 The 2002
ISDS Bala World Sheep Dog Trial
Welcome back to the very Estate where sheep dog trailing started in 1873, the trial committee
managed a grand show, filled with many demonstrations and rural interests, this event was enjoyed
by some 20,000 visitors.
Competitors from 13 countries competed through these 4 days of sheep dog trials. Top Continental
handlers such as Toby Knive, Serge Van der Sweep and Anna Kruger came to Bala, in North Wales, to
take on the top ranked sheep dog handlers in the world. And they competed with great ability,
showing their strength in their relatively new sport. Alasdair MacRae
travelled to the UK, from his home in Virginia, in search of 2 sheep dogs to compete with,
and then went on to find a place with Don on the final day.
2 days of qualifying with 160 sheep dogs competing for a chance in the Saturday's semi
finals. Then the 40 semi finalists came down to the 16 finalists on the Sunday. There were
several handlers who could have won this fine trophy with scoring and different situations
effecting their runs and final placing.
Rural Route Videos, in partnership with the International Sheep Dog Society,
has produced this 150 minute video covering the 4 days of this great and note worthy sheep dog
trial. Lots of interviews lead you through the days of this trial, a sheep dog trial that will
be remembered as a unique event in the sheep dog calendar.
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