Sheep yard dog trials are returning to the Tenterfield Show this year, thanks to young gun Jake Smith running with the idea as a new addition to the program.
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In contrast to the three-sheep trials that see a trio being maneuvered through obstacles spread over the entire ring, yard dog trials are much more contained in a short course.
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Jake said a section of the lower ring will be divided off and competitors and their dogs will be judged on their ability to push a mob of sheep through a forcing yard up a race, through to another yard, and draft off a number of marked sheep up a ramp into a crate on a trailer.
Those sheep are then chased back out of the crate and put back in the mob, which is returned to the start of the course.
Jake said it makes good spectator sport, as the runs are quick at 9-11 minutes. The event is affiliated with the NSW Yard Dog Association, and association day memberships can be organised on the day.
The event will kick off at 8am in the lower ring on the Saturday of the show, February 9 and continue over the weekend depending on the number of entries.
Jake would be happy to see 20-30 entries in each of the novice, maiden and open divisions, but has been told the event could easily attract 40 or more, from near and wide. A successful event could see the trials become a regular feature on the show program.
He said there is a trial circuit but there aren’t too many such events held around here, and competitors are prepared to travel long distances to participate.
A good showing for a dog can increase not only its value but that of the associated stud, and operators are keen to show off their animals.
“If you have a very stylish dog that performs well, it will get the stud name out there,” Jake said.
Local punters are also very welcome to participate. Jake said if any local farmers feel they have a good dog that has worked a few sheep in the yards, they’re invited to have a run.
“Anyone can have a go.”
The sheep are being supplied by Neil Dight of Bolivia, with prizes awarded to the top three placegetters in the finals of each division. There’s cash, product and vouchers up for grabs provided by BJS Construction, Seb’s Bobcat and Tipper Hire, Wilshire’s CRT, Thomas Rural and Norco.
Judges on the day are Peter Hogan of Guyra and Jai Moar of Armidale, who will be allocating points on the dog’s ability and speed around the course, with style points also available for how well the handler connects with the dog.
Nomination forms are now online and entries close on the Thursday prior to the show.
