This year, the USBCHA Finals are the same date as our Montpelier Sheepdog Trials, so we could not have the trials this year. Instead we will take this opportunity to provide a series of exciting dog demonstrations with sheep on the field throughout the day. Dog Demonstrations are an excellent chance to get a deeper understanding of the training and abilities of sheepdogs and to learn more about the different aspects of the trial runs that will be back in 2025!
The full Sheep Dog Trials will return next year! See below for more information on this exciting event!
On most years, the Montpelier Sheep Dog Trials features four classes of competition, ranging from beginners to the most accomplished dogs and handlers. The trials run throughout the day, both days of the Festival.
The Virginia Border Collie Association (VBCA) has been presenting the Sheep Dog Trials at the Fall Fiber Festival for many years. The VBCA also sanctions and holds other trials throughout the year and recognizes our top dog and handler teams at the end of each trial season. These teams may also earn qualifying points to compete in the United States Border Collie Handlers Association National Finals.
Some of the dogs who have ran at Montpelier have gone on to win the National Finals. In 2013, the “Super Bowl” of sheep dog trialing was held the following week and weekend at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, VA.
The VBCA welcomes all Fiber Festival attendees to watch the trials and marvel at the talents of these dogs. The trials will run continuously both days of the Festival.
To learn more about working Border Collies and sheep dog trials, please contact the VBCA coordinator Debbie Crowder at [email protected].