The full Sheep Dog Trials return this year! See below for more information on this exciting event! We are thrilled to have Steve McCall judge this year’s event! See below for Steve’s full bio.
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.
For more information go to the Virginia Border Collie Association website.
To learn more about working Border Collies and sheep dog trials, please contact the VBCA coordinator Debbie Crowder at [email protected].
Steve McCall
Steve McCall was born and raised in Washington County, Virginia. That is where he still resides with his wife, Betty Gayle. He is the proud father of 2 daughters, and 3 grandchildren. One of his two daughters, Dr. Melinda McCall, will be at the Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival with her newly published book about her journey as a large animal veterinarian, along with one of his granddaughters, Lucy, signing books. Steve’s life has revolved around Border Collies. They’ve been his trusted companions for herding cattle and sheep, simplifying farm work.
Some of Steve’s accomplishments in the world of herding has led him to become a two-time Reserve National Champion at the USBCHA National Cattle dog Championship. His judging experience in herding competitions has taken him from the Eastern United States all the way to Colorado. He loves meeting different people and seeing different places through the herding world! If you need a good joke, then feel free to come say hello.