The Sheep Dog Trials originated in Bala, North Wales, in October 1873. The trials aim: "to promote and foster throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Channel Islands, Isle of Man and such other countries seen as desirable and necessary to the breeding, training and improvement of the working sheepdog. This to secure the better management of stock by improving the shepherds' dog".

The National Sheep Dog Trials have been held almost every year since the formation of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) in 1906. The trials are a three day event which alternates between North and South Wales.

The culmination of these qualifying National trials is the annual International trial. Every 4 years this is held in Wales. In September 2004 the International Trials were held in Llandeilo, in conjunction with a Game Fair. In 4 years' time the 2008 trials will be held in North Wales.

The National Sheepdog Trials use a collaborative and partnership approach. Funds are raised by:

• concerts
• raffles
• proceeds from ordinary local sheepdog trials
• selling advertising in programmes
• raising sponsorship

The organising committee works under the umbrella of the International Sheep Dog Society. The committee is formed of 12-14 members. The current President and elected Secretary and Treasurer have overall responsibility for planning the event and for keeping detailed records and minutes.

Overall organisation is undertaken by volunteers who are mainly sheepdog supporters. They are invited to meetings to discuss stewarding roles and responsibilities and attend required Health and Safety briefings.

The very specialist nature of this event dictates the choice of site location. This usually means that few or no facilities are already available onsite.

Considerations in choosing the site include:

• sufficient area space/capacity for the trial itself
• availability of parking space
• provision for a segregated competitor area
• general public area consisting of stalls, marquees, toilets and grandstand

Most facilities are hired in to comply with legislative requirements.

The National Trials is considered to be a low-risk activity with lower emergency cover than the international event.

At the national event, fringe activities are limited. Only a few local business operators are usually involved, but catering and related trade stands are chosen to support the local community where possible.

Team support is usually given on a voluntary, unpaid basis.

Marketing and promotion of this specialist event is low profile, but local and international promotion is provided via the ISDS.

The UK is an important player in sheepdog trials and people often combine their visit with a longer holiday, especially those from abroad.

The National event includes up to 150 competitions with approximately 3,000 to 5,000 people of all ages attending over the 3 days.

Key Points:

• A draft list of local accommodation is circulated by the local accommodation secretary. Visitors particularly appreciate the listings of accommodation providers willing to accommodate dogs
• International Sheepdog Magazine offers accommodations operators the opportunity to share a full-page advert at minimum rates
• Good toilet and catering facilities are seen as important to the success of the event
• Although marketing and advertising opportunities are limited for specialist events, encouraging fundraising and sponsorship is important
• The Committee Secretary role requires a practical understanding of the event and the ability to make general decisions and take immediate action with the approval of the local committee
• Committee members are chosen with a variety of experience in the different aspects of the events

Useful Links:

www.sheepdogchampionships.co.uk/bala
www.isds.org.uk
www.workingsheepdog.org