Trials dogged by the growing flock of Saturday amateurs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A sharp whistle split the early morning air and the first run of the International Sheepdog Trials was under way.
Eric Barfoot, 50, a fisheries officer from County Tyrone, stood with his dog, Man, on the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire ready to compete. He is among a growing number of "Saturday trialists" in the sport who have never worked on a farm. The trend has angered some shepherds.
"There is resentment, but I compete because I love it," he said. "I know I will never be able to read sheep the way a full-time shepherd does but I get pleasure from working with a dog and just being outside."
Nearby was Mike Northwood, 38, a full-time shepherd. "There are more Saturday trialists than ever before," he said. "They can do it because they've got money to buy good dogs at something like pounds 1,500 a time. I don't begrudge them the pleasure but I don't think they should compete with full-time shepherds."
Philip Hendry, the secretary of the International Sheepdog Society, said of the sport's growing popularity: "It is the attraction of the unique partnership between man or woman and a working dog. The public just love it."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments