Herding Taster Day
16.05.2026
Photos © Marcus Legg Photography
All about the event
The 'Have-a-go Herding Day' was organised by Megan Gatt with the hopes of providing a safe, fun environment for Rough and Smooth Collie owners to have a go at herding with their dogs. For many owners of Rough and Smooth Collies, herding is now something rarely seen in the UK, so the event was a fun day of learning and socialising with like-minded collie owners and to try a new sport.
The event was organised in collaboration with the professional Shepherdess and herding trainer, Caitlin Jenkins of Claygates Sheepdogs. It was also sponsored by Fettle; of which kindly donated goody bags with fettle products in for the participants to take home. Fettle have been working to shine a spotlight on
vulnerable native breeds and the decline in numbers seen across many traditional UK breeds now placed on the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list. They have agreed, after attending the event, to sponsor another future event too in hopes of continuing to give the breeds publicity in media.
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The day started with a brief introduction from Caitlin herself on her methods, how the day would work and what to expect. After this, everyone received a demonstration with her border collie on their working style; and then another demonstration with Megan and her Rough Collie, Kenai, as they had been taking lessons for a few months already. Caitlin discussed and showcased multiple herding working styles and even at the end of the day demonstrated the style of her New Zealand Huntaway- a more vocal breed that barks on command to help move the sheep.
Each individual handler and dog was given a couple of 1-2-1s with the trainer, starting from outside of the pen and then working their way inside and off-lead where apropriate. All the collies took it in their stride, but it was apparently interesting seeing how each dog approached the sheep and the situation. A brief break mid-day split the day up and was greatly received with drinks, sandwiches and snacks. More 1-2-1 sessions followed after the break and allowed handlers to swap their dogs out if wanted.
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The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many owners saying how proud they were of their dogs and how much they had enjoyed trying something completely new together. Everyone was supportive of one another and their dogs.
This event highlights the incredible versatility of the breed, eagerness to work for their handlers and how adaptable to new situations, tasks and challenges the dogs are in the face of them. The Rough and Smooth Collie does not shy away from challenges, is intelligent and handler focused at their core. A true working dog, even if no longer used as such.
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Due to how successful the event was, Megan is hoping to organise another for the end of the year. Keep an eye on this website and Megan's socials for further information on how to book on.
