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Sheepdog trialling simulates typical everyday working practices of a sheepdog, and puts it into a standardised sporting contest. Points are awarded for the various disciplines encountered, and the competitor with highest aggregate score is the winner
Popularity
Traditionally more popular in areas of high sheep population, and wide open spaces. Such as Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Moorlands and Dales of England.
Location
Sheepdog trials normally take place on a privately owned farm or estate, with an interest in sheep, as the area necessary for a trial is large for a comparatively few participants and spectators.
Age
There is no age bar in sheepdog trialing, there are junior classes to encourage young competitors into the pastime and plenty of advice is always on hand from the older more experienced shepherds.
Ability
A potential competitor must possess a trained dog that is competent in the working of sheep. and have a sound knowledge of sheep and their habits. By far the most commonly worked dog nowadays is the Border Collie.
Description
All trials start with an OUTRUN, the dog is sent away, and around the sheep without disturbing them. The LIFT, the dog rises the sheep and gets them moving without spooking them, and evenly as a group. the DRIVE, the sheep are driven towards a gate in a straight line and at a steady even pace., the sheep must go through the gate as a group, and on into the SHEDDING ring, where two previously marked sheep are shed from the bunch by the dog, and then finally the sheep are PENNED.
Dedication
Sheepdog trialling is an activity that demands hours of everyday dedication, over a long period of time. Firstly the dog must be trained and a bond and trust between dog and handler formed. The dog is then introduced to sheep, and a whole new range of skills taught. The dog like all activities involving animals must be looked after every day, and the whole range of skills practised regularly. Practicing trialling involves many hours of training alone, just one man and his dog.
Potential
Progression in sheepdog trialling is after winning local contests, being asked to represent the area, the county and the nation at the U.K. championships. winning also increases the value of any pups, and also the shepherds reputation as a trainer.
Closely
Related Activities
Herding 1097, Sheep Shearing 505. Also other activities involving training or working with dogs 217.
Cost
Most trialists are working shepherds, so the costs are largely borne by working expenses. A Border Collie Puppy will cost from a few hundred pounds to a thousand pounds for a pup with successful trialling parentage. If the handler does not have access to their own sheep, this can normally be overcome in exchange for some gathering work on a local sheep farm.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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