dog teams. A handler with multiple dogs wanting to work both on the same course must fill out registration for each dog.

• timing/scribing/stock handling at the trials and special events.
• Helping with the livestock care/management during the week.
• Helping with lunch setup/teardown.
• Monitoring water stations and running errands.

When paying for your registration - select the "Internship/Phone Order" payment option. That way we will have your registration complete. Internship does not cover lunch tickets, private lessons or RV reservations. If you would like to apply for a 2025 internship, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BLooCeF4lb30Nu3C-...