For Handlers
Everything you need to know about entering a Wolston Farm managed sheepdog trial.
How Entries Work
Each trial has its own online entry form that opens on a specific date. You can find open trials and their entry forms on the Events page. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
1. Submit Your Entry
- Fill out the online entry form during the entry window. You will receive a confirmation email immediately. This email includes a link to withdraw your entry if you change your mind before the draw.
- You may enter up to 3 dogs per class.
- If you have a travel partner, enter their name on your form and have them enter yours. Partners are always drawn together as a unit.
- If you need to add more dogs after your initial submission, submit the form again using the same email address. Additional dogs submitted before the entry window closes are included in the draw. Dogs submitted after the window closes go directly to the waitlist.
- If the entry window has already closed, you can still submit a late entry. Late entries are placed on the waitlist in the order they were received.
2. The Draw
- If a class is oversubscribed, a random draw determines who gets in. It is not first-come, first-served.
- Working staff who are also entering dogs are exempt from the draw and are always accepted.
- Partner pairs are drawn together. If one partner is drawn in, both are. If one is drawn out, both are.
- If you enter 3 dogs in a class, your 3rd dog has the lowest priority. 1st and 2nd dogs are treated equally.
- After the draw, you will receive an email telling you whether each of your entries was accepted or placed on the waitlist. Waitlisted entries include your position number.
3. The Waitlist
- If a spot opens up (due to a withdrawal), the top handler on the waitlist receives an email with a confirmation link.
- You have 48 hours to click the link and confirm your spot.
- If you do not confirm within 48 hours, the spot passes to the next person on the waitlist.
- You may receive periodic emails updating you on your waitlist position.
4. Payment
- Invoices are sent by email with a secure payment link through Helcim.
- Credit card payments include a small processing surcharge added at checkout. ACH/bank payments have no surcharge, so they are the cheaper option.
- Each trial has a payment deadline listed on its event page. Unpaid entries may be withdrawn to make room for waitlisted handlers.
- If you are promoted from the waitlist, you will receive an invoice after you confirm your spot.
- If you are promoted after the payment deadline has passed, you have 48 hours to pay your invoice.
5. Running Order
- About 2 weeks before the trial, you will receive an email with your running order for each day, including your pool assignment and run position.
- A final running order will be sent approximately 2 days before the start of the trial, reflecting any replacements or other changes since the initial send.
- The running order is locked 48 hours before the trial. No late changes will be made after that point, except last-minute withdrawals which will be announced at the handlers' meeting.
- Dogs are split into two pools. On Day 1, Pool 1 runs first. On Day 2 (for classes with two runs), Pool 2 runs first.
- The running order is arranged so that there are at least 4 dogs between dogs belonging to the same handler.
- If you are promoted from the waitlist after running orders have been sent, you will be placed into the withdrawn dog's exact spot in the running order.
Withdrawals & Refunds
- Withdrawals are permanent and cannot be reversed.
- Before the draw runs, you can cancel your entry using the withdraw link in your confirmation email.
- After the draw, you can withdraw online from the Handler Info tab on the event page, or by using the withdrawal form on the event page.
Refund Policy
- If you withdraw a paid entry before the withdrawal deadline, you are eligible for a full refund.
- If you withdraw after the deadline, you are eligible for a refund only if your spot is filled from the waitlist.
- Withdrawals within 48 hours of the event start are not eligible for any refund.
- All refunds are processed after the event, not immediately.
Each trial's specific withdrawal deadline and payment due date are listed on its event page.
At the Trial
- Check the scoreboard at the trial for your run number and any last-minute changes.
- Be ready to run when your number is called. Missing your turn may result in a scratch.
- Scores are posted on the scoreboard during the trial and will be available online after the event.
- Results are submitted to sanctioning bodies (USBCHA, OSDS) after the trial concludes.
Classes
The specific classes offered vary by trial. Common classes include:
Open
The top competitive class. Course may include outrun, lift, fetch, drive, shed, pen, and/or single, depending on the trial.
Nursery
For younger dogs developing their skills. Typically outrun, lift, fetch, drive, and pen.
Pro-Novice
For handlers or dogs newer to trialing. Same course elements as Nursery.
Ranch
Emphasizes practical ranch skills. Outrun, lift, fetch, drive, and hold.
Brace
Two dogs work together as a team. Double outruns and lifts, shared fetch, drive, shed, and pen.
Check each trial's event page for the specific classes, judges, fees, and course descriptions.
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