Those who look after sheep - sometimes on difficult country - need the help of one or more able sheepdogs.

For many years, dogs have been bred to develop the traits of intelligence, stamina and obedience. The finest example is the Border Collie.

To ascertain which breed lines are producing the most able dogs, competitions and demonstrations are held where the abilities can be compared - these are sheepdog trials.

The culmination of breeders’ skill is demonstrated in sheepdog trials, and although breeding is of paramount importance, the sheepdog trial is the 'shop window' for the end result of the breeder's labours.

Many trials take place at a local level, organised by small, local groups. All ages and abilities can participate. There are Nursery Trials for young dogs who demonstrate early skills, and Open Trials for the more experienced, where handlers gain points to permit entry to the National trials.

Competitions are held between the home nations of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales; to be eligible to enter a National Sheepdog Trial the dog must be entered in the relevant society's stud book.

As far as possible, the conditions and work to be encountered in everyday shepherding on the hills and farms are followed at competitions. They are not intended as a succession of tricks or gimmicky obstacles, but rather a practical demonstration of the everyday working skills.

The skills they acquire in their everyday work are key to them gaining maximum points in trials. The system of scoring at trials is that a maximum number of points are allocated for each element and dog and handler lose points for any faults as they progress around the course. The whole of the trial is of a practical nature and the International Sheepdog Society (ISDS) rules for these competitions are solely concerned with the working capabilities of the Border Collie and its master.

National Trials are run over a 400 yard course with five sheep, containing the standard elements of outrun, lift, fetch, drive, shed, pen, and single. The fifteen highest placed competitors from each of the four National Trials meet together in competition at the International Trial.

At International level, the same size of course and number of sheep is used for the Qualifying Trial, which is run over the first two days, but on the third and final day, the highest placed fifteen competitors - irrespective of country - meet to compete for the most coveted title in the sheepdog world: Supreme Champion.

For this competition the course is lengthened to around 800yds, with the dog having to fetch one lot of sheep and then go back for a second. A total of twenty sheep are guided around the course. This is the greatest test any working sheepdog can possibly undertake and the Supreme Champion accolade goes to the victor.