Dog Trials back on agenda for 2020

Two long-running dog trials are set to resume again this year after last year’s hiatus due to the drought and increased fire risk.

The Tapawera Dog Trials are scheduled for 20 and 21 March and the Waimea Dog Trials for 3 and 4 April.

Local farmer Julie Webb-Brownlee has been involved with the clubs for around 7 years and is currently the secretary and treasurer for Tapawera Dog Trials.

“After not running last year, we’re excited to be back on board this year. Dog trials are a really awesome event. I love everything about it, the people and getting out there and doing the trials with your dogs and sheep,” says Julie. “It’s great to be able to train our dogs to be able to do what they do.”

With four events running, two for Heading dogs and two for Huntaways, Julie says they’re expecting around 40-60 entrants at each event.

Heading dogs are silent working dogs that use their visual prowess and quick movement to control sheep.

Bred from Border Collies, Heading dogs are a sturdy, longlegged and evenhaired breed. While Huntaways are a large, strongly-built breed of dog used for general sheep-herding tasks here in New Zealand where they originate. They were bred to use their loud, deep bark to drive sheep.

“The events will be hotly contested, everyone’s competing for points that accrue during the season for the New Zealand trials.”

With placings awarded for each trial, competitors, which range in age from teens to 80 years-plus, take home cash prizes for the top spots.

“We’re really keen to get younger people interested. We’re very passionate about really encouraging younger people into