Novice Trial

History of Trial

Since 2009, my husband and I have hosted clinicians for duck-herding lessons and clinics and sheep herding lessons and clinics.  In 2012, we stepped it up a notch and put on our first sheep herding trial. Even with the blistering heat of July, we had a blast.  We have been hosting the trial each year ever since.

Past Placements & Scores

This USBCHA-style herding trial is open to any dog and handler team that wants to give the course a try. We offer a Novice & Ranch course with approx. 200-yard outrun. In 2019, we offered a Pro-Novice class. The course consists of various tasks that a Ranch or Farmdog would need to complete. The Ranch class includes a short drive away and the Pro-Novice class has a cross-drive. WWSDA Members get trial points for the compete classes.

A special thanks to Kathy Kawalec and Nancy Flynn who have been amazing help and lots of encouragement in putting together the first two trials. Nancy & Kathy hosted the Ewesful Dog trial Novice series in 2011 that served as the inspiration for the Laughing Frog trials. Both Don and I feel these Novice trials are a way of giving back and paying it forward. We hope others will find ways to support our herding community and the novice handlers looking to either give it a try or move up in classes.    

Tresa & Don Laferty
Laughing Frog Farm trial host
Kansasville, WI