Barmera Sheep Dog Trials
We have never been to a sheep dog trial before, so were thrilled when we drove into the town of Barmera, and saw signs posted all over the place about the upcoming sheep dog trial. We were curious to see what the poor dog had done, if he was going to be found guilty or innocent and what his sentence would be. So, you can imagine our disappointment when we discovered it was not that kind of trial.
Anyway, disappointment aside, we decided we’d have to go and have a look see.
Fair warning, there are a lot of photos of dogs, and the odd sheep (what other kind are there) so all you birders out there are just going to miss out this time.
The trials started on the Thursday and went through until the finals on Sunday. It was very quiet through the week, and I was one of a handful of spectators. All that meant was that I had front row seats and I really did enjoy watching the dogs and their trainers work. It really is amazing how the dogs are directed by a simple set of words, whistles and/or hand gestures.
Even the newbies were good to watch. What they lacked in skill, they made up for with sheer determination, including the young dog who gave up on the traditional method of rounding up and tried to drag the ewe to his handler by the wool on its neck; sadly, he was disqualified as were the other two dogs who tried that technique.
Now, I’m no expert, but I did pick up a few things while watching. First and foremost, no matter how well you think your dog is trained, I can guarantee you, he/she isn’t this good. These dogs are amazing. You can see the focus in their eyes from the moment they get on the field, to that first call to work, and the last pat for a job well done.
This was the course: Three sheep would be released at the bottom of the field; the dog was at the opposite end. The dog had to run down the field, bring the sheep back up to his/her handler, work the sheep around the handler keeping she sheep within a corridor of cones. From there, he/she had to herd the sheep back down the field and through a gate. Then across the field and through a series of gates, then back up the field, over a bridge and finally into a holding pen, all within fifteen minutes.
Should be easy, right? Tell that to the sheepdogs. If the dog was faced with an ornery ewe, a stubborn ewe, a stupid ewe, or a combination of all three, he/she was in trouble. I have to say I was surprised at the size difference between the sheep and the dogs. It takes skill, speed and courage to do what these dogs do, I can tell you.
I saw one poor dog run himself ragged around the sheep, for a good ten minutes, and they just didn’t move. Another dog got stomped on by a ewe who then promptly jumped the fence, followed by her companions and the dog. It took a while to get that situation under control. 🙂
Now, back to the trials. Each competitor starts the run with one hundred points, and they lose points for each infringement. If the dog lets the sheep out of the corridor, or can’t get them through the gates, over the bridge or into the holding pen. Then there is a ten-point deduction if they run out of time and do not finish the course. I think the lowest score was seven, the highest, ninety-three. Now that’s impressive.
The oval was packed for the final. We could only stay a couple of hours, but we certainly enjoyed watching these beautiful, lean, well-trained dogs do their jobs, and it was written clearly on their faces that they were having a ball (the sheep not so much,) working the sheep. But boy oh boy, did those dogs work hard. Interesting fact about sheep dogs. Apparently, when the dogs are fully focussed, they don’t breathe normally. That is, they don’t pant. And because of this when they’re working hard, they don’t get enough oxygen in their system. If you work a dog too long in this high concentration mode, they run the risk of collapsing.
The day before the grand finale, the town hosted “The Running of the Sheep”. That was a bit of fun, and I think most of the town turned up for the event. Two hundred sheep were let loose at the top of the main street and ran between the barriers back down to the oval. I think it would have been best named “The meandering of the Sheep”, they stopped halfway down the road on the first bend and tried to go back, but it was a lot fun, and all of us kids loved it.
Finally, for all of you who, like me, are concerned about the welfare of the sheep, let me set your mind at ease. Each set of three sheep is only used once. They are kept in a holding pen until needed, then placed in a different pen after their turn in the arena.
Both pens were clean with fresh water and plenty of feed. They might eventually end up on your dinner table, but until then, they are well cared for.
See you out there somewhere
On tow and on the go!
Now I am not sure if sheep are as dumb as pigeons or if they are smart enough to beat all comers.
I am sure there will be a bird and sheep competition somewhere – and I think that the birds (as long as they aren’t pigeons) will win! 😁 Rae
Thanks for that story. They certainly are amazing dogs. Mac started out as a sheep dog trialer.
We are well aware of Border Collies not over doing it. Mac has had a couple of episodes after running around for too long. We now make sure he is pulled up before he gets to that state.
They are amazing, I wish more people understood dogs the way you do. I’ve seen people on the beach run their dogs for way to long.
🙂