ELOISE MARTYN
Sheep dog trialling is an amazing sport, showcasing the wonderful & respectful relationship between human and dog. There are 68 dog trial clubs in the South Island. Dog trials are outdoor competitions that are designed to spotlight the hunting and working instincts in New Zealand sheep dogs.
A more recent development has been the running of show and yard trials. The show trials usually feature heading dogs (border collies) and the yard trials (huntaway’s). The courses for these trials are usually on flat ground, in a confined area, e.g., the arena at an A & P Show.
The Waimea Dog Trial Club is a social group that also offers competition opportunities for those interested. The club has trial grounds, and a club room, in Higgins Road Wakefield. The clubs been operating for over a century in the Waimea area and has 37 members including some new faces that have recently joined.
September 2022 saw the election of a new president for the club, Dorje Strang. Dorje is passionate about dog trials and says “It’s neat to see our club growing, we have great people involved and we are a social club which makes a difference.” Dorje said that members enjoy improving their dog’s confidence and ability as well as their own.
The dogs aren’t just for show either, all the dogs involved in the Waimea Dog Trial club are working farm dogs that live on local farms and use their learnt skills to assist in daily farm operations.
For those with a competitive streak the club trial season usually begins in February each year and ends in May. There are usually 4 events at each trial: the Long Head, the Short Head and Yard, the Zig-Zag Huntaway and the Straight Huntaway events. Heading dogs (silent working dogs, evolved in NZ from border collies) compete in the heading events; and huntaway’s (evolved in NZ from border collies and various barking sheep dog breeds) compete in the huntaway events.
Waimea Dog Trials welcomes visitors or anyone wanting to become involved “It’s great to be part of a club” Dorje explains “There are great people in our club, with tons of experience at this, who are always eager to help others who want to get into it.”
The club is hosting an afternoon for anyone interested in seeing a dog trial display accompanied by a bit of commentary so you know what is going on. Our wonderful local fire and emergency team (FENZ) will also be there with information on living at the wildfire interface as well as plenty of time if you have any questions.
Sunday 19th Feb 2023 3pm @ the A&P Showgrounds Richmond
Gold coin donation. Family friendly. Free afternoon tea. REGISTERING is ESSENTIAL: To register text your full name and the amount of people coming to: 020 4184 2546
Cancelled if wet – see their Facebook page on the day if you are unsure “Waimea/Tapawera Dog Trial Clubs”
