Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Lee family has once again brought home the gold with their Hangin' Tree Cowdogs. While many already know Jared Lewis Lee for his TV appearances and multiple first-place victories in competitions, many don’t know that it is actually a family affair. The Lee family made a trip to Jacksboro, Texas, for the biggest Hangin' Tree Cowdog competition in the world, hosted by The American Ranch Dog Trials. “I faced a big challenge as being the top guy with the top dogs in the breed since 2019. I've always got the biggest target on my back,” Jared said. Of course, he brought along his famed partner, Redstick’s Rainbow. Together, the pair were able to secure two second-place runs and one first-place. However, on this trip, one of Jared’s other dogs made its name more known. Redstick’s Whip earned three first-place runs, a Futurity Championship and a Reserve Open Championship, earning Jared a check from each class he competed in. However, Jared wasn’t the only Lee in the competition this time. His brother, Cody Lee, earned himself an Assisted Championship buckle, a feat he has pulled off before. Then, to top it all off, Harper Lee, working with Redstick’s Rainbow, took home her very first championship buckle. “Once I got my head right, I realized a new challenge, as I train my dogs to find the pressure bubble of the stock and not to engage in a fight unless they have no choice, which means asking the stock to move without physically engaging and biting,” Jared said. “But these cattle had been over broken and were not willing to move off just eye pressure and body position. So, the folks I was competing against had trained these cattle to require biting and physical force to move and direct them, which isn’t the best way to handle stock, as this causes more stress and weight loss. But as I realized I was definitely going to have to make adjustments with my dogs and handling of these cattle, the Lord helped me to see and do what needed to be done to walk away Reserve World Champion with Redstick’s Rainbow and Futurity Champion with Redstick’s Whip.” Jared continued, saying, “This wasn’t the greatest part, as this year not only did I win these amazing titles, but my little girl, Harper, got to show her Rainbow dog and brought home the Youth World Champion title. Sharing these memories with her and my brother, while my dad and Sawyer cheered us on as we won, was an amazing experience. We give all glory to God!”