Leatherstocking            Sheepdog Trials

Leatherstocking Sheepdog Trials on Beaver Meadow Road near Cooperstown, NY celebrated its 13th year on August 15, 16, 17, 2008. From it's humble beginnings in 1995, it has grown to be both a competitive trial for handlers as well as one that attracts many spectators. The workmanship between dog and handler and the ever unpredictable sheep make for an interesting sport to watch. Handlers routinely travel from Canada, New England, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. The Robert F. Clark field is challenging with the open course set up a long slope. It is only for the most athletic and physically fit dogs. Although any herding breed is welcome to compete, the Border collie is considered the "cadillac" of the herding group.

This event was sponsored in part by the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown, a complex of historic buildings dedicated to rural life, and Blue Seal Feeds, Inc. Vendors were featured selling such items as walking sticks, sheep prints, and dog treats and supplies from Dog Wild! in Cooperstown. Food was available on the grounds, and the competition took place rain or shine.

Our Grand Champion Open winner was Bev Lambert and Mirk of Andover, Conn. and Reserve Champion was Warren Mick and Glen of Altamont, NY.
MAKE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE NEXT TRIAL AUGUST 14,15,& 16 2009.


For information on accomodations in Cooperstown, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 607-547-9983 or info1@cooperstownchamber.org

Trial Committee Members:
Linda Hotchkiss
Borderbrook Farm
Hartwick, NY
607-293-8385
borderbrook@pronetisp.net

Barb and Bernie Armata
Taravale Farm
Esperance, NY
518-875-6471
taffaway@aol.com
Lessons, demos, training dogs, sheep available and occasionally Border collie pups

Liz Phillips
Faraway Farm
Treadwell, NY
607-829-3425
Long wool sheep, sheepdog demos, wool fiber prepared to order, working Border collies, training services

Ed and Tina Pabst
Stonecroft
Guilford, NY
607-895-6131
stonecroft@citlink.net

Directions to trial location:
From East, West, or South, use I-88. Get off at Exit 17 (Colliersville-Cooperstown) and proceed north on NYS 28. Go 14.5 miles to the hamlet of Hyde Park (marked) where you turn right at the trial sign (County Rte. 11 C). The bridge on this road has clearance of 10' 3". At YIELD sign, go left 2.3 miles (County Rte. 33). At STOP sign, turn right (County Rte. 52). Go 2/10 mile; turn right onto Beaver Meadow Road (trial field is just ahead on the right).

From North (US Rte. 20), go south on Rte. 28 (Richfield Springs) or Rte. 80 (Springfield Center) to Cooperstown. In Cooperstown, turn right onto Chestnut Street. Go several village blocks and turn left onto Beaver Street (at Cooperstown Motel sign and sign to hospital). Proceed to second 4-way stop; turn right onto Susquehanna Street. Pass the Clark Sports Center, cross a small bridge and bear left (County Rte. 52). Go up hill 2/10 mile and take first right onto Beaver Meadow Road (trial field is just ahead on the right).