Michael Shearer sets remarkable local sheep dog trialling record
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Caithness farmer Michael Shearer of Lythmore Farm made history at Mey sheep dog trials when he won the top three spots in the open section with just a mark adrift between each place.
Michael, who will be representing Scotland at the International Sheep Dog Trials in Wales this month, has once again dominated the most recent set of sheepdog trials to be held in the county.
Trialing occurred over two days – August 26-27 – with the Watten trial being held on the Thursday whilst the Mey trial was held on Friday at Wester Farm with the kind permission of Geordie Cormack. Both trials attracted a strong attendance with handlers migrating from as far afield as Shetland and North Yorkshire to be there.
At Watten the Park Cheviot and cross gimmers worked very well on the course but would soon suss out a weaker dog if given the slightest opportunity to do so.
Nevertheless, on the final run of the day Michael, and his eight-year-old bitch Tib put together a solid run to win both the open and county classes on 89 points.
Second place on 85 points, went to Tommy McPhee, of Reiss, with his five-year-old dog Scott, who were clear leaders all the way from lunchtime up until the last run of the trial.
The next day of trialling at Mey saw Michael finish first, second and third in both the open and county sections alike. What makes this achievement truly special is that all three of his dogs – Heilan Rab, Tib and Roy – were only separated by one point between the positions of first to third.
This is the first time in the history of the Mey Sheepdog Trial Association that such a feat has been achieved in the open class section.
Hopefully this appears as a good omen for Michael and Tib who will be heading off to Wales this month to represent Scotland at the prestigious International Sheep Dog Trials, September 10-12, whilst also trying to capture the only title that has alluded him in his near faultless 30-year trialling career – the International Championship.
At the Watten competition the judge was David Murry, Shetland, and 58 dogs ran, while at Mey the judge was Seumas Campbell from the Isle of Skye and 52 dogs ran.
Both the Watten and Mey committees are grateful to all those who helped organise the two days of trials, especially the sheep letter outs who have a very challenging task to fulfil.
Results
Watten – Open: 1 Michael Shearer and Tib, 89 points; 2 Tommy McPhee and Scott, 85; 3 Billy Morrison and Meg, 83 (OLF); 4 Ian Macdonald and Ben, 80; 6 Seumas Campbell and Queen, 79 (OLF); 7 Ian Mackay and Glen, 79; 8 Jerry Ramsey and Drift, 76 (OLF); 9 Kelsey Keith and Sassy, 76; 10 Mure Grant and Jess, 76,
County: 1 M Shearer and Tib, 89; 2 T McPhee and Scott, 85; 3 M Shearer and Rab, 80; 4 M Shearer and Cap, 79; 5 M Grant and Jess, 76; 6 Tina Coghill and Cap, 72.
Best Young Handler: M Grant and Jess 76 points. Best Novice: T Coghill and Cap, 72 points.
Mey – Open: 1 Michael Shearer and Rab, 89; 2 M Shearer and Tib, 88, 3 M Shearer and Roy, 87; 4 Peter Martin and Daisy, 85; 5 Kenny Brehmer and Roy, 83; 6 Ian Mackay and Glen, 79.
County: 1 M Shearer and Rab, 89; 2 M Shearer and Tib, 88; 3 M Shearer and Roy, 87; 4 Jasmine Grant and Pat, 77; 5 Vicky Shearer and Mist, 67; 6 Martyn Cook and Joe, 63.
