Swellendam - National Sheepdog Championships August 2010
South African Sheepdog Championships will be held on the weekend of 20th to 22nd August near Swellendam.
South African Sheepdog Championships qualifying round starts on Friday 20th August. The Championship semi finals are on Saturday and the Finals on Sunday.
Herding sheep with a well trained sheepdog is a spectacle to behold. The discipline of both dog and handler, the anticipation, enthusiasm and excitement of the pen affects all, the handler, his (or her) dog, even the sheep. Winning the South African Sheepdog Championships is a huge accolade for both the dog and handler.
It’s quite complicated terminology but the idea is to round up a group of sheep (always the same number for each competitor), drive them in to the handler, then away, and then to “draft off” a number of them (all pre marked) and then to pen those drafted off. The rules set by the South African Sheep Dog Association are very strict and judging is of an exceptionally high standard.
Sheepdog Trials and Sheepdog Championships is a much overlooked “sport” that is easy on the eye, very tense for the competitors and spectators and there’s a bonus.
All this happens outside in the beautiful countryside. This year in Swellendam.
Directions
From
There will be a marquee erected in case of bad weather and there will be ample refreshment available at the Championships.
What to bring
Bring your chair, binoculars, hat, jacket and picnic basket and camera.
For more details Contact Faansie or Elmarie Basson on 0827486830 or 0835026243 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Pippa on 0833921956 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
