There were occasions in the past when one or two handlers from the UK travelled overseas to take part in a large competition, but these were not really world events.  The first world-wide sheepdog trials were staged by the ISDS in Bala, North Wales in September 2002.

In 2005 teams attended the second World Trials in Tullamore, Ireland and paraded their dogs through the streets the day before the competition.  More pictures and a report are available in our reports of major trials.

Now, the competition is a tri-ennial (every 3 years) event and the next one is being staged in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, South Wales on 11-14 September 2008.  The week before, 4-6 September, it will be the ISDS International Trials in Abergele, Conwy, North Wales making a two-week long festival for visitors.  On 11 December 2007 there was a 2008 World Trial formal launch evening at Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo in front of 120 officials, sponsors and guests.

Details relating to the 2008 Land Rover World Sheep Dog Trials are being added to www.worldsheepdogtrials.org and you should view that site for full world trial details.

Entries have been handled by the ISDS office in Bedford and the process completed on 01 April. All handlers were sent letters comfirming their entry on 04 April. The full list of handlers and dogs can be seen.  A copy of the World Trial Rules is available as a PDF download.

NEWS: 03 March, Warm-up Trials for Overseas World Trial Competitors
Two special 'warm-up' trials are to be held on Sept. 8th and 9th for overseas competitors attending this year's World Trial. The trials are as follows:

Monday September 8th: Libanus, Penclyn Farm, Modrydd, Brecon (Hosts - Kevin & David Evans)
Tuesday September 9th: Brynthomas, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells (Host - Glyn Owen).
Competitors can enter the trial on the day at the trial field. Please note, these trials are restricted to overseas competitors only.

NEWS: 18 March, Continental Airlines discount flights

Discounts of around 15% are being offered for handlers, team members and dogs flying between 01 and 18 September.  If you are from the USA/Canada please contact the US organizer for booking details.  If you are from elsewhere and are interested please contact the ISDS office.

NEWS: 25 March, Campsite

Camp sites for the World Trial are now available for booking on a first come-first served basis. There are 70 caravan/tent sites available so please book early. The camping facilities are available from Sunday 7th September until Monday 15th September at a cost of £5.00 per night. For more information and the booking form to reserve your space, please click here. http://www.worldsheepdogtrials.org/new/index.php?page=accomodation

NEWS: Grandstand and Entry Tickets

These will be available from the ISDS internet shop from 5.00 p.m. 14 April.

NEWS FOR COMPETITORS : 07 April
Whitehouse Kennels and Cattery from Lympsham, Somerset, England, working closely with Harnwick Freight Services Ltd, at Birming ham Airport, have been appointed to assist all overseas handlers with any dog transport, care or welfare matters. They will help you with any needs you have for flights, hire cars, dog kennelling, and the return veterinary documentation. Discounts have been especially obtained from many suppliers. The contact is Mrs Christine King at Whitehouse Kennels, tel: +44 (0)1934 750352, email: enquiries@p-e-t-s.co.uk. The services will be at a fee that they will discuss with you, although the return documentation facility is something that the World Trial organisers are providing for all overseas visitors. Their agent will be on site for the duration of the competition to assist with last minute needs.
Whitehouse Kennels is a family run firm with good experience of dog transport needs and Harnwick Freight Services (+44 (0)121 7828581), have extensive aviation knowledge. Both companies are delighted to be involved with the World Sheepdog Trials.

NEWS: 11 April, Handler and Dog Entry List Published

Click here.

NEWS: 30 April, If you are arriving early in South Wales and would like to see some smaller sheepdog trials, a list of those taking place from May until the World Trial is available on the World Trial website.