Richard Fawcett Working sheepdog demonstrations

Richard Fawcett…
Sheep Dog Demonstrations & International Trialist.

Working Sheep Dogs
as seen on TV...

Demonstrations

Demonstration Times & Prices

The demonstrations in 2026 will take place regardless of weather conditions every Thursday starting May 7th.

Demonstration times:
May, June, July, and August. Start time: 6.30pm.
September & October . 2.30pm;
Duration approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.

We do start promptly at the above times, so please arrive early.

Demonstration Prices
Admission charge: £5.00 adult, children up to age 5 are free,
aged 5 to 15 are £2.00.
Cash or card payments taken.

The show is geared for all the family with lots to keep both old and young entertained. Richard gives an introductory talk on local farming history, the area, the sheep, and his dogs.
The action is interspersed with more interesting information and anecdotes, and concludes with an opportunity to ask questions.

There will be an opportunity to watch Richard and his dogs in a working environment showing:

• flock work
• a typical sheepdog trial
• young dogs at various stages of training and ability
• two dogs working together

About Richard

Sheepdog handler & demonstrator

Richard Fawcett, a local farmer and sheepdog handler, has been demonstrating his working sheepdogs on a regular basis for over 39 years at his farm in beautiful Upper Wensleydale, near Hawes. During all that time, he has also been involved in sheepdog trialling and has featured in several TV programmes.
“Learn about the trials and tribulations of hill farming at weekly sheepdog demos run in the summer by farmer Richard Fawcett...” as featured in The Guardian and the Yorkshire Post.

In 1987, Richard did a sheepdog demonstration on the farm for the local church. It was so popular that he decided to do a few more that summer. Since then, from May to October, every Thursday, " rain or shine ", on the Old Golf Links, half way between Hawes and Hardraw, there's been a demo.

Since 1918, The Croft, Hardraw has been farmed by 5 generations of the Fawcett family. Richard, being the 4th family member, has lived in the village all but 4 years of his life. Until 1992, it was a sheep and dairy cow enterprise. More recently, it has become a predominantly sheep farm with an accompanying small herd of Limousin beef cattle....

The Dogs...

Lola, 14 years old in July, is still the boss of the kennels, but sadly she has rapidly progressing dementia. She will be at the demos, but, as a spectator. She has been an outstanding work companion, at home in every day work, at the demos, and on the trial field. Winning many trials, and representing England at both the International and World trials.
One of my best ever dogs, Keef, a son of Lola, sadly died prematurely of cancer. Luckily for me, my daughter, Hannah, has kindly allowed me to use her dog, Marshal, another Lola son, since most of my youngsters are quite inexperienced.
3 year old Lanna, a granddaughter of Lola, has had to step up to become my main dog. Highly competent, strong willed, classy, and 100% faithful, she is an excellent all round companion. At the end of the 2025/6 nursery sheepdog trial season for young dogs, she was very successful, culminating with her winning the Northern Championship trophy.
I have acquired 3 youngsters early this year, Meg, Gem, and Max. At the start of this season, they are each between 16 and 20 months.
I’m very pleased with all three. Very keen, determined, and good temperaments, but lots of training and experience required by all three.
This summer will determine how good they’re going to be.
In late March, I bought in a new puppy, hopefully for the future.