Meeker Co Sheepdog Trials: A Showcase of Herding Prowess

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Posted Oct 13, 2024

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Beautiful Shetland Sheepdog in Lush Greenery
Credit: pexels.com, Beautiful Shetland Sheepdog in Lush Greenery

The Meeker Co Sheepdog Trials are a must-see event for any dog enthusiast. The trials take place in Meeker County, Colorado, and attract top herding dog handlers from around the world.

The trials showcase the incredible herding prowess of Border Collies and other breeds. These dogs are trained to work with sheep, moving them from one place to another with ease and precision.

The Meeker Co Sheepdog Trials are a test of the dog's obedience, agility, and problem-solving skills. The dogs must work together with their handlers to navigate obstacles and herd the sheep into a small pen.

The trials are held annually in Meeker County, typically in August, and last for several days.

A unique perspective: Australian Sheep Dog Breeds

Location and Attendance

The Meeker Co Sheepdog Trials are held in Meeker County, Colorado, USA, and typically take place on the first Saturday in October.

The trials are held at the Meeker County Fairgrounds, which is located at 727 3rd Street in Meeker, CO 81641.

The fairgrounds offer ample parking for spectators and competitors alike, making it easy to get around the event.

Expand your knowledge: Sheep Dog Trials 2023

Competition Draws Thousands to Colorado

Credit: youtube.com, Colorado State Fair attendance already exceeded expectations

Colorado's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a prime destination for tourists and competitors alike. The state's high altitude and dry climate also make it an ideal location for endurance competitions.

The Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for many events, with the snow-capped peaks serving as a dramatic reminder of the state's rugged terrain. The area's scenic beauty is matched only by its accessibility, with many events taking place in or near popular tourist towns like Aspen and Vail.

Thousands of competitors and spectators flock to Colorado each year to participate in events like the X Games and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The state's extensive network of bike trails and roads makes it an ideal location for cycling competitions, with many events taking place on the scenic roads and trails of the Rocky Mountains.

Set Out Crew

The set out crew is a crucial part of any sheep operation, and the team behind Flying M Lamb is top-notch. They consist of Mark Henderson, Sean Casey, Mike Lupow, and Terry Leplatt, who have been setting sheep together for years.

Take a look at this: Border Collies Herding Sheep

Shetland Sheepdog on Wooden Footbridge
Credit: pexels.com, Shetland Sheepdog on Wooden Footbridge

Mike Lupow, a Coast Guard veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having been stationed all over the country. He and his wife Terry Murray, a Wisconsin native, have a deep understanding of the challenges of working with sheep.

Mark Henderson and Sean Casey have been setting sheep together for quite some time, and their standard for consistent sets is unparalleled. They're the premier set-out crew in the country.

The team's dedication is impressive, with Mark and Sean leading the set-out crew for the 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2019 Finals.

Event Overview

The Meeker CO Sheepdog Trials are a world-class event, with one of the best trials in the United States.

It all started in 1987 as a way to give the town of Meeker an economic boost.

The first year drew 76 dogs and a few thousand attendees.

The event has been growing in popularity ever since, with the exception of a pandemic pause in 2020.

Every year, the trials bring about $1 million into the local economy.

You can see why this event is a big deal for the town of Meeker.

It's now more than double the size of the original event, with a significant impact on the local economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Meeker Sheepdog Trials?

The Meeker Sheepdog Trials were won by Scott Glen and Taff in 2019. They claimed the top spot in the Meeker Classic Champions that year.

Where are the national sheepdog trials held?

The National Sheepdog Trials are held at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown. This annual event is hosted by the USBCHA and typically takes place in late September or early October.

Where can I see sheepdog trials?

See the impressive sheepdog trials at the Hodder Valley Show, where over 30 talented dogs showcase their intelligence and athleticism

When did sheep dog trials start?

Sheep dog trials have their roots in 1873, when the first recorded trials took place in Bala, North Wales. The modern era of sheep dog trials began to take shape in 1906.

Sources

  1. Meeker’s famed sheep dog trials (meekersheepdog.com)
  2. Pinterest (pinterest.com)
  3. Meeker Classic Championship (meekersheepdog.com)
  4. Twitter (twitter.com)
  5. meekersheepdog.com (meekersheepdog.com)
  6. meekersheepdog.com (meekersheepdog.com)
  7. http://www.meekersheepdog.com (meekersheepdog.com)
  8. Crew | National Finals sheepdog Trials 501c3 (carbondalesheepdogfinals.com)

Rachel Kunze

Senior Writer

Rachel Kunze is a passionate writer with a keen interest in the world of animals and agriculture. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as the Maremma Sheepdog and livestock breeds. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, Rachel's writing is informative, engaging, and accessible to readers of all levels.