4th Annual McCormack Ranch Sheepdog Trial - March 31, April 1 & April 2, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Come check out the quaint town of Rio Vista before driving through the Montezuma Hills to the 4^th Annual McCormack Ranch Sheepdog Trials, Friday, March 31^st – Sunday, April 2^nd, 2017. This event is the revitalization of a historic event dating back to the 1930’s. McCormack Ranch is located at 7680 Montezuma Hills Road west of Rio Vista.

The Sacramento River and Mount Diablo is the backdrop where over 80 dogs and their handlers from several western states converge in hopes to win a place in the USBCHA Sheepdog Finals held in, Middletown, VA from September 26 - October 1, 2017.

The rolling Montezuma Hills are pastoral, the trial course is tough, the dogs amazing and the sheep typical, meaning they act naturally but not always as expected! The dogs show their skills moving sheep around a large course within an allotted time limit. Dogs and handlers are judged by their ability to complete all the tasks required for competent livestock work. All dogs are veterans of previous trials.

This all adds up to a challenging event for dogs and handlers alike and great fun for the viewing public. Bring your blanket or folding chairs and don’t forget your binoculars!

The event is open to the public Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The daily admission is $15 for adults and children 13 years old and above, children 12 and under are free. Buy tickets online at can also be purchased at the gate. The event takes place rain or shine so tickets are non-refundable. Take a hayride from the parking lot to the event. Separate tickets for a delicious lamb barbecue on Saturday, April 1 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM are available for $8 at Pets 4 All and Books Rio V. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and drinks are available every day from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This is an alcohol free event.

The only animals allowed at the dog trials are those dogs participating in the contest. No other dogs or pets are permitted to enter the gates, except for service dogs for disabled persons.

For information, please call Jeannie McCormack at (707) 374-2254 or visit http://discoverriovista.com/events/sheep-dog-trials/.