By Isle of Wight Observer
The third IW Sheepdog Trials didn’t disappoint. A sunny June weekend set the scene for around 3,500 spectators to watch 50 dogs and their owners competing from all over the UK.
The crowd brought chairs, picnic blankets, and friends and family, to relax and enjoy Goddard’s beer, Brownrigg and Hazelgrove burgers, as well as Calbourne Classics cake and clotted cream ice cream.
Run by a voluntary committee, the event aims to provide a national qualifying trial on both days, and a rural event which celebrates an important countryside skill, with all profits donated to Mountbatten hospice.
Saturday’s competition was won by former world champion, Aled Owen, from Wales, and Sunday’s trial was won by former English nationals winner, Jed Watson, from Devon.
Committee member, Ian Wheeler, said: “There’s so many people to thank who help make this event a success; we really don’t know where to start. However, needless to say, we are over the moon to announce a donation of £17,659 to the hospice from the 2024 event.”
Red Funnel help to fund ferry fares for mainland competitors with day sponsors being Go Internet and BCM. The sheep and use of the land is from farmer, Angus Baird, and his supportive landlord, Alan Aylett.
You can watch a short video about the weekend at iw.observer/2024-sheepdog-trials.
The 2025 event will take place on June 7 and 8.
