NAMASCUSA HERDING PROGRAM
NAMASCUSA chose to go with a points/time trial format to make it easier for members to host trials anywhere in North America or overseas. This format alleviates the costs of flying in judges from other areas, which greatly reduces the costs of hosting a trial. Your basic costs are facilities, stock, and prizes. The trial can be small or large. The members can determine what levels they want to have available at the trial.
The Herding Instinct Test is done under a qualified ASCA/AKC/AHBA or NAMASCUSA judge. The other levels, Herding Capability Certificate, Herding Junior Dog, Started, Open, Advanced and Farm/Ranch Dog are point/time events, supervised by the designated course director. It is a good idea to schedule your judge for a herding clinic the day before the trial. It helps bring in participants and revenue.
A points/time trial does not encourage running the stock around the course to “get the fastest time”. Proper stock handling is required to move smoothly through the course, putting the stock through each obstacle. Not getting any head of stock through an obstacle results in a non-qualifying run. A run can also be called for abusing or running the stock. A no score on an obstacle can be called when the dog is obviously not in contact and moving the stock. The handler can not move the stock without the dog. For example, the dog can’t be off sniffing or in a down position off stock when the stock goes through the obstacle. The dog and handler can attempt most obstacles a second time, if a no score is called for the dog not being in contact with the stock. This is determined by the course director, who should be experienced in handling stock.
The pre-trial levels consist of the Herding Instinct Test and the two levels for the Herding Capability Certificate. The trial levels at this time are Junior Herding, Started, Open and Advanced with two courses for required legs at each level. A Jackpot class has been added for an additional course. FARM and RANCH Dog has also been added to the Herding program. Farm and Ranch Trials will showcase the working ability of the dogs in a farm/ranch environment. Additional trial courses and levels can be added as our dogs are ready for more advanced work, a Post-advanced course. A Herding Trial Championship on each type of stock will also be added to the program. The Championships can be earned on ducks, sheep, goats, and cattle.
NAMASCUSA encourages everyone to participate in this very important part of our dogs’ heritage, working stock.
