Typical Course Diagram
Soldier Hollow has attracted some 24,000 spectators over four days and is regarded by many as the preeminent sheepdog trial in the world! Ray has also announced at the United States Border Collie Handlers Association National Finals in 2004 in Sturgis, SD and in 2006 in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Ray recently left the corporate business world and is in the process of becoming a custom boot maker. High Desert Boot Company will handcraft high quality western boots on custom order basis.
Gladys is a Computer Specialist for the National Park Service, Fire and Aviation Program located at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise.
Spectator Information
THE TRIAL COURSE
Each handler’s run begins with the handler and dog waiting at the handler’s post for the sheep to be set out at the end of the field. Each team starts the course with a full set of points. Points are deducted during the run for less than ideal work by the handler/sheepdog team. Throughout the course, the dog should be in firm command of the sheep, keeping them on a straight line from one obstacle to another, and moving them at a steady pace. The handler is responsible for “reading” the sheep well, anticipating their actions and reactions, and for directing the dog to successfully complete each phase of the course.
The course for each class will vary, with the shortest course and fewest elements in the Novice-Novice Class and the longest course and most elements for the Open Class. Courses for all levels will include an outrun, lift, and fetch. A typical open course, including our trial course, will include an outrun, lift and fetch; a drive; a shed; and a pen. It may also include a single.
Class Description
Novice:
Both handler and dog are less experienced.
Pro-Novice:
This intermediate level is the pairing of one “pro” and one “novice” in the team. A novice handler could run an open dog or an open handler could run a novice dog.
Nursery:
This is a special class for young dogs and is the only class based on the age of the dog. In general, these dogs are between two and three years old and are real “up & comers.”
Open:
Both handler and dog are very experienced and considered experts in the “field.”
THE OUTRUN—20 POINTS
Stock will be turned out at the far end of the course. The dogs may go to the left or right and must carry along this line until beyond the stock. Crossing over, too straight an outrun, and other faults cause the deduction of points. The dog should go WIDE and beyond the stock before circling in so as to come up on the stock from the far side in preparation for the lift.
THE LIFT—10 POINTS
Introduction of the dog to the stock should be cautious and calm without fright to the stock. The stock should not be unduly startled, but held quietly and firmly, and moved off steadily with the dog in control.
THE FETCH—20 POINTS
The fetch should be on a straight or near-straight line from the point of contact to the handler. Swerving, zigzagging or other deviations from the near-straight line may involve loss of points according to the judge’s discretion. The fetch ends when the stock has passed around the handler’s post.
THE SHED—10 POINTS
The shedding ring is a circle marked on the ground with chalk or sawdust. Once the sheep have entered the shedding ring, the handler is allowed to leave the handler’s post and go to the ring. The dog will be required to shed two sheep from the group. Once separated, the sheep must be under full control of the dog. Otherwise, the shed will not be deemed satisfactory. Shedding must be done within the ring. The team will lose points if any of the sheep are allowed to leave the ring before the shed is completed.
THE PEN—10 POINTS
At the completion of the shed, the handler shall proceed to open the gate of the pen. The handler must grasp the end of a six foot rope, tied to the open end of the gate, and must confine his/her movements to the area within reach of the rope. Each dog shall work its assigned sheep into the pen, assisted by the handler.
THE SINGLE—10 POINTS (This element is optional and may not be part of the course)
Once the gate has been closed, the handler must re-open the gate and allow the dog to move the sheep back to the shedding ring for the single. The dog, assisted by the handler, must separate one sheep from the group and maintain full control of it. Otherwise, the single will not be deemed satisfactory.
THE DRIVE—30 POINTS
The dog is required to drive the sheep on a diagonal to the left or right, toward and through gate #1, then horizontally across the field to and through gate #2. If either gate is not negotiated on the first try, no re-try is allowed. Failure to negotiate either gate will involve a loss of points at the judge’s discretion. The stock should be moved quietly, well-grouped, and on line through the gates.
Lacamas Valley Sheepdog Trial
Driving Directions
104 NE 252nd Ave.
Camas, WA 98607
From Camas
Follow SR-500 West until you reach a 20 MPH corner about 2.5 miles north of Camas. At this point turn LEFT off of SR-500 onto NE 3rd Street. Travel another quarter mile and you will see a Dead End sign on the corner. Keep going straight to the Dead End. Don’t make the turn onto NE 257th Ave. NE 3rd St. Dead Ends and the trial site is at the end.
From Vancouver
Travel East on Hwy 14 about 13 miles to Camas Exit 12. The exit ramp leads you right into NW 6th Ave. Follow this about a mile into Camas. Go straight through the Stop at Adams St. (note there is a free right turn at this intersection – don’t take it). Stay on NW 6th Ave. Go straight through the stop at Dallas St. When you reach the Stop at Garfield Street turn LEFT. This road is also named SR-500 West. This road will lead you up a hill and through a “dog-leg” left turn before you come to another Stop at Everett Street. Turn RIGHT on Everett and follow the SR-500 West signs about 2.5 miles until you reach a 20 MPH corner. At this point turn LEFT off of SR-500 onto NE 3rd Street. Travel another quarter mile and you will see a Dead End sign on the corner. Keep going straight to the Dead End. Don’t make the turn onto NE 257th Ave. NE 3rd St. Dead Ends and the trial site is at the end.
From Battle Ground
Travel South on SR-503 to Orchards. Turn left off of SR-503 onto SR-500 (Fourth Plain Blvd.) heading East. Follow SR-500 about 10 miles toward the Fern Prairie area. Turn RIGHT on NE 249th Ave. Travel about 1.5 miles and the turn RIGHT on NE 3rd Street. NE 3rd Street goes down a hill and Dead Ends. The trial site is at the end.
From Portland
Travel North on I-205. Take exit 27 (Camas Exit) off I-205 and travel East about 6 miles on Hwy 14 to Camas Exit 12. The exit ramp leads you right into NW 6th Ave. Follow this about a mile into Camas. Go straight through the Stop at Adams St. (note there is a free right turn at this intersection – don’t take it). Stay on NW 6th Ave. Go straight through the stop at Dallas St. When you reach the Stop at Garfield Street turn LEFT. This road is also named SR-500 West. This road will lead you up a hill and through a “dog-leg” left turn before you come to another Stop at Everett Street. Turn RIGHT on Everett and follow the SR-500 West signs about 2.5 miles until you reach a 20 MPH corner. At this point turn LEFT off of SR-500 onto NE 3rd Street. Travel another quarter mile and you will see a Dead End sign on the corner. Keep going straight to the Dead End. Don’t make the turn onto NE 257th Ave. NE 3rd St. Dead Ends and the trial site is at the end.
Spectator Dogs
We love dogs! That’s why we are here. We want this event to be one that you can enjoy with the company of your own dog. You are welcome to bring your own dog but only under strict supervision. It is essential that you keep your dog leased and under full control at all times.
Hours: Thursday, Aug 13th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday, Aug 14th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, Aug 15th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday (finals), Aug 16th 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: $3.00
Kids under 12 & Seniors are Free Free ParkingConcessions open daily for breakfast and lunch.
ABOUT THE TRIAL
The Lacamas Valley Sheepdog Trial is a sanctioned and competitive event featuring many of the most talented handlers and dogs on the West Coast and British Columbia.
Johnston Dairy, nestled in a quiet valley near Camas, Washington, is the perfect venue for this event. The international style course will be challenging for the handlers and provide exceptional spectator viewing.
We are very pleased that PA Announcer Ray Crabtree will be back for his third year at the Lacamas Valley Sheepdog Trial. Ray has been actively trialing with his Border Collies since 1999. He and his wife, Gladys, make their home on a small farm just south of Boise, Idaho near Kuna. There they raise alfalfa hay and registered Katahdin hair sheep.
Ray is an active member of both the Intermountain Stockdog Association and the Oregon Sheepdog Society. Ray's public address work is highly regarded on the trial circuit. He has been the announcer at the Soldier Hollow Classic in Utah since its inception in 2003.
Ray with his Border Collie Hoss
What to Bring
Lawn Chairs: We will be offering a number of metal folding chairs as well as hay bale bleachers for spectator seating. We would also encourage you to bring your own lawn chairs.
Shade: A large tent will be available for spectator viewing under shade. There will also be space with a good view of the course for canopies (up to 12’ by 12’) if you wish to bring them.
The Lacamas Valley Sheepdog Trial is a non-profit event and we appreciate all forms of publicity that will make the community aware of the opportunity to watch these amazing dogs at work.
Spectators are encouraged to attend and your dogs are welcome. Trial programs will be distributed free of charge. Concessions open daily for breakfast and lunch.
Come watch the trial! It is a wonderful way to spend an enjoyable day outdoors with family and friends!
Marroni
Marroni
Marroni
