The sheepdog school is in a beautiful North Wales valley, just off the A5 road from Llangollen to Betws-y-coed, on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.  The morning was fresh and bright after a heavy night's rain and the sound of tinkling water in nearby brooks was like refreshing music.  I had come to see how dogs and handlers developed the skills of sheepdog trialling and meet the people who wanted to learn.

The man in charge of this school is Aled Owen, well known to enthusiasts as many times Welsh Champion and Supreme International Champion in 1999 and 2000.  Last year he developed the property at Ty-nant to be a visitor centre to show the breeds of sheep and the craft of looking after them; it is well sign posted from the A5 and visitor days for 2002 are being planned.  Holiday tourists aside, Aled is host to many would-be handlers and those already very competent.  Together, they work on their skills in a small, sloping field with a small flock of Welsh Mountain crossbred sheep.

Some of today's group of students know each other from earlier sessions.  The skills and background differ greatly.  Dai comes from Bala and is well experience in training young dogs for work but finds it valuable to discuss finer points of control with Aled.  Janine considers herself a complete novice and became involved when husband Gareth spent more and more weekends at trials; as the saying goes "if you can't beat them"!  Gareth, Sandy and Lesley had the skills to gather a flock of sheep and do much more, but valued Aled's knowledge of why their dog behaved in particular ways.

The morning continued in perfect weather as, one at a time, they went through particular routines in the field.  Aled would often stop and come over to explain to all of us what he was trying to do and how that particular dog was reacting.

I took time to talk with Janine and Sandy to find out how they became involved, and how easy it was to integrate with the Society.  "I think it's quite old fashioned and harder for women" said one. "No, I personally have not found it a problem, but you have to be confident in yourself" came the counter view.  I had noted at the Continental Trial that women competitors were well respected and asked whether this was their experience in the UK.  "If you do well the locals will congratulate you".  "Sometimes, individuals don't want newcomers, but others can be welcoming".  "Women triallists I think are respected here".

The common problem, perhaps, was getting started in the first place.  "I just couldn't find out how to start, I spoke to lots of people before I found the right person who could help".  "I was so concerned not to look foolish in front of others who were obviously expert".  "I thought Nursery Trials would be the place to start but it's where very experienced handlers take new dogs, where do beginners go"?  Despite those concerns, which we would all share, Janine and Sandy were fully enjoying the learning experience and had found a safe environment at Aled's School.  Do you come because he is a champion, I thought.  "It is because Aled is so approachable, and doesn't talk down to us, that you feel secure with him and grow in confidence".

Over lunch we discussed where people can go to learn the skills.  In the past, the Agricultural Training Boards would teach sheepdog handling to many youngsters.  Aled and Dai recalled how their fathers made sure that their generation attended training sessions.  "But there have been very few classes in the last few years.  Perhaps it's time we became the teachers for the next generation"?  That next generation will be different.  Dai commented with regret that he has seen some supposed farmers collecting in sheep with 4-wheel motorbikes and a long line of local school children.  "But there are some local young people who are interested, and we could offer our help".

And perhaps here is the problem.  Things are changing and the new structures need to be thought about and created.  Farming is going to be different for many in a few years and some will need to find new sources of business.  Meanwhile, a new generation of people like Sandy and Janine, supported by those who know the ropes, want to get involved.  They need to find fields and flocks of sheep and will become part of the future lifeblood of the Society.  Initially, they need support and encouragement from schemes such as Aled's and others that are happening in one or two locations.

Could the Society and local Sheep Dog Associations do anything to help?  "It would be wonderful if there were 'total beginners' classes and trials where we could gain confidence before joining established trials".  "Ladies only or youngster's events, where some top Judges could come to give their advice would be so helpful".  "I am sure there are lots of people who would come to that type of event".  Could the Society play a part in listing all the training locations available and whom to contact?  Perhaps help organise specialised days for first timers, or women?  What about approved training schemes and certificates, to pick up or enhance the Agricultural Training Board role of recent years; could the Society think about a formal accreditation programme?

"Aled should be doing this as a full time job" said Dai.  Well, assuming that he and others around the country would like such a job, there seems to be a potential market of enthusiastic students who want to learn.  What should happen next to help put things together?