FARMERS and spectators from all over the Westcountry flocked to Pennywell Farm this week for the Dartmoor and Exmoor Sheepdog Trials.

A trial is a competition to test the abilities of a sheepdog and its owner. Sheepdogs are guided through a series of commands to complete a variety of tasks which reflect their everyday work.

Finishing in second place, farmer Ray Edwards said: ‘It’s a tricky course, the sheep need to be handled very gently, otherwise if you rush them you’ll be in a mess, which a lot of people have been.

‘But there’s been some really good runs, lots of people have handled the sheep steady, they’ve picked them well, and one or two have got them in the pen. The time is short, you’ve only got ten minutes.’

Overall, Ray came in second, missing the top spot to Ged Watson. ‘All in all, it’s been a great day with a great turnout and some good competition. The dogs have performed really well.’

Most of the dogs competing in the trial are working dogs, and the skills they acquire in their everyday work are the key to their performance in the event.

At 16, Will Carter was one of the youngest competitors and has already been competing for eight years: ‘It was terrifying the first time I did it, but I love working with dogs, and it’s a great challenge to have a go at.’

Will ended up placing sixth, but was widely tipped to be the next big talent.

As one of the favourites, Frank Richards shared his key to success: ‘Consistency in practice, get your dogs right and don’t let the nerves get to you, because a good dog is like your right arm.’

For many like Frank, it’s good to be back in the field after a long hiatus due to Covid: ‘Covid threw it out for a couple of years there which was a bit of a shame because it’s good to keep the dogs going and getting them out as much as possible

‘I’m addicted to it now though, once you get going, you get your first trained dog and then you think about getting another one, and then suddenly you end up like me with 12 dogs!’