A Contest for Smart Dogs Attracts Thousands to Colorado

In a meadow framed by mountains, sheepdog handler Scott Glen holds a six-foot rope attached to a gate as Alice, his border collie, faces five stubborn sheep. At nine years old, Alice is North America's most celebrated sheepdog, having claimed every major sheep herding title except for the Meeker Classic Championship Sheepdog Trial. With time running out, these five sheep and the crucial task of guiding them into a small wooden pen are all that lie between Alice and the championship.

The Meeker Classic serves as a hub for what some might see as a niche interest—the sport of sheepdog trialing—but for many handlers, collaborating with a dog to herd livestock is a lifestyle. In 2021, the competition drew 8,000 attendees, more than three times the town's population, over the course of the five-day event in northwestern Colorado.

The edges of the Ute Park field are teeming with onlookers. Some relax in lawn chairs, while others occupy bleachers, but all eyes are fixated on the border collie in the center of the field. On this final competition day, the dog-handler teams have 30 minutes to finish the course.

As Glen directs Alice with a mix of whistles and verbal cues, Alice remains engaged in a standoff with the sheep, who would rather munch on the grass than obey a dog. Glen and Alice are seasoned veterans, but they are quickly running out of time.

The tradition of sheepdog trialing originated in the United Kingdom at the dawn of the 20th century. What began as friendly contests among farmers to determine who had the superior dog has evolved into formal competitions across the nation and internationally—including Soldier Hollow in Utah, the Bluegrass Classic Sheep Dog Trial in Kentucky, and the Brenham Sheep Dog Trial in Texas—designed to evaluate how efficiently dogs can guide sheep around a course.

The course reflects practical skills that a dog requires when working on a farm or ranch. Following their handler’s guidance, each dog initiates with the “outrun.” With the handler stationed at a set point, the dog races off to locate a small flock of sheep, mere woolly specks over 600 yards away. Next, the dog must “fetch” the sheep, bringing them directly towards the handler. After that, the dog “drives” the sheep through designated panels before returning with them to “shed,” or distinguish between collared and uncollared sheep. The course concludes with the “pen,” where the dog and handler secure the five sheep within a 6- x 9-foot enclosure. The competition rules at the Meeker Classic are overseen by the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA), which establishes guidelines for major sheepdog trials nationwide.

Most sheepdogs have brief names that are easy for handlers to articulate while directing their dogs from a distance: Over the past 13 years, the top five names for male dogs have been Ben, Roy, Moss, Glen, and Spot; the most popular female names include Meg, Jess, Nell, Fly, and Jill.

Winning at the Meeker Classic involves more than just bragging rights: Victorious dogs and handlers receive recognition and prize money. Competitors strive for a total purse of $27,000, with the first-place winner taking home $5,625 along with 15 bags (555 pounds) of dog food.

Julie Hansmire, a range sheep producer and owner of Campbell-Hansmire Sheep, has supplied the trial’s ewes—female sheep—for the past 12 years. To provide the 135 competitors with “fresh,” or previously unworked, sheep, 900 Merino ewes are transported in for the event.

From June to October, Hansmire’s sheep graze in high alpine meadows above Eagle and Vail, Colorado, at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 11,500 feet. During the winter months, from November to May, she moves her sheep to northern Utah for the season.

“[Campbell-Hansmire’s sheep] cover many miles and face bears, mountain lions, and wolves. They are resilient,” stated Mary “Maym” Cunningham, the trial director.

For a sheepdog to excel at Meeker, it must be assertive enough to guide the sheep around the course. However, applying excessive pressure can spook the sheep, leading to disqualification if they return to the holding pen, or causing the handler to lose points—and potentially run out of time.

“Meeker is one of the toughest dog trials to compete in, and your biggest challenge is the sheep,” remarked South African handler Faansie Basson, who currently trains dogs in Hico, Texas, and is the only handler from outside North America to be crowned Meeker Champion. “It’s incredibly unique,” he noted about the event. “There’s no other sport involving animals where you control one animal, or multiple animals, with another animal over a long distance.”

The town of Meeker, founded in 1885, serves as a gateway to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and the White River National Forest. Since the Meeker Classic occurs during Colorado’s stunning autumn season, visitors often combine their trip to the sheepdog trial with other mountain activities, such as camping, fishing, or driving along the scenic Flat Tops Trail, an 82-mile remote road that links Meeker and Yampa.

The inaugural Meeker Classic trial was held in 1987, organized by three locals—Marv Brown, Grant Nielsen, and then-mayor Gus Halandras—to boost the local economy. Today, the Meeker Classic is recognized as one of the most challenging sheepdog competitions in the world.

“There’s an enchanting quality about Meeker,” said Angie Coker-Sells from Tecumseh, Oklahoma, who achieved first and second place in the semifinals with her dogs Soot and Link. “The community truly unites for this event, and they’ve built a rich history around the dog trial.”

While the sheepherding competition is the highlight of the Meeker Classic, there are many other activities that inform and entertain visitors. Surrounding the lush competition field, vendors set up pop-up tents selling everything from quirky dog items and T-shirts to an array of dog collars and leashes. Attendees can also enjoy live demonstrations of wool spinning, Navajo weaving, leather crafting, saddle making, as well as dog agility, K9 nose work, and flyball.

Within the historic Wilbur Barn, a log structure, guests can explore a dog-themed art exhibit and taste sheep cheese. Karen Strelko, a finance retiree, delights in sampling “ewephoria,” a mature sheep milk gouda from Holland using a toothpick.

“I truly believe more people would benefit from stepping outside their nine-to-five urban routines to learn about the outdoors,” said Strelko, who traveled nearly five hours to attend. This marks her fifth visit to the Meeker Classic, an annual trip she eagerly anticipates making with her sister.

“As a beginner, it can be challenging to understand how the handler and the dog collaborate. Initially, I thought the dog was doing all the work, but I soon realized it’s truly a partnership,” she explained.

Basson, a sheep farmer for 35 years, begins focused training for his young dogs when they are between 10 to 12 months old.

“Many people believe that you spend countless hours training each day. You really can’t do that. It’s similar to how young children learn to read and write; it’s a gradual process. In the beginning, you can’t pressure them too much,” Basson noted. “Everything we practice with our dogs during the competition is based on actual real-world tasks we do daily.”

Basson starts with brief training sessions lasting 15 to 20 minutes. He mentioned that a skilled handler can teach most young dogs the fundamentals within six months, but for a dog to thrive on a farm or excel in sheepdog competitions, both time and experience are essential. Just like in any successful working relationship, trust and collaboration are key between a handler and their dog.

Although many participants come from ranching backgrounds, it’s not a necessity. (In 2021, competitors included a former pro-surfer, a farrier, a retired librarian, and a college professor, all alongside cattle ranchers and sheep farmers.) Another appealing aspect of the sport is its accessibility; sheepdog trialing invites competitors of all ages, with handlers as young as 12 and others participating into their 80s.

To complete the course, Alice must persuade the five sheep to overcome their natural instincts and enter a small pen. She guides the flock by strategically positioning herself to either block or redirect their path.

Glen, holding the gate’s rope in one hand and a shepherd’s crook in the other, is unable to touch the sheep. His role is to assist Alice solely through whistled signals and verbal commands. Several times, the sheep seem poised to enter the pen, only for one or more to dart away, eliciting groans from the crowd. Undeterred, Alice gathers her flock of five to attempt the task once more—and again.

Yet, the clock keeps ticking away.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, a hush descends over the crowd. Spectators peer through binoculars while others grip their event programs tightly. It feels as though everyone is collectively holding their breath.

As the clock counts down from ten, Alice stands her ground, focused and determined. Glen checks his wristwatch and encourages Alice to make one final advance. Miraculously, the sheep saunter into the pen. Glen promptly closes the gate and tips his cap to the audience. Just two seconds later, the timer sounds its conclusion.

With her tongue hanging out, Alice rushes over to a nearby water tub and leaps in. Glen, wiping sweat from his brow, joins her and pours handfuls of water over her back.

Once Alice has cooled off, Glen attaches her leash, and she walks off the field beside him. Fans quickly gather to snap photos of the canine star, who relaxes on the grass. Scores are calculated, and Alice is crowned the 2021 Meeker Champion. The Queen, the most celebrated sheepdog in North America, has secured her final accolade.

Meeker is situated 100 miles northeast of Grand Junction and 225 miles west of Denver. The upcoming Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials are scheduled for September 7–11, 2022.