As part of the Surrey Sheep Dog Society trials calendar, we hold an open sheep dog trial every year, here on the farm. We also hold a qualifying trial as part of the Shabden Farm Picnic, which is spectator-friendly. Visitors are encouraged to picnic while watching the dog trial, and to talk to the shepherds and dog handlers on the day.Typically, around 60 dogs run in one of Shabden sheep dog trials and the event lasts all day. Spectators are welcome, admission is free to the public and there are usually refreshments available. |
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The Trial CourseThe course is set out according to standards set by the International Sheep Dog Society. First the dog must run out to behind the sheep, who have been shepherded to a start point at the far end of the course. The handler can send the dog out to the left or to the right, and points are scored for the path the dog takes on the outrun. The dog must then pick up the sheep (the lift) and fetch them to the handler, through one set of gates, in as straight a line as possible. Once near the handler, the dog is commanded to drive the sheep around the post at which the handler is standing, and out to the first set of drive gates. The trial judge will specify at the beginning of a trial whether this is to be to the handlers' right or left, and this is known as a right-hand or left-hand drive. |
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Once
through the first set of gates, the dog must turn the sheep and
drive them across the width of the course to the drive gates opposite,
turn them again and drive them back towards the handler. The whole
of the drive forms a triangle. When the sheep are within the shedding
area just in front of the handlers' post, the handler may leave
the post to perform the shed. This is where (typically) two sheep
are shed off the group. The handler must call the dog through a
gap they have created in the group and the dog must maintain control
over those sheep which have been shed. Points are scored for completing
this task within the shedding ring and for not letting any sheep
out of the ring in the process. The group is then brought back together
for the pen. The handler opens the gate of the pen and commands
the dog to quietly push the sheep into the pen. Closing the gate
on the penned sheep signals the end of a successful run. |
| Sheep dog handlers are friendly and willing to talk to visitors about the trial, but before their run, most handlers like to have a quiet moment away from the field with their dog. Please don't approach a handler if it looks like they are preparing for their run. Please remember to keep your own dogs on leads and not to approach handlers' dogs without permission.
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