Well-trained canines and their partners will put their herding skills to the test over the weekend for the Northern Championship Sheepdog Trial. The trial championships have been running for 21 years - this weekend's competition will see about 74 entrants compete. Exeter Sheep Dog Club secretary treasurer Wensley Middleton said the event was one of the top trials in the state. "The championships have a lot of the top Tasmanian competitors taking part," she said. Competitors include Lee Jamieson, who has won the last two championships alongside his dog Shannandoah Steele, will be looking for the three-peat. State champion Bernard McGlashan and Michael Grant will also compete after recently participating in the Trans Tasman Test against New Zealand. "All the competitors are looking forward to this weekend," Ms Middleton said. Each competing duo will each have three sheep and 15 minutes to herd them through a course. Teams start with 100 points, with points deducted for each mistake. Ms Middleton said it was great for the event to have the support of 28 local businesses and the West Tamar community.