The Courses
The Qualifying Trials Course
The qualifying course involves the handler and dog working together to move five sheep (three unmarked and two marked with red collars) around a course. There are seven components of the course, each of which is scored by the four judges, one from each nation.
Outrun: In the outrun the dog is sent out either to the left or right from the post while the handler remains at the post. The dog should not stop until it has reached the point of balance behind the sheep, and should be far enough away from the sheep so as not to disturb them. The point of balance is where the dog will lift the sheep in the direction of the first set of gates, the fetch gates. Maximum points gained: 20 per judge
Lift: At the end of the outrun, the dog will either come to a full stop or merely slow down. the dog will then approach the sheep smoothly, cautiously and steadily, taking control in a firm and quiet manner. The sheep should move in a direct line to the first obstacle the fetch gates. Maximum points gained: 10 per judge
Fetch: The sheep must be brought at a steady pace and in a straight line from the place of lifting to the first gates, and thereafter in a straight line to the handler/post. If the sheep deviate from the line they should be brought back to that line as soon as practical. If the sheep fail to go through the gates, no retry of the gates is allowed. Maximum points gained 20 per judge
Drive: The drive is approximately 450 yards long over a triangular course, and consists of two sets of gates through which the dog drives the sheep. The drive starts immediately the sheep have passed behind the handler/post, and ends when the sheep enter the shedding ring. The sheep are required to go in straight lines between the obstacles, and reasonable turns at the post and at both gates are expected. If the sheep fail to go through the gates, a second attempt at either gate is not allowed. Maximum points gained: 30 per judge
Shed: Two unmarked sheep are shed (separated) in the shedding ring and held away from the remaining three sheep. The dog must show control of the two unmarked sheep, either in or outside the ring. It is not a requirement for the sheep to be driven away. Maximum points gained: 10 per judge
Pen: On completion of the shedding, the dog will reunite the sheep, and the handler must proceed to the pen, leaving the dog to bring the sheep to the pen. The handler will stand at the gate holding the rope and must not let go of the rope while the dog works the sheep into the pen. When the sheep are in the pen, the handler must completely close the gate before releasing the sheep. After releasing the sheep, the handler must close and fasten the gate and go to the shedding ring. Maximum points gained: 10 per judge
Single: The dog brings the sheep from the pen to the shedding ring. One of the two marked sheep will be shed (separated) within the shedding ring and held away from the remaining four sheep until the judges are satisfied. Maximum points gained: 10 per judge
Total maximum points gained: 110 per judge
No points are awarded for any phase of the work that has not been completed within the prescribed time limit.
Time limit = 15 minutes
The Qualifying Trial Course
The Supreme Championship
The Supreme Competition is restricted to the highest 15 pointed dogs from the Qualifying Trials, irrespective of Country or Class.
Gathering: The first outrun to be right or left as decided by the Trials Committee before the Trial, and all competitors will run on that side, the second outrun to be on the other side. The sheep are at a distance of about 800 yards. The first packet of 10 sheep should be brought through the gate (9 yards wide) to a post which is 20 yards through the gate. The first fetch is complete when the sheep have reached the turn back post. The dog having reached the post will then be suitably positioned to be redirected for the second lot of sheep (if possible unseen by the dog). The second lot of sheep should also be brought through the gate and united with the first packet. Should the gate be missed, no re-try is allowed. At the end of the fetch the handler shall pass the sheep behind him/her. Maximum points gained: 40 per judge
Lift: At the end of the outrun, the dog will either come to a full stop or merely slow down. the dog will then approach the sheep smoothly, cautiously and steadily, taking control in a firm and quiet manner. The sheep should move in a direct line to the first obstacle the fetch gates. Maximum points gained: 20 per judge
Fetch: The sheep must be brought at a steady pace and in a straight line from the place of lifting to the first gates, and thereafter in a straight line to the handler/post. If the sheep deviate from the line they should be brought back to that line as soon as practical. If the sheep fail to go through the gates, no retry of the gates is allowed. Maximum points gained 40 per judge
Driving: The drive shall be for 600 yards from where the handler starts in a triangular course through two gate obstacles (9 yards wide) back to the handler. The drive will be right or left as directed. Should the gates be missed, no re-try is permitted at either gate. The Drive should be in straight lines and ends when all of the sheep enter the shedding ring. The handler will remain at the post until the first of the sheep is in the shedding ring. Maximum points gained: 40 per judge
Shedding: Fifteen (15) unmarked sheep are to be shed off within a ring 40 yards in diameter. In shedding, the sheep will be passed between the handler and the dog and the dog brought in to stop and hold the marked sheep. Should and marked sheep leave the shedding ring and join any unmarked sheep already shed off, the unmarked sheep with which the marked sheep has joined will be brought back into the ring and shedding resumed. Until the 15 unmarked sheep are shed off, penning will not be permitted. Maximum points gained: 20 per judge
Penning: The pen will be 8 feet by 9 feet, with a gate 8 feet wide to which is secured a rope 6 feet long. On completion of shedding, the handler must proceed to the pen. leaving the dog to bring the marked sheep to the pen. The handler is forbidden to assist the dog in driving the sheep to the pen. The handler will stand at the gate holding the rope, and must not let go of the rope, while the dog manoeuvres the sheep into the pen. The handler must completely close the gate before releasing the sheep, then re-close and fasten the gate. Maximum points gained: 10 per judge
Total maximum points gained: 170 per judge
No points will be awarded for work done in the shedding ring or at the pen when either of these phases of the work has not been completed within the prescribed time limit.
Time limit = 25 minutes
The competition will be decided on Merit points, which are calculated after the last run. Therefore, there will be no posting of judges' Points during the day.
The Supreme Trial Course
A detailed set of Rules for Trials, set by the Directors of the ISDS, can be found on the ISDS website, and should be referred to by handlers. Distances are approximate and will be adjusted for the field in use by the Trials Committee. The Trials Committee is responsible for the course layout and conducting the trial in accordance with the Rules for Trials.