Rydal Sheepdog Trials were started by Stanley Le Fleming in 1901 (See picture on right Mr Stanley le Fleming on the left with Mr W B Logan). For more than 100 years, the Le Fleming family have shown unstinting support for Rydal Sheep Dog Trials. The Swaledale Sheep are provided by Chris Hodgson of Rydal Farm and as they have come down from the fells and only recently been clipped, they are often quite rebellious providing a real test for the sheep dog handlers. Judges award points for the Gathering – the collection of the sheep from the top of the course, the Drive round the course and through the gates and finally the Penning.  The judges for this year are Mr Richard Harrison (Rydal) and Mr Norman Ireland  (Le Fleming/Doubles) Spectators have a great view of both courses from the hill that divides them. They can also enjoy amusing commentary throughout the day from Glenn Tubman, recent winner of Cumbria’s Tourism Personality of the year.

The Rydal Class is for sheepdogs and handlers who have not won a first or second prize in a trial. This class is run throughout the day from 9.00am on the left side of the show field. The prize money for this class is being sponsored by Carter Jonas. The winner of this class will receive £25, the Porter Challenge Cup and a Border Collie Figurine kindly given by Border Fine Arts and Hannah Robinson China of Ambleside. There will also be a prize of two Border Collie Mugs given by Hannah Robinson China for the best run without penning and a tankard for the best competitor residing within 15 miles of Rydal Church.

The Le Fleming Stakes is for sheepdogs and handlers who have won a first or second in a Trial. This class is run throughout the day from 9.00am on the right hand side of the show field. The prize money for this class is being sponsored by Nigel Davis Agricultural Solicitors and includes £40 to the winner and a silver sheepdog Challenge Trophy given by Mr and the late Mrs Richard le Fleming and a tankard to keep given by Mrs Mary Logan. There is a Border Collie Mug given by Hannah Robinson China for the best performance before 1pm and a silver salver for the highest placed Cumbrian Competitor kindly given in memory of the late Mr Jo Thompson.

The Double Dog Class takes place at 2.30pm and the prize money is being sponsored by Carter Jonas

Entries of the sheepdog trial classes close on 25th July 2010.

A PDF version of the Sheepdog Trials entry form is available to download here, or you can email the show secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it