There is something for everyone at the English National Sheepdog trial at Jervaulx Abbey on 27-29 July, where 150 of the country’s top sheepdogs and their handlers will gather at the historic and picturesque site near Ripon.
Spectators will watch the experts guide their dogs around the course, herding five sheep through a series of gates and into the shedding ring, where two sheep will be separated off, followed by the ‘pen.’ Anyone who enjoyed watching the ‘One Man and his Dog television series will also appreciate the brace contest, which will see one handler manoeuvre two dogs and a packet of 10 sheep around the challenging course.
Alongside the sheepdog trial, in which the highest point-scorers will qualify for the International competition, the event will host an open quoits championship, trade stands and a craft marquee packed with artisan food, gifts and home ware, as well as an exhibition of local sheep breeds. Another attraction not to be missed is the ‘dog and duck’ sheepdog display. The local Young Farmers Club will be putting on a programme of activities to occupy the children, who will also be entertained with traditional funfair rides.
A wide range of refreshments will be available over all three days, with the Black Sheep Brewery running the bar, while Kielder Organic Meats will be offering freshly-cooked burgers, sausages and other family favourites in the catering marquee.
Visitors who can spare some time away from the trial ground may wish to take a wander around Jervaulx itself, which is the country’s largest privately-owned Cistercian Abbey and is a popular film and TV location, sitting in the midst of the stunning North Yorkshire countryside. The Jervaulx tearoom and visitor centre will be open throughout all three days; entry is by donation.
The entry fee for trial spectators is £5 and there is no charge for children under 16. The site will be open from 8am until early evening; no need to book in advance.
The event, which is part of the International Sheepdog Society’s (ISDS) annual trials series, is being organised by the local ISDS branch, the Northern Sheepdog Association. To take part in the open quoits championship, contact trial secretary Lynn Morland on 07415 516859.
Entry fee £5, children under 16 go free. Jervaulx Abbey is located at HG4 4PH
EXHIBITOR AND SPONSOR LIST TRADE STANDS
SG Petch (motor pick-ups)
Hawes Auction Mart
Carrs Billington
Brymor Dairy Ice Cream
Farming Community Network
National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
Winnie’s Yorkshire Delights (chutneys)
Steve Pomfret (dog leads)
Lizzie Weaver (hand-woven items)
Display of local sheep
Roger Bray (crooks, sheepdog books and prints)
Carrotech (quad bikes)
Kitchy and Co cards (prints and gifts)
Ollie Collie (Border Collie design clothes and gifts)
Canny Coffees
Annie’s Truck Shop (sweets)
Paul Dobson Photography
Raymond Brown Quads
Blue Dogs Designs (art)
Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies (dog rescue)
Border Collie Trust GB (dog rescue)
CRAFT TENT
Dennis Green (antique and vintage)
David Smith/Moria Murray (art, metalwork and ceramics)
Rita Bainbridge (cushions, bags and aprons)
Ian Davenport (wooden bowls and boxes)
Hannalin Crafts (hand-spun throws and jumpers)
Christina’s home-made fudge
Paint Pot crafts
Auntie Jane’s childrenswear
Orangegrove Crafts (gifts and animal sculptures)
Sue Meredith (glass products)
Farmhouse soap made from sheep milk
Hearts and Roses (soft toys)
Howard Nicholas (artisan fruit gins and whiskies, cakes and scarves)
Jemima and Co
TJ’s Candles
SPONSORS:
The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
SG Petch (motor pick-ups)
Phillip Holden (Rural)
Kettlewell Fuels
Carrs Billington
Hawes Auction Mart
Outhwaite Ropemakers
Ulverston Auction Mart
Gorgeous Cottages
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Biker Group Concrete
Jamison Animal Feed
Horner Shearing
Dale and Vale Vets
Tennants Auctioneers
Waddington Buildings
Brymor Ice Cream Parlour
Skipton Auction Mart
Bainbridge Vets
Calverts Stone Yard
Reeth Garage
I’ansons Animal Feeds
Leyburn Auction Mart
Catering – Kielder Organic Meats
Bar – Black Sheep Brewery