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With our personal mission to conserve ranch land and educate about sustainability in tandem with showcasing the western heritage we hold so dear it was an easy decision to bring this wonderful event back to the valley. We look forward to welcoming back the handlers and the spectators to the National Sheepdog Finals at Strang Ranch in September 2023.

Bridget Strang

ABOUT US

The 2023 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals is a first-rate herding competition and will showcase land conservation, stewardship, and the region's ranching heritage.  There will also be fantastic food and a craft fair with numerous vendors and we will be bringing back the very popular "doggie demos" and "Lamb Cook Off" over the weekend.

After a year of qualifying trials around the country, the top 150 Open dog and handler teams in North America will earn the right to compete in the 2023 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals.

The Nursery dogs will be dogs under 36 months of age who have won or placed in enough trials to have qualified for the right to compete for the title of National Nursery Champion.  These handlers and their dogs represent the best that the United States and Canada have to offer in terms of stockmanship and stock dog handling.

Spectators will have a rare opportunity to observe seasoned veterans in the Open Class, as well as the finest of our young prospects in the Nursery Class. 

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME AND LEAVE THE HERDING TO THE PROFESSIONALS!


The Volunteers 
Volunteers are the backbone of any event, and, the National Sheepdog Finals competition is no exception. These volunteers, working mostly behind the scenes, provide services ranging from parking assistance to sheep care.  If you are interested in volunteering please fill out our volunteer form or contact us at carbondalefinals@gmail.com. 
 
The Set Out Crew
Mark Henderson and Sean Casey have been setting sheep together for quite some time including the last four finals at Strang Ranch.  This year they will be joined by Mike Lupow and Terry Leplatt. Their standard for consistent sets is unparalleled as they are one of the premier set-out crews in the country.  They’re up before the sun and don’t unsaddle until the last sheep is safe and fed for the night.  There’s never any shortage of laughs to get them through the long days.
 
The Announcer
Ray Crabtree, from Kuna Idaho, will again be the voice of reason at the Finals.  Ray has announced at most of the major dog trials in the country including the Soldier Hollow Invitational, The Meeker Classic as well as most of the finals since 2012 in Belle Grove, VA.  His knowledge of the sport is fantastic and he keeps the audience informed all the while educating the layman on the nuances of the sport.  We are very excited to have Ray on the microphone for 2023.

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