The World Trial is organised by the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS), the body that has overseen and championed the working sheepdog since 1906.
The ISDS is a registered charity, and its work includes:
- Registering the breed. The Society registers more than 6,000 Border collie pups every year and maintains the breed’s official stud book, which now holds over 300,000 entries. An ISDS registration is a guarantee of pedigree that, for most dogs, can be traced back more than 100 years.
- Safeguarding the dog’s health. The Society works to reduce inherited conditions in the Border collie through eye testing and DNA screening.
- Running the sport. The ISDS organises five major trials each year across the UK and Ireland, the National trials of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, plus the International, and, every third year, the World Trial.
- Supporting the next generation. It promotes the training and development of young handlers through both farm-based and competitive schemes.
The World Trial comes round only once every three years, but ISDS trials run throughout the season.
The four National trials take place across the summer, usually in July and August, and the International follows in September, each one open to spectators and a fine day out in its own right. If you can’t get there in person, the Society also runs a livestreaming service, so you can watch the summer trials live or catch up on demand.
Become a member
You don’t need to be a shepherd to join. The Society welcomes experienced handlers, novice trialists and sheepdog enthusiasts alike, with members in the UK, Ireland and around the world. Membership benefits include the Society’s magazine, International Sheepdog News, free admission to the National and International trials with your member’s badge, and access to the full range of registration and member services. Overseas enthusiasts can often join through an Associate Nation.
You can join online, and find current membership rates and options, at the Society’s website.
To explore the sport further, find a trial to attend, or become a member, visit www.isds.org.uk
