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SHEEPDOG TRIAL CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

The following descriptions are based upon those of the USBCHA and other organizations, please be warned that in different regions the classes may not follow these descriptions, it is always best to check with the trial organizers as to exactly what is intended for a given class at their trial. Hopefully there will come a day when everyone's understanding if what is required in a given class will be the same.

OPEN

The open course usually consists of an outrun of at least 300 yards (usually more) and a fetch through a set of panels. A triangular drive through 2 sets of panels covering a distance of usually 300 or more yards follows the fetch and can be set up in either direction. The drive is followed by a shed, pen and single although the single is sometimes omitted and in such cases the shed will occasionally follow the pen.

OPEN RANCH

The open ranch course is similar to the open course except that there is not usually a shed or a single and the course is usually shorter. This course is frequently also referred to as pro-novice, particularly in parts of the west.

PRO-NOVICE

The pro-novice course usually has an outrun of approximately 200 yards followed by a fetch through a set of panels. A single legged drive (out and back) through one set of panels follows the drive and is itself followed by a pen.

NOVICE

The novice course involves an outrun generally between 75 and 125 yards followed by a fetch that may or may not include a set of panels. The fetch generally ends with a turn around the post followed by a pen although the turn is often replaced by simply settling the sheep in front of the post or just going straight from the fetch gates to the pen.

NURSERY

Nursery is a full size open course but without the shed and single.

RANCH

The ranch class is highly variable but often includes an outrun and fetch of 75 to 125 yards and a single legged drive followed by a pen much like the pro-novice course. In the ranch class it is often acceptable for the handler to leave the post and go with the dog on the drive and in some cases go out and help the dog on the outrun and fetch.

BRACE

Brace competitions are uncommon in North America. The Brace course is of the same scale as the open course but involves the use of 2 dogs. One dog is sent in each direction to gather a group of usually 10 or more sheep. The dogs may change sides at the top but for the rest of the run must remain on the side they begin the fetch on. Following the drive the handler and one dog will split the sheep into 2 even groups. The first set of sheep will be penned by one dog while the other dog holds the second set. The pen for the first set of sheep has no gate and after penning the first dog must guard the entrance to the pen preventing the sheep from leaving. The second dog pens the second set of sheep in a normal pen.

NOVICE-BRACE