Chatsworth Country Fair 2011
Sunday 5th September
THE RAY OLLERENSHAW SHEEPDOG TRIAL
Sunday only. Judge: Mr George Bonsall
Situated on the far side of the river, west of the Gundog Scurry,
over the scaffolding bridge
Organised by Ian Turner, Ben Randles and Malcolm Sowerbyo
Today 50 dogs compete for the Ray Ollerenshaw Memorial Trophy - presented by the Ollerenshaw family - and various other prizes. The trial course is laid out to test a dog in a practical and work-like situation.
The Outrun: collect the three sheep from a point 300 yards away without disturbing them.
The Fetch: bring the sheep to the handler’s feet at a steady pace, and between two gates on the way.
The Drive: the sheep turn round the handler and are driven for 150 yards to the right to run between two gates, then turn back to the left and run 200 yards through another set of gates and then down the field 150 yards back to the handler.
The Chute: to complete the course the three sheep are put through the chute from left to right, the clock stops and that is the the end of the competitior’s trial.
All in a time of eight minutes - simple!
The first competitor runs at 0830 prompt.
When we first started this trial years ago we decided that whoever won the trial should judge it the following year. Last year it was won by Mr George Bonsall, a local man who farmed near Ashbourne, but in 1993 moved to Eccleshall in Staffordshire to a dairy, arable and sheep farm. He has 40 cows, 250 ewes, 120 lambs and the arable to keep him busy. He has been a member of the ISDS (International Sheepdog Society) for 46 years and ran dogs in the late 60’s, early 70’s and then work took over. He came back to trialling in 1996, and had a good year last year - 1st at Chatsworth, two dogs in the Longshaw Championship, and two 2nds in Wales.
Good luck to all competitors and many thanks to George Bonsall for judging.