English National Sheepdog Trials return to Yorkshire after nine-year absence
ORGANISERS of the English National Sheepdog trials are gearing up to celebrate the event’s return to Yorkshire after an absence of nine years.
The event at Castle Howard will see some of the best dogs and biggest names in sheepdog trialling come together from across England on August 5, 6 and 7 to compete to win one of 15 places in the national team and go on to represent England in the International Trials, held in Wales later in the year.
Ryedale full time working shepherd, Ian Murdoch, is hoping to get a good run with his two dogs eight-year-old Bob and four-year-old Ben.
“Both are capable of doing it,” says Mr Murdoch, who is no stranger to the 
England team, having qualified on two previous occasions. “It’d be great to do it again, the last time was in 2000, and it’d be all the better to qualify here in Yorkshire amongst friends and family.”
Originating from the Yorkshire Dales, on the Hawes side, Mr Murdoch’s father competed locally and an interest was sparked in Murdoch junior, but it wasn’t really until he became a full time shepherd taking up a position at Fridlington Farms near Malton 30 years ago that trialling became his serious passion.
Sheep numbers have built up over the years to around 3000 ewes, and having good working dogs is a must, he says.
It has gone another generation too, with daughter Rachel competing in the Young Handlers competition at the International Trial in Ireland three years ago.
“Perhaps it was being born at lambing time and going to her first trial at two months of age,” said Mr Murdoch.
Mr Murdoch’s interest extends to the organising side of sheepdog trials also.
Along with other members of the Ryedale Sheepdog Society he’s been heavily involved in setting up for the English National, and at many of the local agricultural shows sheepdog trials including Malton, Ryedale and Thornton le Dale.
The event will also include an array of family activities, including a craft and demonstration marquee on the Saturday and Sunday, taking part are the talented ladies from the Cleveland Fibre art group with spinning weaving and felting, and traditional stick makers amongst other artisan crafts. There will also be a children’s tent and bouncy castle, and ‘Handlers Corner’ – for those who want to learn more about what’s happening on the trial field, talk to the experts and find out about their dogs.
Catering and bar facilities are available with profit from the latter being donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The Freedom of Spirit for Border Collies Trust will also be giving an insight into the Border Collie breed, their history, behaviour and training.
Alec Mosey, local chairman of the 2016 English National Sheepdog Trials, said: “We are very proud to be hosting the event once again in Yorkshire and could not think of a more stunning backdrop to our venue than the historic and world-famous Castle Howard.
“As well as the trials, we have ensured that there are plenty of activities on offer for the whole family to enjoy in what promises to be an exciting, entertaining and successful event. Our visitors can get a discounted entry to Castle Howard too with the great house, gardens and adventure playground to discover.”
He added: “For those wanting to make a weekend of it, our venue is set in the beautiful rolling countryside of the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Scenic villages, the historic City of York, two National Parks, Whitby and the Yorkshire coast as well as the famous World of James Herriot Museum at Thirsk are all within easy reach.”
