A HEALTHY turnout of sheepdog trialists accompanied by their sheepdogs arrived at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s Glynllifon Farm near Caernarfon recently for its 2017 trials.

Open to the public, this event has been held annually since 2001, hosted by Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor students, and the number of competitors taking part in the championship – a grand total of 83 this year - has grown steadily year on year.

Whilst the fine, dry weather attracted spectators from miles around, the wind proved to be sharp and had impact on the trials.

Medwyn Evans of Boetheuog, Dolgellau, judge of the morning open and second classes, said: “The wind proved to be slightly challenging for the sheepdogs due to the ewes being difficult to control under these conditions.”

Medwyn Evans, himself Championship winner at Glynllifon in 2016, has also won the National Sheepdog trials three times, the National Qualifier once and has been placed fourth in the Supreme International sheepdog trials during his trialling career.

The afternoon session was judged by Gareth T Owen of Penisarwaen, another experienced sheepdog trialist.

The youngest competitor of the open class was Rhion Owen, 15, from Anglesey who showed great enthusiasm towards the event.

The ambitious young trialist was placed fifth with his dog Ross in the morning open class.

Later this year, Rhion will represent Wales at the World Sheepdog trials, taking place in Holland, along with his trusty partner Ross.

Rhion said: “It’s been a great day, bringing together those who share the same interests.”

The students and staff of Glynllifon College would like to thank all competitors and spectators, as well as the North Wales Sheepdog Society for their support.

See this week’s north editions for the full results, in shops and online on Thursday