The judges

Angie Blackmore to Judge at the European Sheepdog Championship

We are proud to welcome Angie Blackmore from England as one of the judges at the European Sheepdog Championship.

Angie has been a highly respected figure in the world of working sheepdog trials for many years. As an accomplished handler, she has competed successfully at the highest level with her Border Collies in numerous national and international trials. Her outstanding stockmanship, extensive knowledge of working dogs and sheep, and many years of experience have earned her an excellent reputation within the international sheepdog community.

In addition to her successful trial career, Angie is regularly invited to judge prestigious sheepdog trials throughout the United Kingdom and across Europe. Among her many judging appointments, she has had the honour of judging an English National and an International, reflecting the high regard in which she is held by the sheepdog community. Her expertise, fairness, and keen eye for both dog and handler make her a respected and highly regarded judge.

We are honoured that Angie Blackmore has accepted our invitation to officiate at this year's European Sheepdog Championship. We warmly welcome her and look forward to the valuable experience and professionalism she will bring to the event.

Rob Lewis to Judge at the European Sheepdog Championship

We are delighted to welcome Rob Lewis from Wales as one of the judges at the European Sheepdog Championship.

I'm farming just north of Cardiff with my partner, Mandy. We lamb about 500 ewes, mainly registered North Country Cheviots, some British Texels and a small flock of registered, MV-accredited Blue Texels. We run about 180 ewe hoggs through dry.

Most of our sheep are sold through our local mart and a few through pedigree sales.

I first started with the dogs when I came home from college in the '80s. My first was a Kelpie bitch, but I was soon influenced by Les Suter to get a proper Border Collie. Trialling was the natural progression, beginning with the Kelpie bitch in local and nursery trials.

Things improved when I got into Border Collies, and I've had a lot of fun, met some fantastic folk and had occasional success!

I was encouraged to judge and helped by some of the stars of our nursery group: Les Suter, Wilf Reed, John Thomas, Dick Roper and Richard Montgomery.

The biggest trial I've judged to date was the Welsh National in 2024. I was delighted to be asked and I'm looking forward to judging the 2026 Continental Championship. It's a chance to see and meet different handlers and their dogs.