Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials showcase heritage and skill

The Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials, held at Bramber Farm in Ruwa over the last weekend of September, delivered an entertaining and educational showcase of the remarkable partnership between handlers and their highly trained herding dogs.

International expertise comes to Zimbabwe

The event was judged by Andrew Dickman, a distinguished sheepdog trials judge from Scotland whose expertise is sought after at high-profile competitions internationally. Dickman's work as a judge is highly respected in the sheepdog trial world, and he is recognised for his mentorship in the sheepdog community, having significantly influenced up-and-coming handlers in Scotland.

2025 competition 

Twenty-one teams competed across two categories (junior and senior handlers) putting their dogs through their paces in a series of challenges over the three-day competition. The trials demonstrated not only the athletic ability and intelligence of the working dogs, typically Border Collies, but also the dedication and skill of their handlers.

Understanding Sheepdog Trials

Sheepdog trials are competitive events where handlers and their trained herding dogs demonstrate their ability to move sheep through a standardised course. These trials showcase the remarkable partnership between dog and handler, as well as the dogs' natural herding instincts refined through training.

Course components

In a typical trial, a dog must complete several tasks:

Outrun: The dog runs in a wide arc to get behind a small group of sheep (usually 3-5) positioned far from the handler.

Lift: The dog calmly starts the sheep moving toward the handler.

Fetch: The dog brings the sheep in a straight line through gates back to the handler.

Drive: The dog pushes the sheep away from the handler through additional gates, often in a triangular pattern.

Shed: The dog separates specific sheep from the group.

Pen: The dog helps the handler guide the sheep into a small enclosure.

Throughout this, the handler directs the dog using whistle commands and voice commands from a distance, often while standing in one spot. The dog must work the sheep calmly and efficiently without stressing them.

Scoring and competition

Competitors start with a perfect score and lose points for errors like missing gates, rough handling of sheep, or taking too long. The best runs look almost effortless, with the dog seeming to anticipate the sheep's movements.

These trials range from local farm events to prestigious national and international championships. In Zimbabwe, sheepdog trials represent more of a recreational pursuit and sporting tradition than an essential farming practice. While working sheepdogs remain crucial tools on farms in countries like Scotland, New Zealand, and parts of South Africa, Zimbabwe's smaller sheep farming sector and different agricultural landscape mean that sheepdog handling here is pursued primarily as a hobby and competitive sport.

The annual Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trial events provide enthusiasts with an opportunity to engage with this heritage skill, celebrate the intelligence and athleticism of working dogs, and connect with the broader international sheepdog community through events like this one judged by visiting experts such as Andrew Dickman.

COMPETITION RESULTS

National Champion Jenny Ludick and Cola

Reserve Champion Rose van der Ruit and Hemp

Junior Champion Rose van der Ruit and Henna

Novice Champion Atmos Chiunye and Calla