I'm planning on going up to Rhinebeck for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival Oct 18 & 19th. I was browsing the schedule and I saw that there are NE Border Collie Association sanctioned sheepdog trials going on throughout the festival. Any of the herding folks here participating? I'd love to come and watch or cheer you on, in between shopping for fibre goodies.

I've never been to a sheep dog trial but I really want to see some of this one. For those of you who know about them, do you have any advice for a first time observer? Anything in particular I should make sure see or don't bother with? Any particular etiquette I should know?

My main focus will be yarn, yarn, and more yarn, but seeing dogs work sheep live and in person will be a real bonus!

Hey there!
I will be there helping out. It's only a quick jaunt to my home from there. It's only for open dogs, and even though it would be fun to try (hahahaha) Lucy and I aren't ready. It is in a new place this year, near Rt. 9. It's a time/point trial, so it isn't the usual field trial situation. Notice I didn't say it was easier, because these trials have their own issues... Bring a chair, and some money- the food isn't bad. I know the apple crisp was good last year. I will be there sans dog. I have a dark blue costco folding chair. It's always a nice time, and I look forward to it as an annual rite.

If you bring your dogs just make sure they're leashed and quiet. I won't be there but have fun!

I wish I could go because there's a ram who will be at Rhinebeck I would like to bring home, but it's just too far. I'm trying to find someone going to the sheep show who could transport said ram south, but so far no luck. Sadly I might be doing without him after all (he's actually coming all the way from Colorado).

J.

No pets allowed, so the Lazy Boys won't be coming with me. I have visions of them lifting their legs and marking some super expensive yarn or roving, so I likely wouldn't take them anyway. I want to spend my yarn budget on what I pick, not what they pick!

Um, yeah, and I'm sure whatever you make out of the yarn will smell much better sans dog pee!!!

There's a Sheep and Wool Festival in CT in April too, in Vernon which is 15 mins northeast of Hartford.

Wave to Gene Sheninger for me - he's usually in charge of the dog trial festivities and they also do some kind of parade where he marches in full Scots traditional dress. Now there's a guy secure in his manhood. With good reason, I might add.

This year they moved the trial to another section of the fair. That's right, no dogs allowed.. Julie- the ram- what breed? Surely SOMEONE must be able to bring him home? They have a listing of breeders that will be there. Since I will be around all weekend, I can be a contact person if you wish.

That sounds like fun.

Julie,
He's a mature, horned karakul ram, which might make him less attractive for transport. I'll check the breeder's list and see if I recognize anyone who might transport.

J.

Wah! I wanna go!

There is someone going from Virgina- I saw listed. Perhaps we could bubble wrap his horns