Ngātīmoti sheep farmer Alistair Eggers, alongside his dog Moss, claimed the title of TUX NZ Maiden Yarding Challenge Champion, shining a spotlight on Tasman in the world of dog trials at the recent event in Taupō.
The TUX NZ Finals saw Alistair face off against the North Island finalist in an intense dog trial competition.
Alistair and his wife Emma became involved in dog trials two years ago when the Waimea Dog Trial Club underwent a revamp. Alistair compares the challenge to playing the lottery.
“If you get the right numbers, you’re away. The way my dog has been performing, I knew that if we got the right sheep, we’d be off. It really comes down to understanding and reading the sheep and getting the right ones.”
Despite the hot and windy conditions, Alistair was glad he committed to the four-day competition, which saw 248 contestants compete between 17-20 January. There were only eight competitors from the South Island, including Alistair.
“Winning was definitely an achievement; I was pleased I went,” he says. Two-and-a-half-year-old Border collie Moss played a key role in their success.
The three other champions at this year’s Tux event were Reef Hicks and Pip for the Maiden Handy Dog Champion; Andy Clark and Max for the Open Handy Dog Champion; and Shaun Haynes and Sue for the Open Yarding Challenge.
