Welcome
The Event
*Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued outbreaks, this is a private event and spectators are not permitted. Please see Live Streaming details if you'd like to follow along.
The International Sheep Dog Trial, the pinnacle in the sheep dog trialling calendar, is to be held on Friday 10th to Sunday 12th September 2021 at Tancastell Fields, Rhydyfelin in Aberystwyth by kind permission of Mrs Eirlys Jones and Family.
The trial field is only 10 minutes away from the seaside town of Aberystwyth in West Wales. It is in a picturesque setting between two hills and looking out at the sea.
The trials are being organised and managed by a Local Committee which includes the ISDS President for Wales, Mr Wyn Edwards.
In addition to the dog trials we have a fantastic food and craft festival taking place, with over 50 stands to wander through, selling lovely locally made crafts and produce.
During the 3 days the top 60 handlers, made up of teams of 15 handlers and their dogs from each of the nations, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, will be competing against each other to determine an overall 'International Supreme Champion'. All handlers are seeking to win this prestigious individual award, however there is also the team competition, and the individuals will have a strong desire for their nation to win this.
Day 1 and 2 of the event consists of the 60 handlers competing to qualify for a place within the Supreme Championship, which is held on day 3. The Supreme Competition is restricted to the 15 highest pointed dogs from the Qualifying Trials irrespective of Country or Class.
In addition to the Supreme Championship, the Brace Championship and Young Handler Competition will take place.
Sheep dog trialling is a long established event, and the International championship, as a trial, has been held annually (with exception of the war years and during the Foot and Mouth epidemic in 2001) since 1906, therefore marking 111 years this year.
The purpose of a Sheep Dog Trial is to test the abilities of the best working dogs, in an environment close to true working life. The UK is very much the ‘’kennel of the world’’ as far as the working sheepdog is concerned.
The International Sheep Dog Trial will attract audiences from all over the world, with usual anticipated visitor numbers of over 12,000 during the 3 days of trialling.
In addition to the trialling there will be a number of trade stands.
View from the Constitution Hill in Aberystwyth on the coast of the Irish Sea, Wales