FACILITIES
What's Available at PHF:
Training Areas, Competition Areas, Leisure Areas

Find out about our facilities.

At Possum Hollow we have a double round pen, a regular round pen, and a Novice field with gates and a trialing pen for goats and sheep.  Our goats and sheep are dog broke but are not knee huggers.  They are calm and great for starting future herding dogs.  We can provide stock that will move easily or that will challenge the dog.  We also have the ability to do a packed pen with sheep for building confidence.

We also have a square pen for starting dogs (using the Ben Means method) and an arena for working on sheep, goats or cattle.  (The arena is also perfect for agility club use.)  We use only polled herefords so there are no horns and the cattle are not people aggressive.  We can provide quiet, easy moving cattle or cattle that will challenge the dog.  We also have a 10 acre pasture for cattle, goats or sheep -- restricted to dogs that are well controlled.  

Dogs have water tubs available in all sections for cooling off and drinking.  Plenty of shade is available for tying out dogs and some shade is available for parking vehicles.  A covered area is available with chairs (although it never hurts to bring your own chair just in case there is a big turnout).  Space is available for campers but there are no hook-ups.  Port-a-Pottys. tables, chairs, tents, etc are available for rent locally.  

You can bring a chair and bag lunch and eat under huge shade trees while you talk dogs.  Or eat together at the close-by Country and Coastal Restaurant.  This is a great time for question and answer chit chat with the trainer.  Possum Hollow can provide the trainer or clubs can rent the facilities for an established guest trainer. 

We offer polled hereford cattle (no horns), boer mix goats, pygmy goats and katahdin sheep for herding.  Our cattle are more sensible than most breeds and vary in difficulty from easy to work to very challenging.  Our goats are all horned which teaches a  nice low grip to the nose.  Our pygmies are some of the toughest livestock to work we have.  These are small, but very challenging animals for any herding dog.  Your dog will have to really work to handle these little fellows.  Our sheep are dog broke but are not knee-knockers.  Occasionally we have chickens or ducks available for well trained herding dogs.

Click on photos for an enlarged view.

 MONTHLY HERDING CLINICS

Herding Clinics for All Levels and All Breeds

Sheep, Goats and Cattle Available for Working.

No pre-registration is required.  Just show up with your dogs and sign the forms when you get here.  Participants are welcome to bring as many dogs as they wish.  Participants can buy one slot per dog or can buy one slot and alternate it between their dogs.  You just take a number for each slot.  We begin as close to on time as possible and take a lunch break in the middle of the day.  You can come and go any time that you like throughout the day.  You can work your own dog or we'll work it for you.  The atmosphere is laid back and we work hard to have a good time.  This is an excellent way to introduce your dog to livestock or have it tested for instinct.

2008 Schedule Dates are subject to change due to conflicting competition dates, etc.    PLEASE CHECK THAT DATES HAVE NOT CHANGED BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT.
	January  February	No clinics are scheduled for these months.
	March 8  April 5	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	May 17 June 21 July 19 August 23	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	September 20  October 18	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	November 15 December 6	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

FEE: $25 for 1st dog; $15 for each additional dog.

No pre-registration required. Just show up and sign up. 
You are invited to join us at lunch at a nearby country restaurant 
or stay and picnic under the shade trees.

Camper parking available but no hook-ups.

Need Directions or Hotel Information?

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com .

 CAMPS AND EVENTS 

LEARNING TO TRIAL CLINIC
FOR BEGINNING AND NOVICE LEVELS

MAY 31st, 2008
~Please note the date has changed~

Join us for a day of concentrating on trialing etiquette, tips to set up your outrun for success, how to wear to win, how to set up a straight drive, scouting out the landscape, penning secrets, and other tips that seasoned handlers took years to accumulate and you can get in one day.  We will be teaching handlers that are new to the trialing world what to expect and how to deal with common trial-oriented issues.  

Vicki Hughes will be conducting all exercises.

Registration Deadline May 23rd.
The clinic will not be held if fewer than 5 people have pre-registered by the deadline date.

$60.00 PER PERSON
Payment is due with registration.  Refunds will be given if the clinic is not held.

HANDLERS:  Beginning and Novice Handlers will benefit most from this event.  Focus will be on development of early training and competition skills.  No prior knowledge or skill is necessary.  

DOGS:  Since the focus is on trialing, dogs which are preparing to begin trialing are most appropriate.  Your dog must have a lie down, beginning flanks, small outrun, and recall.  For example, a dog that is still in the round pen will not be able to participate in these exercises.  

HOUSING:  Camping space is available but no hook-ups for RVs.  There are several hotels within reasonable driving distance.  For more information about hotels, click here.

MEALS:  We will be eating lunch together at a local restaurant.  Please bring money for meals.  There are several fast food restaurants in town as well as several sit-down restaurants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER:

Click Here for Printable Registration form or contact 

Vicki Hughes at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com 

SHEEP HERDING CAMP 
FOR BEGINNING AND NOVICE HANDLERS

JUNE 13th, 14th & 15th, 2008

Join us for a 3-day weekend of learning.  We will be concentrating on the handlers in this special event.  Handlers may bring dogs or use our dogs.  The focus will be on developing handling skills for starting young dogs, handling more advanced dogs and dealing with specific situations encountered with herding competitions.

Vicki Hughes will be conducting all exercises.

Registration Deadline June 6th.
The camp will not be held if fewer than 5 people have pre-registered by the deadline date.

LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS.

$40.00 PER DAY
Payment is due with registration.  Refunds will be given if the camp is not held.

HANDLERS:  Beginning and Novice Handlers will benefit most from this event.  Focus will be on development of early training and competition skills.  No prior knowledge or skill is necessary.  

DOGS:  Since the focus is on the handlers, handlers' dogs will be worked only in the exercises appropriate for the individual dog's level.  For example, a dog with very little experience and no lie down command will not be used for exercises involving competition skills.  Handlers are welcome to bring as many dogs as they like.  For handlers who do not have a dog appropriate for a specific exercise, a dog will be provided.

HOUSING:  Camping space is available but no hook-ups for RVs.  There are several hotels within reasonable driving distance.  For more information about hotels, click here.

MEALS:  We will be eating lunch together at a local restaurant.  Please bring money for meals.  There are several fast food restaurants in town as well as several sit-down restaurants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER:

Click Here for Printable Registration form or contact 

Vicki Hughes at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com 

DOG & HORSE CAMPOUT 
FOR PRONOVICE AND ADVANCED HANDLERS
SHEEP AND CATTLE

September 6th and 7th, 2008

Bring your horses and your dogs and spend a weekend working cattle and/or sheep in a 100 acre field.  Work on loading trailers, chute work, gathering, outruns...you name it.  A full open level USBCHA course will be set up for practice and there is a good location to take the sheep, cattle, horses and dogs down into the river for a drink.  Split off a group of sheep or cattle for yourself or with a few friends and work alone or stay with the group.  We will all be learning from each other.  Handlers may work on foot but should be aware of their mobility limitations.  

Please, no 4-wheelers or motorcycles.
No alcoholic beverages allowed.

Registration Deadline August 30th.  
The camp will not be held if fewer than 5 people have pre-registered by the deadline date..

LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS.

$60.00 for the WEEKEND
Payment is due with registration.  Refunds will be given if the camp is not held.

HANDLERS and DOGS:  Handlers must be a able to control their dogs.  Dogs and horses with little or no experience with cattle or sheep but having a good handle on them will be accepted.  Handlers with little or no experience with cattle or sheep but have good control of their horses and dogs with livestock will be accepted also.  Please be sure your dog can be called off livestock prior to participation.  Please be sure your horse is accustomed to livestock enough to keep you safe.

HOUSING:  Camping space is available but no hook-ups for RVs.  Bring a Camper, Tent or sleep under the stars.  Port-a-potties will be provided.  There are several hotels within reasonable driving distance for folks wanting nicer accommodations.  Horses and/or dogs will be allowed to remain at/in their trailers at night at the field.  However, owners will be entirely responsible for them.  For information about hotels, click here.

MEALS:  We will be eating lunch together each day at a local restaurant.  On Saturday night we'll be roasting weenies and marshmallows on a campfire (weenies, beverages, marshmallows and fixin's provided).  There are several fast food restaurants in town as well as several sit-down restaurants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER CONTACT

Vicki Hughes at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com 

POSSUM HOLLOW NOVICE SERIES
Stock Dog Trials

SCHEDULE OF TRIALS

Spring Trial May 31 & June 1, 2008
The May date was changed so as not to conflict with the NC State Championship Trial.
Summer Trial August 2-3, 2008
Fall Trial October 11-12, 2008

Click on each date above to get printable entry forms.

All trials will include the following classes:

Beginning Class:  Small 30 foot outrun, lift and fetch.  Wear along edge of fence through simple obstacles and into pen along fence.  Held inside a small arena.  Restricted to handlers and dogs that have competed in 3 or fewer beginning classes previously.  Handlers who have not competed before and have a more advanced dog may run as non-compete.

Novice Class:  50-75 foot outrun, lift and fetch.  Circle handler's post and wear through standard USBCHA type free-standing obstacles and into free-standing pen.  Held inside small arena.  Handlers who have not competed before at any level higher than this class may run as non-compete.

Intermediate Class:  200 foot outrun, lift and fetch.  Circle handler's post and wear through standard USBCHA type free-standing obstacles and into free-standing pen.  Held in pasture.  Handlers who have not competed before at any level higher than this class may run as non-compete.

Advanced Class:  350-400 foot outrun, lift and fetch.  Drive with handler walking behind through standard USBCHA type free-standing obstacles and into free-standing pen.  Held in pasture.  Handlers who have not competed before at any level higher than this class may run as non-compete.

ProNovice Class:  350-450 foot outrun, lift and fetch.  Drive through standard USBCHA type free-standing obstacles.  Handler remains at post until last obstacle is cleared.  Pen in free-standing pen.  Held in pasture.  Handlers who have not competed before at any level higher than this class may run as non-compete.

Challenge Class:  350-45 foot outrun.  Dog-leg fetch.  Maltese cross.  Shed.  Pen.  Held in pasture.  Open to handlers and dogs of all levels.

Awards at individual trials will be certificates of achievement.  
Overall Awards will be given at the Fall Trial.  Overall awards will be trophies.  
Overall awards will be given for every class and will depend on overall cumulative scores from the three individual trials.

Camping space is available but no hook-ups.  A camping area is located about a mile from us that specializes in campers with dogs.  We will break for lunch at a local restaurant.

For directions and hotel information CLICK HERE.

Let us test the herding instinct in your dog or puppy.

Possum Hollow offers a variety of livestock for instinct testing.  We will put your pup or adult dog on sheep or goats and provide you with an evaluation of their level of instinct and current developmental stage that is demonstrated.  We will discuss your dog's herding future whether you are looking for a fully trained competition or ranch dog or just an outlet for having a bit of fun with your companion.   Instinct tests usually last about 30 minutes and does not involve training.

Your dog doesn't have to know anything (including obedience) to do an instinct test.  Just bring him or her out and have some fun and usually some laughs as the dogs try to figure out just what to do with these strange creatures.  Puppies as young as 3-4 months can be tested and no adult dog is too old.

Instinct Test Fee = $25 for first dog and $15 for each additional dog.
Please call 828-429-6388 for an appointment.

 PRIVATE HERDING LESSONS 
 for HANDLERS & THEIR DOGS 
 SHEEPDOGS, GOATDOGS & COWDOGS 

PHF provides private lessons for handlers and dogs starting in herding.  

Learning to Work Sheep.  Sheepdogs will be worked on sheep primarily, however more aggressive dogs may be started on goats and then moved to sheep.  Lessons will concentrate on developing a stop, balance on stock, recall, beginning flanking, and walk up.  Dog can be handled by owner or trainer.  Dogs must be 7 months old or older and be up to date on all vaccinations including Bordatella (kennel cough).  

Learning to Work Goats.  Goat dogs will be worked on goats primarily, however timid dogs may be started on sheep and then moved to goats.  Lessons will concentrate on developing a stop, balance on stock, recall, beginning flanking, and walk up.  Dog can be handled by owner or trainer.  Dogs must be 7 months old or older and be up to date on all vaccinations including Bordatella (kennel cough).  

Learning to Work Cattle.   Cow dogs will be worked on goats and dog-broke cattle as needed.  Cattle used will be all polled hereford (no horns).  Lessons will concentrate on developing a stop, balance on stock, recall, beginning flanking, and walk up.  Dog can be handled by owner or trainer.  Dogs must be 8 months old or older and be up to date on all vaccinations including Bordatella (kennel cough).  

Advanced Work on Sheep, Goats or Cattle.  Dogs that have mastered the initial commands taught in the regular lessons as described above can go on to learn commands such as the outrun, fetching, driving, lookback, etc.  

Private Herding Lesson Fees: 
Fee = $45 per session for first dog (Sessions usually last about 1 hour.)

Also see Herding Packages below. 

 TRAINING 
 FOR HERDING DOGS 
 SHEEPDOGS, GOATDOGS, or COWDOGS
 Let us train your dog on sheep, goats or cattle for you.

 Includes free weekly private lessons for you. 

HERDING PROGRAMS
Leave your dog with us on a weekly or monthly basis for training 
on sheep, goats or cattle.

Dogs must be 8 months old and up to date on all shots (including Bordatella), on a heartworm and flea/tick prevention program, and have a veterinary health certificate.  

What to do.  Bring your dog for a preliminary session.  We will put your dog on stock and evaluate it's potential for doing the work you require.  From this session we will make recommendations regarding further training.  Preliminary sessions are $25 and usually last 30 minutes to 1 hour.  If you enroll your dog in a herding program or purchase a package at that time, the preliminary session fee will be waived.

Dogs will be housed in outdoor kennels or inside a converted barn.  Kennels and crates are cleaned daily, and fresh water and high quality food is provided daily.  Dogs will be allowed to run in a fenced exercise area while their kennels are being cleaned.  Dogs will be worked 3-5 days each week depending on dog's maturity and physical soundness.

We start all dogs on sheep or goats.  Cow dogs will be moved up to cattle when they are ready. Remember, this dog will be your partner and your life can depend upon its training and abilities (especially working with cattle).  Training on goats and cattle can be dangerous work for both the trainer and the dog.  Please be aware that your dog can get hurt.  

Most dogs require at least 3-6 months of training before they will be ready to work on a farm.  The dog's maturity, individual abilities, existing problems and general willingness to work will dictate how quickly it learns.

Our space is limited.  If you anticipate needing herding training in the future, you may want to contact us now to reserve a spot for you.

Available Herding Programs:

Home-on-the Weekends Program
Drop your dog off on Sunday night or Monday morning and pick him/her up on Friday afternoon.
Fees:  $425/month (includes training & board during weekdays).

Overnight for a Month Program
Your dog stays with us for the entire month and you visit him/her here.
Fees:  $475/month (includes training & board)

NOTE:  10% discount on additional dogs brought at the same time.

Overnight Herding Students are encouraged to attend monthly clinics.

HERDING PACKAGES 
and PRIVATE LESSONS
 Get special rates when you buy a package of lessons!

Come with your dog to learn about herding.  We can work your dog along or we will work with you and your dog together.  Beginning dogs are taught basic obedience necessary for herding prior to being started on stock.  When placed on stock, they are taught balance and a stop, outruns, flanks and beginning driving depending on how long the dog remains enrolled.  Dogs are worked to develop pace, power (especially if working goats or cattle), and confidence.  Typical commands include lie down, heel, stay, walk up, come bye, away, steady, that'll do and here.  More advanced dogs will be taught look back and driving skills.

Dogs need to be at least 8 months old but not necessarily started on stock.  We encourage you to attend our monthly Saturday herding clinics to work your dog in a busier atmosphere, meet other new and seasoned handlers and better prepare yourself to handle your trained dog.

Available Herding Packages:

Herding Package of Five (5) Lessons:  $200

Herding Package of Ten (10) Lessons:  $350

Private Herding Lesson:  $45/hour

If you enroll two or more dogs at one time, you will receive a 10% discount for each additional dog.

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or info@possumhollowfarms.com  

 HANDLING SERVICES 

 Professional Handling for Clinics and Trials 

Wanting to get your dog a herding title?  Need a handler?  
We will handle your dog at any level of herding in 
USBCHA, ASCA, AHBA or AKC competitions. 

Eligibility:  Dogs Eligible for Possum Hollow Handling Services include (1) Dogs enrolled in a Possum Hollow herding training program or (2) Dogs already trained but needing a handler.  Dogs that fall into category "(2)" must be brought to Possum Hollow for several private lessons prior to the event date. 

Responsibilities of the Owner:  The owner must pay for all expenses including travel and lodging, entry fees, etc. in addition to the handler's fee of $100 per event and $75 per day including travel days.  The owner must present the dog clean and healthy condition at the event.  

Winnings:  All trophies, ribbons, plaques and cash prizes are the property of the owner.  The owner must agree to provide a digital photograph for the handler to use in promotions.

How to Hire a Possum Hollow Handler:  Contact Possum Hollow long before the event to reserve your handler.  Call 828-429-6388 or email us at possumhollow@gmail.com .

 ON-THE-ROAD SERVICES 

 CLINICS AND LESSONS AT YOUR PLACE 

WANT TO HOST A CLINIC IN YOUR AREA?  

Convenience is the name of the game when hosting.  We will travel to your location and provide a minimum of two days of learning and fun.  We specialize in working with beginning and novice handlers and dogs but are also able to work with more advanced handlers and dogs.  The benefit of hosting a clinic is that we come to you!  We bring our own sheep, goats or cattle or you can choose to provide your own.  We bring dogs with us to help so don't worry about having to separate and bring out your livestock on your own.    

Develop interest in herding in your area.  By hosting an event at your location, you offer the opportunity for others in your area to learn about herding, try a bit of herding with their dogs, and and develop a circle of herding friends that can enjoy herding with you.   

Increase the herding skill level for a club.   The group level of herding will increase greatly with a clinic experience.  Because there is more than just one handler or one dog to observe and more than one set of issues to be addressed, each member of a clinic adds tp their overall knowledge through watching the mistakes and methods of others in the clinics as well as their own experiences.   

What to expect at a hosted herding clinic.   Most of the time we will bring two trainers, Vicki Hughes, and either Lauren Hohensee or Jim Jerzyk.  Occasionally we will bring an additional person to assist in explaining what the trainers are doing while each dog is worked.  We try work all dogs in the morning at least once, take a lunch break, and then work all the dogs again at least once.  Depending on the facilities and dogs we may work in a combination of round pens, square pens, packed pens, modified Ben Means methods, larger arenas and pastures.  

The Host's Responsibilities.  The host must gather together enough people to make the clinic successful (10-15 people) and handle the fees.  They also handle the preparations for lunches (either a restaurant location or provide lunch on site).  Host's are not expected to provide food without compensation to participants, but typically provide lunches for the trainers.   The host must provide lodging for the trainers at a local hotel for two nights (includes the night before the 1st day and the night before the 2nd day).  The host also must provide compensation for mileage.  Hosts typically take these two expenses out of the fees they collect.  Hosts set the fee amounts and must consider their own expenses as well as the fee required by the trainers.  

On the Road Clinic Fees: 
Fee = $50 per dog per day.  
Mileage = $2.00 per mile as indicated door to door using Yahoo!Maps.
Hotel Accommodations = Two nights.

Please make your reservations early as there are only 52 weekends in a year.

To make a reservation or inquire further contact us at 828-429-6388 or possumhollow@gmail.com 

 DEMONSTRATIONS 
 HERDING & LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS 

HERDING & GUARDIAN DOG DEMONSTRATIONS
at POSSUM HOLLOW

Bring groups of children or adults to PHF to learn about raising, training and handling working herding dogs and livestock guardian dogs.  Includes demonstrations of herding dogs of varying ages and abilities on ducks, sheep, goats and cattle. Children will be allowed to feed the ducks.  Also see and learn about Anatolian Shepherd livestock guardian dogs that live in the pasture with the livestock and take care of them.  Demonstrations typically last 1-3 hours depending on age group and activities selected.

Fee = $100.00 per group 
A deposit of $50 is due when the reservation is made.  Your deposit will be applied to your fees.  The balance of your fees is due upon arrival.  

To make a reservation.  Contact us at 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com to make your reservation.  Cancellation of reservations must be at least 1 week prior to the reserved date to receive your deposit back.

PHF HERDING DOG DEMONSTRATIONS 
at YOUR LOCATION

What is included in a Herding Demonstration?  PHF will provide herding demonstrations at your location.  Demonstrations can include ducks, sheep, goats and/or cattle.  Demonstrations are typically an hour each and can be repeated several times daily.  A variety of dogs at different training levels will be brought and demonstrated.  Dogs will put livestock through obstacles, information about the commands used, the instincts of the dogs, etc. is provided throughout the demonstration.  Dogs or puppies that are for sale can be brought also if you wish for us to provide this service and depending upon availability at the time of the event.  To provide the highest quality event the demonstration can be accompanied by a slide/video presentation.

What will we need from you?  Facilities and obstacles must be provided by you, but we will bring all the livestock with us.  For overnight events, we will need housing for cattle and 1 horse.  Sheep, goats and ducks can be housed on the trailer.  Dogs will be housed in the dog trailer.  Feed and buckets will be brought with us, but we will need access to water.  Slide and video presentations will require a darkened area, screen, and either a computer with projector capabilities or a large screen monitor connected to a computer.  The computer must have Microsoft Publisher '98 installed.

How much does it cost?  Fees are as follows...

$200 Demonstration Fee 1st day (Includes Presentation if requested)
$50 Demonstration Fee for each additional day
$2.00 per mile Travel and Transport Fee (mileage is determined using YahooMaps)
Hotel Accomodations as needed.
A 20% deposit will be required to schedule your event.  This amount will be given to you with the total price quote.

To make a reservation.  Contact us at 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com to make your reservation .  Cancellation of reservations must be at least 1 month prior to the reserved date to receive your deposit back.

Some of the places we've been and some of the groups we've hosted:

Mountain State Fair, Fletcher NC
Pacolet Area Conservancy, Landrum NC

 VIDEO / SLIDE PRESENTATIONS  
 HERDING & LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS 

AVAILABLE VIDEO AND SLIDE PRESENTATIONS

"Dogs for Cattle"
An approximately 30 minute presentation using video and slides discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in working cattle 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as protection against predators.  

"Dogs for Goats"
Approximately 30 minute slide and video presentation discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in handling goats 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as protection against predators.  

"Dogs for Sheep"
A 30 minute presentation of video and slides discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in handling sheep 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as protection against predators.  

"Using Dogs to Control Wildlife"
An approximately 30 minute slide presentation discussing 
the use of Border Collie herding dogs in goose control 
and the use of Anatolian Shepherds as an alternative to hunting in controlling predators.  

PRESENTATION FEE:  $30 fee + 35 cents/mile + hotel (if needed)
A deposit of $30 is due when the event is scheduled.

To arrange a presentation:  Fill out the Activity Reservation Form below, then call us 828-429-6388 or email us at info@possumhollowfarms.com .

FACILITY & LIVESTOCK RENTAL
Herding, Agility, Conformation Shows & Fun Days

Rental of Livestock for Events

To be used at Your Location:
Rental of Cattle for Trials = $20/head/day (does not include transportation or handling)
Transportation of Cattle = $3.50 mile
Handling of Cattle at Trial Site = $100/day/person (Cattle will be held by a rider on horseback with a trained cow dog)

For more information contact us at 828-429-6388 or info@possumhollowfarms.com .

Rental of Facilities with or without Livestock

PHF provides the perfect place to host agility training sessions or competitions, invite a guest trainer for a clinic, host obedience lessons for clubs, or simply bring your club for practice.  When renting the PHF facility, you provide the trainer or teacher and we provide the facilities and livestock (if needed).  

Rental of Herding Facilities with Livestock.  The facilities at PHF are available for rental including limited livestock.  We will provide cattle, sheep and/or goats as needed for training clinics, practice days, etc.  We do not have enough sheep or goats to support a stock dog trial.  

Rental of Facility with Cattle = $250 1st day / $50 each additional day
Rental of Facility with Goats and/or Sheep = $200 1st day / $25 each additional day
    (We do not have enough Sheep for a trial at this time.)
Rental of facility with Ducks = $150 1st day / $25 each additional day

Rental of Facilities for Agility, Obedience, etc.   The arena is ideal for agility, obedience, conformation show practice, etc.  Completely fenced with woven wire and entirely flat, this part of our facilities is safe and well designed.  The arena is approximately 84 ft x 144 ft.  Ample room is available for spectator seating with two gates at each end for efficient manipulation of contestants.  No additional equipment is available so clubs must bring their own. 

Fees:

Rental of Arena Area Only = $100/day (multiple days or regularly scheduled days available at a reduced rate)
Rental for Additional Days to allow for Set Up/Take Down = $25/day
A deposit of $50 is due when the event is scheduled.  Deposits will be refunded only if the rental is cancelled at least 1 week prior to the event date.

(PortaPotties, tents, chairs, etc. can be rented locally.)

To make a reservation.  Fill out the PHF Facility & Livestock Rental Form below.  then call 828-429-6388 or email info@possumhollowfarms.com . 

 MEET OUR HERDING TRAINERS 

Vicki Hughes
Owner/Cowdog, Goatdog and Sheepdog Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

Vicki is an Open handler specializing in training dogs to work cattle.  She works her dogs on cow/calf pairs, bulls, cows and heifers.  While Vicki has competed with her dogs at the open cow and sheep dog levels, she primarily concentrates on training ranch and farm dogs.  Vicki also trains dogs from horseback.

Lauren Hohensee
Stockdog Trainer
Location:  North Carolina

Lauren works for us daily at Possum Hollow.  She is excellent with newer dogs just getting started with sheep or goats.  Lauren also works her own Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs.  Lauren is quiet but firm.  She competes with her dogs in USBCHA trials and is gathering a nice set of wins!

Jim is a soft spoken handler who excels with softer dogs.  He is a ProNovice handler and competes with his own dogs.  Jim can work with any breed and is very good with young dogs.  

Keena is an Open Level Sheepdog handler and trainer having won the prestigious US Open Sheepdog Championships in Dawsonville GA.  She specializes in training dogs for working sheep on the farm and in the trial field.  Keena also works with dogs destined to work goats.