Sweetwater Farm

02/23/2026

Let me introduce myself, most of you know me, some of you don't. I am the owner/trainer at Sweetwater Farm, my name is Erin Ledbetter.
I am an AHBA judge and have been for 10 years, also currently working on becoming an AKC judge. I have several AKC herding championships and AHBA herding championships. I work with all breeds and have 20 years of herding experience. 🐑 🐐🦆🪿🦃 🐕

02/23/2026

Edit* Wednesday has filled. I have 1 biweekly and 1 weekly lesson available on Thursdays.

Hi everyone! I have some availability for private weekly or biweekly herding lessons. I have a few spots on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
No experience necessary to grab a spot. I will be happy to evaluate your pup before you make any commitment. PM me and let's chat!

02/23/2026

2026 Herding Clinic Schedule:
March 6th
April 17th
May 8th
June 5th
more to come .....

02/23/2026

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Meir Ben-Dror

11/03/2025

There are a couple of working spots available for the November7th herding clinic. Send a PM or email to [email protected] if you would like to sign up.

09/23/2025

Rutherfordton, NC

Giveaway is closed! 🤍
GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉🎃🌽🍂
We’re giving away a Fall Front Porch Package to one lucky winner!

⚠️*** Please don’t respond to any comments that say “for the next step.” It looks like i got hacked, that is NOT me. I’m so sorry, y’all! Please do not give away any of your information, i dont need any of that for this giveaway!

Here’s how to enter:
1. Like and share this photo on your page
2. Follow us on Facebook!

Want an extra entry?! Shop at our store this week and drop your name in the hat! (831 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139)

Winner will be drawn Saturday, September 27th, enter while you can!!

This Front Porch Package includes:
- Pumpkin Stack (either this one or build your own)
- Giant gourd
- Large mum
- Bale of straw
- Indian corn
- Corn stalk
- Orchard Basketyn

12/09/2024

Another successful weekend for the Sweetwater Farm crew! Pass or fail they are all winners. (left to right)
Malinois, Lena earned her HT and PT titles on sheep (owner handled)
Australian Shepherd, Suri earned her HT title on sheep.
Australian Shepherd, Kylo earned experience.
Border Collie, Wick earned his PT title on sheep (owner handled)
Border Collie, Malo earned a 2nd place Q in adv A sheep.
Shetland sheep dog, Kira earned a Q towards her PT title (owner handled)
Pictured below.... Collie, TimTam earned his PT title on sheep and gave started A sheep a go (owner handled)
All in all a wonderful weekend with a ton of experience. Congratulations everyone!!

11/18/2024

2025 Private herding lessons and instinct testing on a first come first served basis. Only 6 one hour privates available on the dates listed below. No experience necessary! PM to reserve your spot.

January 24th- full - wait list available
February 21st- 1 spot available
March 21st- 2 spots available
April 11th- 3 spots available
May 23rd- 5 spots available
June 27th-
July 25th-
August 22nd-
September 26th-
October 24th-
November 21st-

11/18/2024

2025 Herding Clinic Schedule

January 10th - 3 spots available
February 7th - 4 spots available
March 7th - 4 spots available
April 4th - 4 spots available
May 9th- 5 spots available
June 13th - 10 spots available
July 11th -10 spots available
August 8th - 10 spots available
September 12th - 10 spots available
October 10th - 10 spots available
November 7th - 10 spots available
December 5th- 10 spots available

11/18/2024

There is still room to sign up for the December 6th herding clinic. Pm to sign up!

10/29/2024

As many of you already know Sweetwater Farm was hit pretty hard by Helene. We have many, many trees down and lost a lot of fencing. Jax my Border Collie was fearless and was willing to work in the middle of the storm. The first tree fell on the pasture fence where the hooved stock were. I needed him to move them all to the lower arena. In the pouring rain with trees cracking and whipping in the strong winds he went in and moved them out. Thankfully all animals are safe and no lives were lost.
We have been working hard to clean up as much as we can ourselves, but we are at a point now we can't do it ourselves. I am desperate to get the farm cleaned up and safe for clients and their dogs. Insurance will take care of our home and the outdoor structures but will not help with the fence repairs and tree removal. I humbly ask if you feel it in your heart to donate, please do.

*PayPal @

https://paypal.me/weherdewe?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

*Venmo @ https://www.venmo.com/u/Erin-Ledbetter-2