Sheep return for 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic

A herd of sheep was unloaded at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway on Wednesday in preparation for the 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championship, which runs Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The annual competition, a Labor Day weekend tradition since 2003, tests the herding skills of some of the world’s most highly trained border collies and their handlers.

That competition pits sheepdogs — specially trained border collies — against time, the terrain and a small herd of sheep that have a mind of their own. The sheepdogs are given 13 minutes to lead sheep along a certain route on a large hillside, separate them into two groups, and herd them into an enclosed pen.

Advance tickets for adults are $12.50 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $15.50 on Monday. In-person adult ticket are $15.50 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $18.50 on Monday. Ticket prices include parking. Family passes are also available.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, log on to soldierhollowclassic.com.

Sheep are herded to a pasture after arriving at Soldier Hollow for the upcoming 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic in Midway on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

Sheep wait in a truck to be unloaded as they arrive for the upcoming 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic at Soldier Hollow in Midway on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

Sheep move to a pasture after arriving at Soldier Hollow for the upcoming 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic in Midway on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

A sheep leaps as it is unloaded from a truck for the upcoming 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic at Soldier Hollow in Midway on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

Sheep for the upcoming 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic graze at Soldier Hollow in Midway on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

Photo of the day: 2021 Soldier Hollow Classic is baa-ack