Herding trials offer a way for you and your dog to test your herding skills in a competitive environment that sets up herding situations as close to real-life as possible. Not everyone can work on a farm and get "on the job training" to figure out strategies for moving livestock from Point A to Point B. Trials satisfy a need for all the rest of us.
At Magic's Legacy we host several herding trials per year sanctioned by different venues. The rules for herding trials vary depending on the sanctioning organization.
The American Kennel Club sanctions all-breed competition for purebred dogs holding an AKC number via one of the following:
AKC offers classes in two categories: Tests and Trials. Dogs must have training and exposure to livestock before entering tests or trials.
To learn more go to: AKC Herding Program
The American Herding Breed Association offers a similar program to AKC, however a purebred dog is not required. The AHBA Herding Trial Program allows herding dogs and their trainers to demonstrate herding skills at graduated levels of herding training. Your dog does not require breed registration papers to participate. The emphasis is on accomplishment of requirements rather than on competition (though everyone likes to be named the best at what they do well).
To learn more go to: AHBA Herding Program
The purpose of the Australian Shepherd Club of America Stockdog Program is to preserve and promote the instinct of the Australian Shepherd to be a versatile stockdog, showcasing the natural working ability of the breed through the use of certification programs for challenging trialing disciplines on several classes of stock.
To learn more go to: ASCA Stockdog Program
The United States Border Collie Handler's Association, Inc. (USBCHA) is the sanctioning body for sheep and cattledog trials throughout the United States and Canada.
To learn more go to: USBCHA Home Page
The farm at Magic's Legacy is available to host trials, tests and special events for breed clubs and herding clubs.