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FUN FOR THE FAMILY AND
THEIR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS - RURAL HILL SHEEPDOG TRIALS BOASTS
RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES
HUNTERSVILLE, NC: Rural Hill is preparing for the 13th Annual
Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials November 2, 3 & 4, and already announces a
record number of entries for 2007. Executive Director Ed McLean reports, “We
have more than 100 of the top sheep dogs on the East Coast coming to compete
for prizes and points. From the youngsters to the seasoned professionals,
we are going to have a great turnout of dogs.”
Rural Hill is also preparing for a record number of spectators for the
weekend. “With recognition of Sheep Dog Trials coming from movies like
Babe, and other dog sports gaining popularity from TV channels like
Animal Planet, people are ready to see the fun in person,” says McLean. “In
addition to the various levels of the actual Sheep Dog Trials, we have Sport
Dog Demos like Agility, Obedience, Flying Disk and Flyball. It is a lot of
fun for the family.” Admission to the Trials also includes the popular
Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull and Antique Tractors, Rare Livestock Expo
featuring llamas, miniature donkeys and horses, pigs, sheep, goats, and the
herd of Highland Cows, hayride tours to the 1890’s one-room Davidson
schoolhouse, and a Traditional Folk Music Jam session.
The Sheep Dog Trials are based on tasks that a
working dog is asked to do on the farm. Points are given for each phase of
work, and the dog and handler team who has the most precision in the time
allowed wins the points. The Trials are open to all breeds, but the majority
of entries are Border Collies. One of 13 dog breeds that developed in
Scotland, the Border Collie first appeared in the Border country in the
1700's.
The Rural Hills Sheep Dog Trials are November 2,
3 & 4. Admission is $6.00 per adult and $4.00 per youth ages 5-14.
Dogs are welcome to attend with their families, and should be leashed and
under their owner’s control. “Pooper scoopers” and disposal sites are
available. Tickets may be purchased online at
www.ruralhill.net
or upon arrival. For details, please call Rural Hill at (704) 875-3113.
The Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials are presented by
the Catawba Valley Scottish Society, The Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheep
(Sheltie) Dog Club, Egypt Bottom Farm and Power of the Past Tractor Club;
facilitated in cooperation with Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation and
sanctioned by the US Border Collie Handlers Association.
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Rural Hill is located at
4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078. The former
homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is maintained
and promoted by The Catawba Valley Scottish Society (CVSS). Rural Hill
features annual events such as The Lock Norman Highland Games, The Amazing
Maize Maze, The Spirit of the Hornet’s Nest (battle reenactments) and The
Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials. CVSS is a non-profit organization supported
through membership and donations. For more information on events or for
financial support accepted securely online, please visit
www.ruralhill.net. |
