Sheep Dog Trials 2023: Events, Competitions, and Nursery Trials

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Posted Oct 16, 2024

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Close-up on Sheep Back with Shaven Wool Coat
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up on Sheep Back with Shaven Wool Coat

The Sheep Dog Trials 2023 are just around the corner, and I'm excited to share with you the events, competitions, and nursery trials that will be taking place.

The trials will feature a range of competitions, including the Open Trial, which will see top dog handlers and their sheep herding dogs compete for the top spot. The Nursery Trial is also a highlight, where young dogs and handlers will get a chance to showcase their skills.

The trials will be held at various locations around the country, with the exact dates and venues announced soon. Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on your favorite dog handlers and their talented canines.

Check this out: Sheep Shears

Upcoming Events

If you're planning to participate in a sheepdog trial, you'll want to know the upcoming events. Upcoming Sheepdog Trials must be approved by the USBCHA secretary, so be sure to get that taken care of.

Credit: youtube.com, Meeker Sheepdog Trials draws global competitors

All trials must be approved by the USBCHA secretary, and approval forms must be submitted 30 days prior to the entries open date.

To stay up-to-date on trial information, Trial Managers can forward entry forms, directions, and running orders electronically to the secretary, which will then be posted online under Info/Entries.

Requests submitted later than 30 days prior to the entries open date will require a waiver from the two district directors of the district where the trial is held.

Trials and Competitions

The International Sheepdog Trials have a rich history, dating back to 1906, with breaks only for the two World Wars and the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak.

National trials were set up in England, Scotland, and Wales in 1922 to find a national champion for each country and act as qualifying trials for the International trial.

Ireland joined the competition in 1961, comprising North, South, and the Isle of Man.

The International trial was a competition "between nations", but due to quarantine rules, an all-world competition wasn't possible, despite sheepdog trials using ISDS rules and judged by ISDS judges taking place in many countries, including the Continental (European) trial.

Shropshire/Herefordshire Nursery Trial

Credit: youtube.com, Three Provinces Nursery Trial 2015 Competitor Clips and Presentations

The Shropshire/Herefordshire Nursery Trial is a great event for those just starting out in agility. It's scheduled to start at 10am.

You can get in touch with Jo on 07814 330861 for more information. The cost is £2.50 per run.

This trial is open to nursery, novice, beginner, and young handler classes, making it an excellent opportunity for handlers to gain experience and build their skills.

North Westmorland Sdt

If you're planning to participate in the North Westmorland SDT, you'll want to know that it starts at 9:30. Cafe and toilets will be available on site, and you'll need to follow the Pennine rules. For more information, you can contact Shirley at 07890545437.

The event organizers have made themselves easily accessible, with Anna Prothero available to answer questions at 07795178451 or [email protected].

PENNINE NURSERY with YORKSHIRE S.D.S

The Pennine Nursery with Yorkshire S.D.S is a great event to get involved in. The trial starts at 9.00am, and it's essential to note that Pennine Rules apply.

Credit: youtube.com, Philip Mellin with Floss, at the English Nursery Final, Castle Rising, Norfolk 2018

You'll need to contact Carol Mellin at 07891871298 for more information. This will ensure you're aware of any specific requirements or restrictions.

A list of second dogs will be taken, and they'll be run if there's time or if waiting competitors allow. This is a great opportunity to get your second dog some experience.

If you're planning to run more than one dog, you'll need to book the first one before 12pm to secure the next available run. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to plan ahead.

Contact Carol Mellin for more details, and get ready to participate in the Pennine Nursery with Yorkshire S.D.S.

Coedperthis, Beulah, N.C

Coedperthis, Beulah, N.C is a popular destination for sheepdog trials. The event starts at 9.30am.

You can contact the organizers at 07394 467958 for more information.

The entry fee is £2.50 per run. This is applicable for Nursery/Novice & Beginners.

Gilfachyfran, Abermeurig

Credit: youtube.com, Scotland Highlands Sheep dog hearding trials competitions

The Gilfachyfran, Abermeurig Sheepdog Trial starts at 9.30am and follows Pennine Rules.

If you're planning to run more than one dog, you'll need to book one in before 12pm to secure a spot for the next available run.

Contact Carol Mellin on 07891871298 for more information about the trial.

International Trials

The International Sheepdog Trials have been a staple event since 1906, with breaks only for World Wars and the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. They were initially held annually until the 2020 event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The trials started as a competition between nations, but due to quarantine rules, they expanded to include more countries over time. Ireland joined in 1961, and the trials were eventually held in various locations around the world, including the Continental (European) trial.

The International Sheepdog Trials were held at Castle Howard in Yorkshire in 2022, after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021. The event is expected to return in 2023, this time at Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

Credit: youtube.com, Men Elite 26" Trials Finals | 2022 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships

Here's a list of the past few World Sheepdog Trials:

  • 2002 – Bala, Wales
  • 2005 – Tullamore, Ireland
  • 2008 – Llandeilo, Wales
  • 2011 – Lowther, England
  • 2014 – Tain, Scotland
  • 2017 – Hoogwoud, the Netherlands
  • 2020 – Cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
  • 2023 – Dromore, Northern Ireland

The ISDS also organizes the World Sheepdog Trials every three years, which is a significant event in the sheepdog trialling calendar.

Tammy Yost-Wildin

Tammy Yost-Wildin represents the fifth-generation of an agricultural family who settled in Billings in the late 1800s.

Her family's long history in agriculture likely influenced her interest in sheepdog handling, a skill that requires a deep understanding of animal behavior and herding techniques.

Tammy grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of farm life, which likely shaped her connection to the land and the animals that inhabit it.

She has a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and communication in sheepdog handling, which is essential for success in competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the sheep dog trials in 2023?

Petter Landfald from Norway was crowned World Champion, while 17-year-old Tyler McKinlay from Scotland took home the Young Handler World Champion title.

Where are the World sheepdog trials being held?

The World Sheepdog Trials are being held at Gill Hall Estate in Dromore, Northern Ireland. This marks the first time the event is taking place in Northern Ireland.

What happens at sheep dog trials?

Sheep dog trials involve a series of exercises that test a dog's ability to herd sheep through various obstacles and commands. These exercises include outrunning, lifting, fetching, and driving the sheep to demonstrate the dog's herding skills.

What is the International Sheepdog Trials 2023?

The International Sheepdog Trials 2023 is one of the largest events in the sheepdog calendar, featuring a premier sheepdog trialling event. It takes place in Blessington, Co Wicklow from 8th - 10 September 2023.

Sources

  1. Website (douglascountysheep.wixsite.com)
  2. Entry (dogtrialentry.com)
  3. Championship Sheepdog Trials (trailingofthesheep.org)
  4. Trials Diary & Events (isds.org.uk)
  5. JSTOR (jstor.org)
  6. scholar (google.com)
  7. news (google.com)
  8. "International Sheep Dog Society" (google.com)
  9. "Sheepdog trials to return in person and on livestream" (agriland.co.uk)
  10. "World Sheepdog Trials take place in Cumbria" (bbc.com)
  11. "World Sheep Dog Trials" (southwalesguardian.co.uk)
  12. "'Olympics' of sheepdog trials comes to Tullamore" (irishtimes.com)
  13. "International Sheepdog Trials 2023 Wicklow" (internationalsheepdogtrials.ie)
  14. "International Sheepdog Trials return to Yorkshire for first time in 40 years" (yorkshirepost.co.uk)
  15. Twitter (twitter.com)
  16. CarbondaleSheepdogFinals.com (carbondalesheepdogfinals.com)

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.