SHEEPDOG trial enthusiasts are appealing for new venues in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The 20-day standstill rule on livestock movements is cutting sites because it effectively means sheep taking part have to be on site at the farm where a trial is held, otherwise there is too much red tape for many farmers to be host to a trial.

Even if farmers are willing to conform, the cost of disinfecting is not insignificant.

The 20-day rule also means many agricultural shows have had to cancel sheep classes this season.

The overall result is that there will be fewer trials than normal this year. Those which do go ahead will follow strict rules and regulations agreed between Defra and the International Sheep Dog Society.

One sheepdog handler affected by this situation is Kim Gibson from the Ripon area.

Originally from Cardigan, she has settled in Nidderdale with her partner, Simon Poulter, also a handler. He farms about 100 breeding ewes, a mixture of pure bred Suffolk and Mule ewes, producing Suffolk tups and fat lambs.

Their interest in working collies means they have everything from young dogs in training to fully-trained work dogs and trial dogs.

Snap, their oldest collie, is 14 and, in his prime, was one of the best in Yorkshire, winning many nursery and open trials.

"He qualified to run in the English team in 1994 but, unfortunately, didn't get his chance to run at the International Sheepdog Trials that year as a stone fell on his paw when out walling with Simon and he broke three bones in his front paw," said Ms Gibson.

However, a successful partnership with Mr Poulter's first sheepdog, Joy, means their natural herding abilities are evident in their offspring, particularly in a half-white-faced bitch called Jenny, and her offspring.

"She is a real worker," said Ms Gibson, "and works cattle as well as sheep."

Ms Gibson has had some excellent dogs herself, including Watch, her first collie, who is also 14 and still works her heart out, even though she officially retired some years ago.

Her next, Joe, came from her mother, who trains and trials sheepdogs in South Wales. "He is one in a million because he will work for both Simon and me," she said. "Not many dogs are like that; they usually stick to one person, but Joe will run for me one minute and then for Simon, even at trials."

His pups display the same friendly temperament and the couple have great hopes for them all in the open trials this year.

Ms Gibson's nursery dog, Moss, is by the 1998 Irish national champion and out of Joe's sister.

"We both enjoy training young sheepdogs and have some youngsters which are framing well and showing good potential," said Ms Gibson who, when she isn't training and working her dogs, is a nurse on the haematology ward at St James's University Hospital in Leeds.

She enjoys working on the busy wards but finds life in the country provides a good balance. The sheepdogs also make a good topic of conversation with patients and others. Last year she found city people wanted to know what was really going on in the countryside.

Fortunately their sheep escaped infection, but it was still a very worrying time.

Still desperately hoping foot-and-mouth is over, the couple cannot escape its impact on sheepdog trials, particularly in the North-East and Cumbria, where many farms lost their flocks, including those who were host to trials each year.

"It is important that sheepdog trialling in this part of the country keeps its momentum because it encourages good sheepdog handling, which promotes good shepherding," said Mr Gibson. "Many shepherds will tell you that a flock that responds to a good dog is better off for it.

"It's OK to use quad bikes, but let it not be at the expense of good shepherding. It is amazing what dogs can do and how much time they can save you, if you take the time to build up an understanding with them."

Many young farmers and shepherds have little spare time as they struggle to make a living, but she firmly believes they must be encouraged to make the most of their dogs for companionship when out working and to herd livestock.

"Many local sheepdog societies, as well as the International Sheep Dog Society, are making efforts to support young farmers and shepherds by incorporating novice handler prizes," she said. That allows them to compete alongside more experienced handlers who can offer many lessons.

"It is the young farmers and shepherds who are the future in the countryside and there will be budding sheepdog handlers thirsty for knowledge," said Ms Gibson.

There are many experienced handlers willing to train others - "but it is essential for newcomers to have good control of their dogs before they even think of taking them to sheep," she said. "Respect for sheep is paramount, first-rate shepherding is what it is all about.

"Working sheepdogs are worth their weight in gold, for the amount of work they do so willingly and for their companionship."

She is a member of the Yorkshire Sheepdog Society, which is looking for venues to hold trials. Anyone who can help can contact her at 01765 658082