The 2020 European Nursery Championship is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands, with the competition grounds located near Heteren in the province of Gelderland. The event spans three full days, from Thursday through Sunday, combining intense competition with the social traditions that make the ENC a highlight of the European sheepdog calendar. Below you will find the detailed programme for each day.
Please note that times are approximate and may be adjusted depending on the number of entries and weather conditions. Handlers are advised to arrive at the grounds at least 30 minutes before their scheduled run. The course director will post any last-minute changes at the registration desk and on the official noticeboard near the handlers' tent.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday — Arrivals & Reception | ||
| 10:00 – 16:00 | Arrival and registration of handlers | Main tent |
| 14:00 – 16:30 | Course walking (Field A & Field B) | Competition fields |
| 17:00 – 17:30 | Official opening ceremony & draw of running order | Main tent |
| 18:00 – 21:00 | Welcome reception and dinner | Restaurant marquee |
| Friday — Qualification Day 1 | ||
| 07:30 | Fields open, sheep penned | Fields A & B |
| 08:00 – 12:30 | Qualification runs — Session 1 (approx. 30 dogs per field) | Fields A & B |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch break | Catering area |
| 13:30 – 18:00 | Qualification runs — Session 2 | Fields A & B |
| 19:00 | Provisional scores posted | Noticeboard |
| Saturday — Qualification Day 2 | ||
| 08:00 – 12:30 | Qualification runs — Session 3 | Fields A & B |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch break | Catering area |
| 13:30 – 17:00 | Qualification runs — Session 4 (remaining entries) | Fields A & B |
| 17:30 | Announcement of the Top 15 finalists | Main tent |
| 18:00 | Final course walking | Main field |
| 19:30 | International dinner and social evening | Restaurant marquee |
| Sunday — The Grand Final | ||
| 08:30 | Final course open for inspection | Main field |
| 09:00 – 13:00 | Championship Final — 15 finalists (includes shed and single) | Main field |
| 13:30 | Prize-giving ceremony | Main tent |
| 14:30 | Departures | — |
All handlers must present valid veterinary documentation for their dogs upon registration, including proof of rabies vaccination, a pet passport, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times outside the competition field. The organising committee reserves the right to exclude any dog that shows signs of illness or aggressive behaviour.
Camping and caravan facilities are available on-site at no additional charge. Electrical hook-ups are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There is ample parking adjacent to the competition grounds. The nearest hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodation can be found in Heteren, Renkum, and Arnhem — details are available on the Locations page.