Breaking News …….Open Winter Trial………….. 11th October 2026 at Ilam Meadows Farm, Ilam, DE6 2AZ by kind permission of Robert Smith
Start Time 8am.
Enter and Pay on the day £10.00 per run
Car parking and toilets. NO catering
2027 Trials
Next years trials will be on:
Tuesday 24th August
and
Wednesday 25th August
We look forward to seeing you then
IMPORTANT NEWS!! IMPORTANT NEWS!!
In view of the recent increase of blue tongue virus in the area, we have taken the difficult decision to CANCEL this years Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials.
DOG RUNNERS: If you would like a full refund of your entry fee please contact the secretary at dovedalesecretary@gmail.com alternatively we can credit your entry fee to our next trial - we hope to run a winter trial later this year. Details to follow in due course.
Judges 2026
Our Judges for 2026 are
Mr Jed Watson from Devon
and
Mr Tim Foster from Northants
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The what3words for our location is
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Update and Countdown to the Trials!!
Remember; Trial Days 2026;
Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th August commencing at 7am each morning, Blore Crossroads, Ilam, Ashbourne, DE6 2BS
See our facebook page for interviews and updates in respect of our Craft Tent exhibitors (limited spaces still available), Vintage Tractor exhibition and in particular a most lovely interview with our President, John Etches.
Refreshments to include hot food, cake and ice cream. A bar will also be in attendance.
Reminder: Gate entry is CASH only to the field due to lack of mobile signal.
Look out for the following on Wednesday; Judging of the best conditioned Dog and Bitch late morning, Brace Competition over lunchtime and Championship of the Dales at approx 2.30pm.
For further information contact;
Trials Secretary: dovedale.secretary@gmail.com
Craft & Tractors: catherineetches.shires@outlook.com
Trials 2026
Save the Date: Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials 2026 will take place on 18th and 19th August at Blore Cross Roads.
Please note: Gate Entry is CASH ONLY due to lack of mobile signal
Important News: Local Entries radius extended to 20 miles from Ilam
The Entry Forms can be found on the Events Page
President 2026
John Etches, a long serving committee member and also our current Chairman was elected to be our 2026 President, following in his fathers footsteps. John farms at Tissington and is also a well known breeder and exhibitor of Shire Horses. He will be supported in his presidency by his wife, Susan along with his daughters Catherine and Louise.
President 2025
Alastair Sneddon Consultant at Bagshaws LLP recently retired as our 2025 President and expressed his thanks to the committee for the privilege of being President. He had thoroughly enjoyed his year and had on our behalf attended all our "sister" trials. He was also made a life member as an acknowledgement of his commitment to the trials over many years.
Trials 2025
Entries for Class 4 (Open) are still open until noon on Tuesday 19th August for another 12 entries. First come first served.
As the days start to lengthen and Spring approaches the Dovedale Sheep Dog Society Committee are making preparations for the 2025 trials which are just under 6 months away.
Please “watch this space” for entry information, craft marquee applications together with messages from our current president and incoming president.
For any further information please contact dovedale.secretary@gmail.com
Champion of the Dales
A successful two days of trialling culminated in an exciting championship which was won by Nij Vyas from John O’Gaunts, Melton Mowbray who gained 138 points with Cap, Reserve went to David Wood of Bamford scoring 136 points with Jon.
2024 President
Our 2024 President Mr Ben Kidd from Wildboarclough is a well known farmer and dog runner who has supported the Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials for many years. Enjoy your day Ben.
Wednesday 21st August 2024
Todays trials are underway with various runners in contention for the Championship of the Dales
As is our tradition the doubles will take place over the lunchtime period and are well worth watching.
The Craft Tent is very busy this year with a variety of stalls offering knitted goods, sweets, cakes, fudge, cards, pottery, flowers and home decor ware.
Trials 2024
The first day of the 2024 trials commenced on Tuesday 20th August with very near perfect running conditions. Day two commences at 7am on Wednesday 21st August - do come along and watch the amazing bond between man and dog
Many congratulations to our Chairman, Mr John Etches, celebrating 50 years of service on our committee.
A date for your diary.
This year we are holding our annual lunch at The Royal Oak., Mayfield on Sunday November 3rd.
Further details to follow shortly.