WANT TO ENTER THE TRIAL?
The regular entry period was Dec 1, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024. For those who missed the entry period, you can request a late entry for the trial by clicking the button below. Late entry requests will be considered up to the day of the trial, depending on trial capacity. Late entries include a ~20% premium with all proceeds going toward trial payouts. Those who signed up at least one dog to the trial before Jan 15 can add additional dogs to the trial at no extra cost.
- Fri, Jun 07Ranch Masters ClassicJun 07, 2024, 7:00 AM MDT – Jun 11, 2024, 5:00 PM MDTRanch Masters Classic, Cardston County, AB T0K 0S0, CanadaThe ultimate challenge for sheepdogs and their handlers.
Things to Know
CLASSES OFFERED
Novice (x2)
Pro Novice (x2)
Nursery (x2)
Open (x2)
DL Final (15 runs, criteria TBD)
JUDGES
N, PN & Nursery: Billie Richardson
Open & DL: Joni Tietjen
ENTRIES
Available Dec 1, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024
Open: $220 (2 runs) [$260 late entry]
Nursery & PN: $170 (2 runs) [$200 late entry]
Novice: $150 (2 runs) [No extra cost for late entry]
SPONSORSHIP & VOLUNTEERING
Want to help make this trial a success? Contact Us here.
GETTING THERE
Click Here to open a Google Maps pin that will take you right to the trial field.
POLICIES & FAQ
Want to know whether this trial is right for you?
Not sure about something? Click here.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
DGN STOCKDOGS
REMY & ANDREW CAMPBELL
JENNY & SCOTT GLEN
HILLTOP SHEEPDOG TRIAL
ANONYMOUS
STEVE DAVIE
ALBION RIDGE COLONY
PRIZES & PAYOUTS
As the trial date approaches, more detail on exact payouts and prizes for each class will be published here.
But he's what is on the table so far!
OPEN
DL Champion: $5,000 CAD
DL Reserve Champion: TBD +
Engraved Whistle
Round 1
1st: $200+
2nd: $140+
3rd: $100+
Round 2
1st: $200+
2nd: $140+
3rd: $100+
NURSERY
Champion: TBD ($250+)
Reserve Champion:
Engraved Whistle
Round 1
1st: $150+
2nd: $100+
3rd: $50+
Round 2
1st: $150+
2nd: $100+
3rd: $50+
PRO NOVICE
Champion: TBD ($250+)
Reserve Champion:
Engraved Whistle
Round 1
1st: $170+
2nd: $110+
3rd: $60+
Round 2
1st: $170+
2nd: $110+
3rd: $60+
PRO NOVICE
Champion: TBD ($250+)
Reserve Champion:
Engraved Whistle
Round 1
1st: $80+
2nd: $50+
3rd: $30+
Round 2
1st: $80+
2nd: $50+
3rd: $30+
POLICIES & FAQ
See below for the Ranch Master Classic trial policies, as well as a constantly growing list of frequently asked questions. Please ensure you read and agree to abide by the below before you enter the trial.
Don't see an answer for a question you might have? Let us know.
01
CODE OF CONDUCT
The trial hosts reserve the right to remove any individual, at any time, from the trial based on their conduct/behaviour without hesitation. This can include harassing, insulting, denigrating or impeding the trial, its staff/volunteers or other competitors/spectators.
02
ANIMAL WELFARE
Each handler is responsible for any injury or damage done to the sheep by themselves or their dog. In the event a sheep is seriously injured (or killed) as a result of the actions of either a handler or its dog, a fine of $350 per sheep will be the sole responsibility of the handler to pay. Furthermore, any handler deemed to be putting sheep or dogs in harms way to an unreasonable degree may be asked to leave the trial at any time.
03
PAID ENTRIES ARE FINAL
Due to the significant costs (in time and resources) to put on this non-profit event, refunds will not be offered once payment is recieved for an entry. Please only enter the trial if you understand that your entry fees will be donated toward the trial's expenses, and payouts, should you be ultimately be unable to attend for any reason. This said, in the event it is the trial hosts that cancel the event, for any reason, all entry fees will be returned to entrants.
04
HOW DIFFICULT WILL THE COURSES BE?
This trial is designed to be a significant challenge for Open handlers/dogs, but a welcoming and achievable opportunity for newer handlers and younger dogs to grow and learn. With this in mind, while the Open course will feature huge outruns (1000+ yards) and large drives... the Nursery, Pro Novice and Novice courses will be modest and achievable. Handlers can expect the outruns for these lower classes to be roughly ~150 (for novice) and ~250 yards (Nursery and Pro Novice). The #1 priority for Novice/Pro Novice and Nursery at the Ranch Masters Classic is to help teams continue to develop their skills and confidence so that they can one day hopefully run in Open at the RMC.
05
WHAT DAYS WILL EACH CLASS RUN ON?
Open will run June 7-8, followed by the Double Lift Final on June 9th. Novice, Pro Novice and Nursery will run on June 10 & 11th. This order of classes is not likely to change, but may due to unforseen circumstances between now and June 7th, in which case all entrants wil be notified well in advance.
06
CAN I STILL ENTER THE TRIAL AFTER JAN 15th?
The regular entry period for the trial closes on January 15th. After the 15th, late entries will be accepted (capacity dependant) at an increased price (~20%) with all proceeds going to payouts/prizes. To encourage new handlers, novice entries will have no extra cost for entering late. Those who enter and pay for at least one dog in the trial during the regular entry period may, at any time up to June 6, add additional dogs at the original entry prices.
07
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE TRIAL?
Signing up to compete or coming to watch the trial is a great way to support what we're trying to build with this event. That said, sponsors and donators also played a huge role in making the Ranch Masters Classic a success in 2023 and will play an equally crucial role in 2024 as well. We are working on a list of available prizes and aspects of the trial that are available to be sponsored that will be released in December, but if in the meantime you would like to inquire about how to help the trial monetarily please reach out.
08
WHERE CAN I STAY?
Camping on-site at the trial is welcome, although due to its remote location there is no power or water hookup for campers. For those looking to stay nearby, there are several hotels in nearby Cardston (~25 minutes away) and typically multiple AIRBNB listings within an hour of the event. If you're planning to attend RMC this year and plan to stay offsite, it's recommended you book well in advance.
09
DOES THE TRIAL NEED VOLUNTEERS?
Always. Volunteers were driving force behind making the Ranch Masters Classic happen last year, and will be a huge part of the event in year 2 as well. Whether or not you have competed at, or even been to, a sheepdog trial before there are multiple ways you might be able to help bring the event to life.
Let us know if you'd be interested in volunteering during the trial.
10
WHAT WILL THE PRIZES / PAYOUTS BE?
The full breakdown of prizes and payouts is continuously updating as the trial approaches, but you can always check the Trial Budget to see the latest projected payouts and prizes at any time.
11
WHERE CAN I SEE THE TRIAL'S BUDGET?
The 2024 Ranch Masters Trial budget is now live and can be viewed by clicking here. While it will continue to evolve between now and the trial as new expenses and entry/sponsorship revenue emerge, it will remain publicly visible so that anyone can see how the trial is holding true to its non-profit vision.
12
WHICH ORGANIZATIONS WILL THE TRIAL BE SANCTIONED WITH?
The Open and Nursery classes will be sanctioned with the USBCHA. All classes will be sanctioned with the Alberta Stock Dog Association.
13
ARE CROSS ENTRIES ALLOWED?
A dog may be entered in both Nursery and any one other class. No cross entering of the same dog/handler in more than one of Open, PN or Novice will be permitted.
More questions and answers may be added to this list continuously as we get closer to the event. Keep checking back!
Highlights from the 2023 RMC
