Futurity

The Working Aussie Source along with Arcadia Ranch are proud to host the Working Aussie Source Ranch Dog Futurity Program.
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Official Rules and Deadlines:

Location: Arcadia Ranch- Frost, TX 76641

Dates: April 24-26, 2026.

Eligibility:

2026 Eligible Dates- Pups born between April 1, 2023- March 31, 2024
2025 Eligible Dates-Pups born between April 1, 2022- March 31, 2023

Course: 

The following tasks MAY be seen in the event:

  • Fieldwork to include pasture work and outruns no longer than 300 yards, 
  • Trailer loading,
  • Working in multiple pens and alleys
  • Loading stock and shoots
  • Sorting with Gates and mechanical aids
  • Double lifts
  • Any realistic ranch chore we can come up with to test our dogs ability to do real work


You will run three runs in each stock.. There will be  two Futurity events consisting of real life Ranch work to test the dogs abilities to work a ranch and to promote the working Ranch Dog aspect of the Australian Shepherd. There will be one Arena type event which means that it will be run in an arena and will have some common obstacles that you're used to in the trialing world.

Courses will be released the first week of April 2026.

Hints and training tips will be provided between now and the event in April.

Fees: 

2025 Ranch Dog Futurity late entry (Open)
-Full: $750.00
-4 Monthly installments: $187.50

2025 Ranch Dog Futurity late entry (Novice)
-Full: $500.00
-4 Monthly installments: $125.00

2026 Ranch Dog Futurity (Novice)
-Full: $250.00
-4 Monthly installments: $62.50

2026 Ranch Dog Futurity (Open)
-Full: $500.00
-4 Monthly installments: $150.00

Substitutions: Dogs may be substituted. You may enter a new dog with payment of a substitution fee of $250 as long as it qualifies.

Judging: 

This event is a points and time event. The most efficient correct work will be rewarded. Teams will earn points for completing tasks based on the number of head of stock that complete the task.

We will have line judges and timers. The course director will have the final say in any judgement calls.

Livestock: 

We will have lovely sheep for the event. These sheep will make you and your dog look like rock stars. They have been well controlled and well treated. They are honest and will most likely leave you wishing you had these sheep at every event you attend going forward.

The cattle will be lightly dog broke, meaning they will have seen a dog and been moved around a little bit by a dog. The cattle we get from my supplier are usually very easy to work and compliant. They usually range in size from weanlings to adults and allow you to get a real ranch dog feel to things.

Course Directors

2025 Working Aussie Source Futurity: Jacqueline Tinker
2026 Working Aussie Source Futurity: Enoch Phetteplace
2026 World Ranch Dog Finals: Jacqueline Tinker

Awards: 

Buckles:
  • High Combined Open
  • High Combined Novice
  • High Sheep Open
  • High Sheep Novice
  • High Cattle Open
  • High Cattle Novice
  • Reserved High Combined Open
  • Reserved High Combined Novice

Additional Awards:

  • Cash- Added Money
  • Special awards and swag 

Contest Rules

General Rules
  • No restrictions on trialing before the Futurity Event. 
  • Futurity Courses will be run for Points and Time.
  • Training devices (mechanical and/or electrical) will not be permitted on trial grounds.·
  • Bitches in season are permitted and will run in draw order.·
  • Each owner/handler is responsible for their dog(s). Dogs must be confined or on lead at all times, except when competing. Dogs are not allowed to run loose on the trial site.
  • No collars of any kind permitted on dogs when running. 
  • If a dog is withdrawn for any reason, no refunds will be made. 
  • Dogs may be substituted. You may enter a new dog with payment of a substitution fee of $100 as long as it qualifies.
  • Excessive inappropriate gripping will earn teams a no score for that run. Teams that grip out in one run are still eligible to compete in following runs.

Handler Classes 

Novice Class:
This class will be open to handlers who have less experience training a dog.

Novice Handler must be able to attest the following:• I am not a stockdog clinician.
  • I do not currently or in the past offer(ed) stockdog training lessons.
  • I have not put a WTCH or a HTCH on a dog.
  • I have not completed advanced classes on any stock through AKC or level III classes in AHBA.
  • I have not won any money competing with a stockdog.
  • I have not competed in any level above novice in any other stockdog organization.
  • I do not train outside dogs.
 

As long as you meet the requirements listed above as of the date of entry, you will not be required to move up to Open if anything changes during the current competition year.


This is class is for beginner competitors. If you are not a beginner, don’t sign up for this class.

For more information:

email: jt@workingaussiesource.com

Liability Statement

UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), A FARM ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL OR FARM OWNER OR LESSEE IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING AN EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES

How to Enter

   READY TO BECOME A SPONSOR?   

 2026 Futurity Registration Now Open 

 Get your dogs entered now!
2026 Eligible Dates- Pups born between April 1, 2023- March 31, 2024 

   2025 Futurity Registration
Re-Opened   

  2025 Eligible Dates-Pups born between April 1, 2022- March 31, 2023  
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