All Trials at Raspberry Ridge
 About Herding ABC's
Instruction

The course is laid out in a 25 acre field, perimeter fenced with box wire field fencing, 40 inches high.  There are multiple draws for the sheep on this course— specifically, the Field Gate closest to the house, the remainder of the field beyond the crest of the ridge, the Woods Field, the  pen where the sheep start, and the two holding areas in the field—the Holding Pen and the “B Course Holding Area.”   The course tests the dog’s and Handler’s abilities to read the impact of these draws on the sheep and to respond appropriately.  All obstacles (except for Holding Pen) and roads of the course are at least 20 yards away from the perimeter fence.

Turns will be marked with orange cones on inside of turn. Handler’s posts for Gathers will be marked with blue cones.  Drive legs for HRD II & III will be marked as specified. The edges of roads and Grazes are marked by furrows. 

Except where otherwise specified, the sheep should move steadily and quietly without rushing, lagging, or weaving in a counter-clockwise direction around the field within the confines of the roads of the course. 

Except as otherwise specified on certain parts of the course, the dog and Handler may take various positions relative to the sheep throughout the course.  

If the majority of the flock goes off course, sheep should be brought back on course as efficiently as possible to the point where the majority of the sheep left the course initially.  A few sheep drifting slightly off a road or out of Graze not due to the dog’s direct action (or deliberate lack of action) should not be penalized.  Except where noted, if the majority of the flock is 50 yards or more off course for longer than 5 seconds then the run should be terminated.

The time limits and total distances the sheep travel for each course:

HRD I— 20 minutes, 450 yards

HRD II— 30 minutes, 680 yards

HRD III— 40 minutes, 880 yards

Ties within classes will be broken on:

1^st, highest score for Graze

2^nd, highest score for Gather

3^rd, Time 

HRD I

1.  HRD I Exit from Pen  (10 points)

Sheep (30 minimum) are taken from the pen, 32  x 32 ft in size, 40 inches high, 12 foot gate (“Pen” in diagram).  The dog’s work is judged on calmness and smoothness.  The dog is taken off leash before the Handler opens the gate.  There must be a definite pause in the dog’s motion after the leash is removed.  The dog off leash holds the sheep in the pen while the Handler opens the pen gate.  The pen gate is left at full open position. 

[The draw for the sheep upon exiting is usually towards the Field Gate near the house.

If the sheep go to the Field Gate or corner of field after the Exit from the Pen, if the dog and Handler show evidence of ability to recover the situation safely and return the sheep to anywhere on Road 1 within 1 minute, the run will be penalized but will continue.]

The dog may be placed wherever necessary to accomplish the exit from the pen in the most efficient manner.  The sheep should not rush or crowd the gate or pen. 

The HRD I Handler may enter the pen if desired and move around as needed to assist the dog, but may not touch the dog or sheep. 

2. HRD I Fetch/Drive to Graze and Inner Bridge (20 points)

HRD I Fetch/Drive to Graze (in Italics)

The flock travels along Road 1, which is 12 feet wide, in a counter-clockwise direction around field and makes a left turn at orange cone onto the Inner Road which is 12 feet wide. The flock continues traveling on the Inner Road to the Inner Bridge.

HRD I Inner Bridge

Flock passes through the Inner Bridge which is constructed of wooden bridge panels approximately 12 feet long, 12 feet apart, field floor.  Handler and dog both should go through the Inner Bridge. 

Flock continues to travel along the Inner Road , makes a left turn at the orange cone, and continues traveling to the Graze area.  The Graze area is Graze 2 (or Graze 1, at judge’s discretion).

3.  HRD I Graze (15 points)

Begins when the sheep complete their entrance into the Graze area.  The HRD I Handler may lead the flock into the Graze area.  HRD I Handlers may enter the Graze to help position their dogs.

Time for the Graze is 3 minutes.  The dog should not be kept at the Handler’s side, but demonstrate ability to independently cover and hold the sheep.  At the Graze, the dog may move if desired, or may stand, sit, or lie down.  Commands may be given to effect holding the flock in the Graze area, but should not be excessive.  The sheep should remain inside the area, the dog and Handler should remain outside (except as specified), but may change positions as desired.

The flock should not be disturbed during the Graze and should relax enough to feed.  The judge will indicate when 2 minutes and 30 seconds is reached (Handler may want to prepare the flock’s position for the Gather at this time), and when 3 minutes is up.

4.  HRD I Gather  (10 points)

By 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the Graze, the judge will have placed the blue cone marking the Handler’s post 40 yards from estimated position of sheep at end of 3 minute Graze.  The blue cone will be placed along the near side of the Inner Road so that the run can continue most efficiently.

After the Graze, the Handler positions the dog at the Handler’s Post designated for the Gather.    

The Handler’s Post for HRD I will be on the Inner Road 40 yards from the sheep.  The Handler can position the dog halfway between the post and the flock (20 yards away) and position himself up to within 15 feet of the sheep and then sends the dog.  The sheep are then taken directly to the Handler’s post.

5.  HRD I Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen and Flock Halt (25 points)

HRD I Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen (In Italics)

Flock continues in counter-clockwise direction around field on Inner Road .  After dog and Handler perform the Flock Halt as specified below, the flock makes a left turn onto Road 2 (18 feet wide) and stays on the road until it makes another left turn onto Road 1 (12 feet wide).  Flock should stay on Road 1 until the flock returns to the Pen Gate.

HRD I Flock Halt

At T-Intersection from Inner Road with Road 2, dog halts forward progress of flock at orange cone by standing in front of flock and holding it while Handler moves away from flock and beyond dog (at least 10 feet) to  “look” for traffic on Road 2.  Handler then returns to flock and continues on course as specified above.

6.  HRD I Re-Pen  (10 points)

Sheep move into Pen without crowding, splitting, or rushing, and dog is used appropriately to make this happen.  Handler may walk into Pen.  Dog takes position outside gate threshold of Pen to hold sheep calmly in Pen while Handler shuts the gate.

HRD II

1.  HRD II Exit from Pen (10 points)

Sheep (30) are taken from the pen, 32  x 32 ft in size, 40 inches high, 12 foot gate (“Pen” in diagram).  The dog’s work is judged on calmness and smoothness.  The dog is taken off leash before the Handler opens the gate.  The dog off leash holds the sheep in the pen while the Handler opens the pen gate.  The pen gate is left at full open position. 

[The draw for the sheep upon exiting is usually towards the Field Gate near the house.

If the sheep go to the Field Gate or corner of field after the Exit from the Pen, if the dog and Handler show evidence of ability to recover the situation safely and return the sheep to anywhere on Road 1 within 1 minute, the run will be penalized but will continue.]

The dog may be placed wherever necessary to accomplish the exit from the pen in the most efficient manner.  The sheep should not rush or crowd the gate or pen. 

The HRD II Handler may enter the pen if desired, but if he enters, he must stand just inside the gate.  For the flock’s exit from the pen, the dog must be off leash whether he enters the pen or stays outside.

2.  HRD II Fetch/Drive to Graze, Drive Leg, Hold, and Inner Bridge   (15 points)

HRD II Fetch/Drive to Graze (In italics)

The flock travels along Road 1, which is 12 feet wide, in a counter-clockwise direction around field.

HRD II Drive Leg

The Handler’s Post on Road 1 for the HRD II 60 foot drive leg is marked by a blue cone.  Handler must remain behind Handler’s post while dog works until all the sheep pass the 2 yellow-green cones marking end of drive.  

HRD II Hold

Dog will then hold the flock at the Intersection of Road 1 and Inner Road until the Handler gets to the Inner Road . 

The flock makes a left turn at orange cone onto the Inner Road which is 12 feet wide.  The flock travels along Inner Road to the Inner Bridge .

HRD II Inner Bridge

Flock passes through the Inner Bridge which is constructed of wooden bridge panels approximately 12 feet long, 12 feet apart, field floor.  Handler and dog both go through Inner Bridge. 

Flock continues traveling along the Inner Road and travels to Graze 3. 

3.  HRD II Graze(15 points)

Begins when the sheep complete their entrance into the Graze area.  The HRD II Handler may lead the flock into the Graze area but should not remain in the Graze for more than 30 seconds.

Time for the Graze is 3 minutes.  The dog should not be kept at the Handler’s side, but demonstrate ability to independently cover and hold the sheep.  At the Graze, the dog may move if desired, or may stand, sit, or lie down.  Commands may be given to effect holding the flock in the Graze area, but should not be excessive.  The sheep should remain inside the area, the dog and Handler should remain outside (except as specified), but may change positions as desired.

The flock should not be disturbed during the Graze and should relax enough to feed.  The judge will indicate when 2 minutes and 30 seconds is reached (Handler may want to prepare the flock’s position for the Gather at this time), and when 3 minutes is up.

4.  HRD II Gather (10 points)

By 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the Graze, the judge will have placed the blue cone marking the Handler’s post 40 yards from estimated position of sheep at end of 3 minute Graze.  The blue cone will be placed along the near side of the Outer Road so that the run can continue most efficiently.

After the Graze, the Handler positions the dog at the Handler’s Post designated for the Gather 40 yards from the sheep.  The Handler may move himself as close as halfway toward the sheep, and finally sends the dog.  The sheep are then taken to the Handler’s Post.

5.  HRD II Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen, Outer Bridge, & Flock Halt

(20 points)

HRD II Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen(in Italics)

Flock continues in counter-clockwise direction around field on Outer Road . 

HRD II Outer Bridge

The flock passes through Outer Bridge (12 feet wide, 18 feet long, field floor).  Handler and dog both should go through bridge. 

Sheep should stay on the Outer Road . 

HRD II Flock Halt

At Intersection of Outer Road with Road 2, dog halts forward progress of flock at orange cone by standing in front of flock and holding it while Handler moves away from flock and beyond dog (at least 10 feet) to “look” for traffic on Road 2.  Handler then returns to dog and flock. 

Flock continues in counter-clockwise direction around field and then makes left turn onto Road 2 (starts at 12 feet wide, but widens to 18 feet wide past Holding Pen) and stays on road until making right turn at orange cone 20 feet before the Holding Pen Gate.  At cone, flock is moved off road to position on right side of Holding Pen Gate.

6.  HRD II Sort(10 points)

The Holding Pen is 16 feet x 16 feet with a 12 foot gate and 48 inch tall fencing.

The Handler may not enter Holding Pen.  The dog may enter the Holding Pen if appropriate.

The objective is to sort 10 sheep from the flock, including at least 1 of 5 marked sheep, and leave them behind in the Holding Pen.  On reaching the Holding Pen gate, sheep should not be allowed to crowd against it, the fence, or the Handler as the Handler opens the gate.  Sheep should not be allowed to drift further than 60 feet from the gate while sorting.  Handler has discretion to put entire flock into holding pen and sort the sheep on their way out or to sort the sheep as he/she puts them into the Holding Pen.  The Handler works with the dog to sort.  The dog is used to sort, shed, or hold sheep in field or away from gate and Handler, as is appropriate.  The gate is closed and secured before leaving.

Continued— HRD II Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen(in Italics)

Remainder of flock not in Holding Pen returns immediately to Road 2 (widens to 18 feet) using shortest line to Road and continues  counter-clockwise direction around field on Road 2 until flock makes a left turn at orange cone onto Road 1 (12 feet wide).  Flock should stay on Road 1 until the flock returns to the Pen Gate.

7.  HRD II Re-Pen  (10 points)

Sheep move into Pen without crowding, splitting, or rushing, and dog is used appropriately to make this happen.  Dog takes position outside gate threshold of Pen to hold sheep calmly in Pen while Handler shuts the gate of the Pen.

HRD III

1.  HRD III Exit from Pen  (10 points)

Sheep (30) are taken from the pen, 32  x 32 ft in size, 40 inches high, 12 foot gate (“Pen” in diagram).  The dog’s work is judged on calmness and smoothness.  The dog is taken off leash before the Handler opens the gate.  The dog off leash holds the sheep in the pen while the Handler opens the pen gate.  The pen gate is left at full open position. 

[The draw for the sheep upon exiting is usually towards the Field Gate near the house.

If the sheep go to the Field Gate or corner of field after the Exit from the Pen, if the dog and Handler show evidence of ability to recover the situation safely and return the sheep to anywhere on Road 1 within 1 minute, the run will be penalized but will continue.]

The dog may be placed wherever necessary to accomplish the exit from the pen in the most efficient manner.  The sheep should not rush or crowd the gate or pen. 

The HRD III Handler must remain outside the pen.  The dog can be positioned inside or outside the pen and must be off leash.

2.  HRD III Fetch/Drive to Graze, Drive Leg, Hold, and Inner Bridge (15 points)

HRD III Fetch/Drive to Graze (In italics)

The flock travels along Road 1, which is 12 feet wide, in a counter-clockwise direction around field.

HRD III Drive Leg

The Handler’s Post on Road 1 for the HRD III 120 foot drive leg is marked by a yellow-green cone.  Handler must remain behind Handler’s post while dog works until all the sheep pass the 2 yellow-green cones marking end of drive.  

HRD III Hold

Dog will then hold the flock at the Intersection of Road 1 and Inner Road until the Handler gets to the Inner Road . 

The flock makes a left turn at orange cone onto the Inner Road which is 12 feet wide.  The flock travels along Inner Road to the Inner Bridge .

HRD III Inner Bridge

Flock passes through the Inner Bridge which is constructed of wooden bridge panels approximately 12 feet long, 12 feet apart, field floor.  Handler may go through Inner Bridge but must also come through obstacle. 

Flock travels on Inner Road to Graze 4. 

3.  HRD III Graze(15 points)

Begins when the sheep complete their entrance into the Graze area.  The HRD III Handler may not enter the Graze to help position sheep or dog.

Time for the Graze is 3 minutes.  The dog should not be kept at the Handler’s side, but demonstrate ability to independently cover and hold the sheep.  At the Graze, the dog may move if desired, or may stand, sit, or lie down.  Commands may be given to effect holding the flock in the Graze area, but should not be excessive.  The sheep should remain inside the area, the dog and Handler should remain outside (except as specified), but may change positions as desired.

The flock should not be disturbed during the Graze and should relax enough to feed.  The judge will indicate when 2 minutes and 30 seconds is reached (Handler may want to prepare the flock’s position for the Gather at this time), and when 3 minutes is up.

4.  HRD III Gather(10 points)

By 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the Graze, the judge will have placed the blue cone marking the Handler’s post 40 yards from estimated position of sheep at end of 3 minute Graze.  The blue cone will be placed along the near side of the Outer Road so that the run can continue most efficiently.

After the Graze, the Handler and dog both move back 40 yards from the sheep to the Handler’s Post (blue cone) designated for the Gather.  The Handler remains at the post while the dog gathers the stock.  The sheep are then taken to the Handler’s Post.

5. HRD III Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen, Outer Bridge, and Flock Halt

(20 points)

HRD III Fetch/Drive After Gather to Re-Pen(in Italics)

Flock continues in counter-clockwise direction around field on Outer Road . 

HRD III Outer Bridge

The flock passes through Outer Bridge (12 feet wide, 18 feet long, field floor).  Handler and dog both should go through bridge.    

Sheep should stay on the Outer Road . 

HRD III Flock Halt

At Intersection of Outer Road with Road 2, dog halts forward progress of flock at orange cone by standing in front of flock and holding it while Handler moves away from flock and beyond dog (at least 10 feet) to “look” for traffic on Road 2.  Handler then returns to dog and flock. 

Flock continues in counter-clockwise direction around field and then makes left turn onto Road 2 (starts at 12 feet wide, but widens to 18 feet wide past Holding Pen) and stays on road until making right turn at orange cone 20 feet before the Holding Pen Gate.  At cone, flock is moved off road to position on right side of Holding Pen Gate.

6.  HRD III Sort(10 points)

The Holding Pen is 16 feet x 16 feet with a 12 foot gate and 48 inch tall fencing. The Handler may not enter Holding Pen.  The dog may enter the Holding Pen if appropriate.

The objective is to sort 15 sheep from the flock, including all 5 of the marked sheep and leave them behind in the Holding Pen.  On reaching the Holding Pen gate, sheep should not be allowed to crowd against it, the fence, or the Handler as the Handler opens the gate.  Sheep should not be allowed to drift further than 60 feet from the gate while sorting.  Handler has discretion to put entire flock into holding pen and sort the sheep on their way out or to sort the sheep as he/she puts them into the Holding Pen.  The Handler works with the dog to sort.  The dog is used to sort, shed, or hold sheep in field or away from gate and Handler, as is appropriate.  The gate is closed and secured before leaving.

(Continued)  HRD III Fetch/Drive After Gather to 1^st Re-Pen(in Italics)

Remainder of flock not in Holding Pen returns immediately to Road 2 (widens to 18 feet) using shortest line to Road and continues  counter-clockwise direction around field on Road 2 until flock makes a left turn at orange cone onto Road 1 (12 feet wide).  Flock should stay on Road 1 until the flock returns to the Pen Gate.

7.  HRD III Re-Pen— 1^st  (10 points total)

Sheep move into Pen without crowding, splitting, or rushing, and dog is used appropriately to make this happen.  Dog takes position outside gate threshold of pen to hold sheep calmly in Pen while Handler shuts the gate of the Pen.

8.  HRD III Second Fetch/Drive from Holding Pen  

Handler and dog return to the Holding Pen and release the 15 sheep.  Dog can be placed inside or outside of Holding Pen, but flock should neither be allowed to crowd gate, fence, or Handler, nor be allowed to drift more than 60 feet when released into the field as the Handler secures the Holding Pen Gate closed. 

Flock from Holding Pen returns immediately to Road 2 (which widens to 18 feet)using shortest route and continues counter-clockwise direction around field on Road 2, makes a left turn onto Road 1 (width of 12 feet), and then returns to the Pen along Road 1. 

7. (Continued) HRD III Re-Pen— 2nd   (continued from 7. above—10 points total)

After the second fetch/drive from the Holding Pen, the dog holds the sheep away from crowding the gate, fence, and the Handler while the Handler opens the gate of the Pen to allow the sheep to enter.  The sheep are re-penned in the Pen without re-exiting, without crowding or rushing at the gate or at the fence.  The gate of the Pen is then closed. 

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SCORING for HRD— Total Points  HRD I & II—90, HRD III—100,

70% to qualify—minimum score of 63 for HRD I/II, 70 for HRD III.