ABOUT... all who make this annual event possible
Hosting and implementing an event of this magnitude requires the help of many individuals. Often they work behind the scenes and contribute enormous amounts of time, energy, and funding. When you have a chance, please take a moment to thank them for their efforts and let them know what you appreciate about this event. The National Sheepdog Finals would not be possible without the generous support and work of the following individuals, groups, and organizations:
The Trial Committee
Each year the United States Border Collie Handler's Association (USBCHA) entertains requests from around the country to host the annual National Sheepdog Finals. Interested individual handlers and their local organizations band together to present a proposal to the USBCHA Board of Directors. Once the Board of Directors has made their selection it becomes the responsibility of the regional trial committee to host the event. This requires an enormous amount of work. From choosing the specific trial site, to obtaining sponsors and communicating with local businesses, the Trial Committee must attend to all of the details. Learn more...
The Sponsors
Sponsors come in all varieties and sizes. They provide oversight, donations, and financial backing. They give form to this undertaking. Without them, there would be no resources to push this event forward. Thank you to all who have contributed through charitable donations, in-kind donations, and event sponsorships. Learn more...
The Host Site
The trial site is one of the most important foundations of a national sheepdog competition. Without a good trial site, handlers and dogs of the caliber that reach the national finals standings could not be tested and pushed to their limits. A good national trial site also provides a comfortable place for handler and dog to rest at the end of a stressfull day; a pleasant environment for spectators looking for something different and relaxing to do on a weekend; a picturesque backdrop for vendors to display and sell their wares; and, a calm and healthy space for sheep to rest before and after contributions to the event. This year, dogs and handlers will be challenged to adapt quickly to the demands that come with the altitude and moutainous terrain found at the Strang Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado. Learn more ...
The Judges
Each year, the United States Border Collie Handler's Association (USBCHA) solicits nominations from the USBCHA membership of individuals to judge the National Sheepdog Finals. From these nominations, four people are selected. Learn more ...
The Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of any event, and, the National Sheepdog Finals competition is no exception. These volunteers, working mostly behind the scenes, provide services ranging from parking assistance to sheep care. Learn more ...
The Sheep
Many handlers will tell you that the sheep can make or break a trial. This year, handlers and dogs will test their skills handling Colorado range sheep. Seven hundred range yearlings (young sheep) will be gathered from the high alpine meadows of the Rocky Mountains and delivered to the Strang Ranch the day before the trial. These sheep are internationally reknown for besting even the most seasoned dog/handler team. Learn more ...
The Dog and Handler Team
After a year of trialing around the country, 225 dog and handler teams will earn the necessary points to compete in the 2011 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals. These handlers and their dogs represent the best that the United States and Canada have to offer in terms of stockmanship and stock dog handling. Spectators will have a rare opportunity to observe seasoned veterans in the Open Class, as well as the finest of our young prospects in the Nursery Class. Learn more...
The Set Out Crew
Mark Henderson , Nancy Penley and Sean Casey have been setting sheep together for quite some time. Their standard for consistent sets is unparalleled as they are one of the premier set-out crews in the country. They’re up before the sun, and don’t unsaddle until the last sheep is safe and fed for the night. There’s never any shortage of laughs to get them through the long days.Learn more...