Paw- fect event for sheepdog contest
sheepdog trials herded record numbers along to a growing event.
Only in its second year, Jock and Wullie Welsh’s Novice, Nursery and Beginners trial attracted more than 20 competitors to Dumfries House on sunday, November 11.
and before starting competitors and spectators observed a respectful silence to mark the 100th anniversary of the ending of the great War.
the event, which aims to encourage new, young, and recent entrants to trialling, consisted of three categories.
the Novice category was for those who had not won a top 3 place in an Open trial; the Nursery category was for dogs under 2.5 years and the Beginner category was for new handlers starting out.
Category winners won trophies, cash prizes and dog food provided by the sponsor gilbertson and page.
the event was launched in 2017 by Jock Welsh in collaboration with hosts John Rowell and Denise Richardson- Rowell who manage Valentin’s Education Farm and Home Farm at Dumfries House respectively, and the shepherd at Dumfries House, Charlotte Darwent.
the winners, judged by Wullie Welsh, of Dalmellington, were as follows:
Novice: Ludivine de Ravel ( 82); Jacquie L’Etang ( 76); Kara Craig ( 74); Kelly Blackwood ( 71); Charlotte Darwent ( 67) and gordon Hodge ( 63).
Nursery: Jamie stenria ( 81); Matt McColm ( 79); Charlotte Darwent ( 67); gordon Murray ( 66) and Vicky Mathie ( 41).
Beginner: Matt McColm; gordon Murray; Janice Ralston and Vicky Mathie.