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Things to Know
CLASSES OFFERED
Novice (x2)
Pro Novice (x2)
Nursery (x2)
Open (x2)
DL Final
JUDGE
2025 RMC Judge: Paddy Fanning
ENTRIES
Entries Open April 1
Open: $250 CAD (includes 2 runs)
Nursery & PN: $175 CAD (2 runs)
Novice: $150 CAD (2 runs)
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.
Want to Sponsor the 2025 Ranch Masters Classic?
(2025 Sponsors List Will Be Updated In May, 2025)
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PRIZES & PAYOUTS
As the trial date approaches, more detail on exact payouts and prizes for each class will be published here.
OPEN
DL Champion: $3,000
DL Reserve Champion: $1,000
OPEN Agregate Champion:
TBD
Round 1
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
Round 2
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
NURSERY
Champion: Buckle + $150 (min)
Reserve Champion:
$100 (min)
Round 1
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
Round 2
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
PRO NOVICE
Champion: Buckle + $150 (min)
Reserve Champion:
$100 (min)
Round 1
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
Round 2
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
NOVICE
Champion: Buckle + $150 (min)
Reserve Champion:
$100 (min)
Round 1
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
Round 2
1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD
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
WHAT IS THE TRIAL'S 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.
The primary goal of The Ranch Masters Classic Open class is to showcase the highest levels of capability, fitness and skill that working sheepdogs and their handlers can aspire to. While the Novice, Nursery and Pro Novice classes are meant to build and develop the next generation of teams. With this in mind, all staff, volunteers and participants who attend this trial are asked to uphold the spirit of that vision at all times in order. In the event that an individual falls short of such conduct, they may be asked to leave the trial at any time.
02
WHAT IS THE TRIAL 'ANIMAL WELFARE' POLICY?
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 stock replacement fee of $500 per sheep will be the responsibility of the handler to pay. Any handler deemed to be putting sheep or dogs in harms way to an unreasonable degree may be asked to leave the trial.
03
WHAT IS THE TRIAL REFUND POLICY?
Refunds after entry will be allowed for medical / veterinary reasons up to June 6th with a note from a doctor or vet.
Refunds for other reasons will be at the discretion of the trial organizers based on context.
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.
In 2024, the Open courses featured 8-10 sheep, a shed (including 1 collared sheep) and a single after the pen (of the collared sheep) with a 20-25 minute course time. The Double Lift featured a ~30 minute course time, though it will likely be longer this year given the distances involved.
All Open competitors should be prepared for courses of commensurate difficulty in 2025.
05
WHAT DAYS WILL EACH CLASS RUN ON?
All classes will be spread across June 6-8, so handlers should be prepared to attend the trial for all three days. As we get closer to the trial, running orders and class schedules will be shared.
06
HOW LATE CAN I ENTER THE TRIAL?
This trial has not had an issue with too many entries in the past, so late entries have been allowed up to the start of the trial itself. Whether that will be the case this year will be determined by the number of entries recieved after April 1st. In the event the trial reaches capacity, this page will be updated to reflect it.
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 2024 and will play an equally crucial role in 2025 as well. If 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 have been a huge driving force behind making the Ranch Masters Classic happen each year, and will be a huge part of the event in 2025 as welll
. 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.
Likewise, in 2025 all volunteers who help out for at least 3 days of the trial will be eligible to attend a free stockdog clinic (in a working or audit spot) with our judge: Paddy Fanning.
Click here 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 as they are calculated based on entries to date.
11
WHERE CAN I SEE THE TRIAL'S BUDGET?
The 2024 Ranch Masters Trial budget can be viewed by clicking here. The 2025 Trial Budget can be found here but please note that it is largely TBD at the moment and will be updated more fully in May, 2025. While it will continue to evolve between then 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.
14
WHAT'S NEW TO THE TRIAL IN 2025?
--Open course pens will be further back from the set out point to allow for deeper lifts
-All classes will have separate payout pools (based on their respective entries) rather than all classes sharing in a single payout pool (to prevent Open payouts from swallowing up all others)
-Lower classes (Novice, Nursery, PN) will use the same handler's post as Open to prevent the need for a long walk up the field to reach the running area for these classes.
More questions and answers may be added to this list continuously as we get closer to the event. Keep checking back!
Highlights from the 2024 RMC
