RURAL HILL NEWS RELEASE
Contact: 704.875.3113 or office@ruralhill.net

15^th ANNUAL RURAL HILL SHEEP DOG TRIALS SET FOR NOVEMBER 7 & 8

September 30, 2009

HUNTERSVILLE, NC:  PETCO presents the 15^th Annual Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials on November 7 & 8, 2009.  The Trials are sanctioned by the United States Border Collies Handlers Association and more than 100 dogs will be competing throughout the weekend. 

Gates open each day at 8 AM, competition begins at 8:30 and additional activities begin at 10 AM.  Admission is $10 per person ages 13+, $7 per child ages 5-12, and children ages 4 and under are admitted free.  The complete schedule of events is available online at www.ruralhill.net.   Proceeds from all annual events are used for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its educational programs. 

The Trials are open to any herding breeds, but the majority of entries are Border Collies.  The Sheep Dog Trials are based on tasks that a working dog is asked to do on the farm.  Points are earned for each phase of work.  The dog and handler team is awarded points for demonstrating precision in the time allowed.  One of 13 dog breeds that developed in Scotland, the Border Collie first appeared in the Border country in the 1700's. The Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials are sanctioned by the US Border Collie Handlers Association. 

In addition to the regional sheep dog competition, Rural Hill offers a variety of family activities each day including the Dog Sport Demo Field presented by the Greater Charlotte Sheltie Club.  Many other family activities will be available including a bounce house and inflatables, hayrides around the farm, an antique tractor display, Pumpkin Chunkin’ with a model of an 11^th century trebuchet (bring your leftover Halloween pumpkin or purchase one at Rural Hill), cornfield and logic mazes, the Rural Hill livestock, and more!  The 1760’s Davidson Family Homestead site will be open for visitors.  Open hearth cooking and blacksmith demonstrations will take place during the event.  Lakecross Veterinary Hospital will be providing free registration for Huntersville dogs and cats with proof of rabies vaccination.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

NEW IN 2009 – On Saturday, November 7 from 10 AM until 3 PM a “Rally to Rescue Pet Expo & Adoption Fair" hosted by Friends for Life LKN will be held in the southern area of Rural Hill at the Davidson School House.  The event is supported by Purina and will benefit the Humane Animal Rescue efforts and Friends for Life Spay/Neuter Programs.  Details will soon be announced!

The Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials are presented by the Catawba Valley Scottish Society and The Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club.  Dogs are welcome to attend with their families and must be leashed and under their owner’s control.  For complete event information, please visit www.ruralhill.net.