Our History - RRCDA

Early in the spring of 1994 a gathering of mostly ranchers met in Thackersville, Oklahoma, and formed the RRCDA.  The goal was to promote the dogs that could handle cattle in a ranch situation and to educate the ranchers as to how to use and handle these dogs.  The method decided upon to do this was a trial that was as close to and would simulate a true ranch situation.  Instead of judging, it was decided that points and time would be a more appropriate way, letting the cattle and dogs settle the outcome.

On the 21st of May 1994, J.C. Carlile of Leon, Oklahoma, was ready to put all the theories to the test with our first ever trial.  In May 1995 at the invitation of Wayne Gandy, the RRCDA held a Cattle Dog Trial in Brookhaven, Mississippi, which was instrumental in the formation of the Gulf Coast Stock Dog Association being formed.  It was also based on a point and timed system and courses to test a dog's ability in a ranch situation.

With the growth of interest in Cattle Dogs, 1998 was a break through year with the conception of the Lone Star Cattle Dog Futurity with, again, RRCDA members playing a major role in the development and participation of this new event.

As the leader of the Cattle Dog community, the RRCDA decided to hold the highest paying single event in the world for Cattle Dogs - the Classic.  The RRCDA 2002 Classic is, to date, is the highest paying single event held.  With 60 dogs it, paid out a total of $24,000.00.

The Red River Cattle Dog Association brings some of the greatest dogs and handlers from around the nation to compete at Healdton, Oklahoma.

No association runs itself.  The RRCDA has been blessed with hardworking members and board members who strive to keep the RCDA the first and foremost Cattle Dog Association in North America.

For more information contact our secretary Kenneth Beasley kjbeasley@abi.tconline.net or

915-728-5196