Today was the final day of the World Sheepdog Trials 2023, kindly hosted by Gill Hall Estate. Today, sixteen finalists competed for the title of World Champion and three young handlers competed for their title of Young Handler World Champion. The competition was both fun and exciting to watch, and these wins were well deserved! Well done to the new World Champion, Petter Landfald and Max, and congratulations to the reserve Champion Kevin Evans and Preseli Ci. Also, congratulations to Scott Glen and Pip for coming in third place! This run was fun to watch, and of course I’m super glad our neighbors to the north, Canada, achieved this position in the final round.

Above, you will see Scott and Pip completing their course!

It was quite exciting to have two Team USA members make it to the finals, as well as Scott and Pip from Canada. There was a lot to root for in this competition, and that always adds a level of enjoyment!

Above is Bob Allen and Joey working on their marked shed.

Below is Faansie Basson and Finn saving the collared sheep from rejoining the uncollated sheep whilst attempting to complete the pen.

Since it was pretty rainy yesterday, today it was pretty muddy. So muddy, in fact, that I got to watch several cars being pulled out of the parking lot by the tractor. Of course a lot of the spectators did not wear the proper footwear and were stepping very carefully across the grounds. I, wearing muck boots and rain pants, got mud all the way up to my knees, so I definitely felt for those wearing their white shoes.

I also got to see Tommy today for one last breakfast bap, and for the sake of memories, I got a picture with Tommy.

And one happy drawing in the bottom of my bap bowl!

Anyways, it was a lot of fun to watch the young handler competition today! Every handler was very impressive, and completed their courses beautifully.

Above is the young handler who became the new reserve champion in the youth division. This girl was quite a lot of fun to watch, as her dog was very obedient to her every wish, and she was very on top of the game. I am quite sure that her parents are very proud, as she was the reserve champion at the worlds in the youth division at only twelve years of age!

It was great to watch the wonderful competition, and congratulations to everybody who competed today! Every run was excellent and exciting to watch!

Below is the young handlers awards ceremony, and congratulations to Tyler McKinlay and Heatherstane Squiggle for becoming the new World Champions of the youth division.

Above is the awards for the seniors competition. (I wasn’t able to get a super good picture of this, as there were a bunch of people on the field.)

The 2023 World Sheepdog Trial has completed, and it was such a wonderful experience to be a part of. I have made many wonderful memories, and I am super thankful for the opportunity I had.