Please note, rules have been amended for 2026:
Click to download:
Rules and Conditions of Entry to Devon & Exmoor Sheepdog Society Trials – Updated December 2025
DESS Victor Ludorum Rules – As amended Committee Meeting, 13th November 2025
Rules for Victor Ludorum have changed, namely novice classification:
“Driving – A dog which starts the season as a novice remains a novice for the whole season, the following season it remains a novice unless it has won 2 novice trials or had a place 1st – 6th in an open or club trial.
Maltese Cross – A dog which starts the season as a novice remains a novice for the whole season, unless it gains a place in an open driving class during that season, the following season it remains a novice unless it has won 2 Maltese novice trials or had a place 1st – 6th in a Maltese open or club trial.”
Our AGM was held on November 13, 2025. Click here to read the minutes.
18 March 26
Brochures have been sent, and our trials page updated.
21 February 26
We wish the very best of luck to the members competing tomorrow at the English Nursery Finals, at the Fridlington Farm Estate in North Yorkshire.
David Cole and Mac: We can undoubtably say that David is a key figure in south west trialling, both encouraging a competitive atmosphere and retaining a high standard of sportsmanship. David and his bitch Tan, were seen last year in the 2025 International, and we are looking forward to seeing David compete at the upcoming World Sheepdog Trial. The south west elects to send three handlers to the nursery finals, but it would be remiss not to mention David’s bitch, Shae – who took top honours in the qualifications, coming in second to Mac.
Selena Short and Kerry: Selena started with our club as a New Handler several years ago, and has never backed down in her search to improve her knowledge, her dogs, an her handling. Kerry is homebred and home-trained, looking to be a cool-headed, trusting bitch, who is happy to move anything. We’re very proud to support this capable team (and Selena is our own trophies manager).
Sophie Mills and Kismet Alba: Sophie is one of our handlers with a keen eye for drive lines, and building an intelligent, capable dog. Alba is also homebred and home-trained by Sophie, with littermates showing success across the UK. Alba has been consistent in the placings, though, by her own admission, would like the rain to end. (Wouldn’t we all, Alba).
It’s been an extremely competitive nursery season for our region, with consistent top three placings to be named above. Thank you very much to Trevor Hopper, who organises and manages the West Country Nursery Trials.
19 February 26
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brian Duke passed away this week at Eastleigh Nursing Home. Brian was a staunch and longstanding supporter of South West trialling for many decades. As well as running the Challacombe Trial, he judged and supporting many other events across the region.
Some words from our chairman:
“Before retiring, Brian had been Head Shepherd for Lord and Lady Aran when they owned the Simonsbath estate – his life was steeped in sheep, shepherding and sheepdogs on Exmoor.”
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Many of our members will know Brian from decades of camaraderie. Funeral is to be held at 2:00PM on Thursday 12th March, at St Luke’s Church, Simonsbath.
1 February 26
Although it may not feel like it just yet, warmer, drier days are closer than we think. A reminder to please renew your Devon & Exmoor Sheepdog Society membership for 2026. Our brochures are currently being finalised, so there is still time to receive one when published. Membership renewal forms can be downloaded from our website and returned to our Membership Secretary, Lucy Knight.
