Brace pattern explained. Only 20 mins allowed. 🤯

1: Driving herd thru far right (final) gate.

2: Shedding the herd into 2 groups of 5, then driving & holding 1/2 to the side

3: Last bit of penning 1/2 the herd into an open pen (no gate) 😳 Handler was super patient.

4: Penning 2nd herd into gated pen. Finished!

Irish National Sheepdog Trials

August 8, 2025 in Ireland ⋅ 🌬 66 °F

The Irish National Sheepdog trials were only an hour away from us the weekend we arrived so off we went to County Roscommon. Saw some incredible work, dogs seemingly on remote control. Top 5 competitors each day go on to represent Ireland Sept 11-13 in the Supreme Sheepdog Finals (UK & Ireland) in Wales.

Absolutely loved the Brace Competition—2 dogs working together to drive, shed (aka divide), hold and pen the herds.

(App limited to 2min videos so highlights are broken up and numbered in order. Full video: https://share.icloud.com/photos/068pILrGQFzP32K…)Read more