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A Dogs Life - Koonama Cracka
A Dog’s Life
Koonama Cracka
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Article by Daniel Camilleri | Photos by Megan Rutherford Photography
From the young age of four weeks, Koonama Cracka has been by Nick Foster’s side, and for the eight and half years that followed, it has never changed.
An admirer of older dogs such as Boanong Buster, Capree Boss II, Capree Poppy and Milburn Basil, Nick purchased Capree Rooster from Chris Sherwood at Marista Kelpie Stud as a two-year-old started dog. Not long after, Matthew Sherwood (Marista Kelpie Stud) gave him Marista Molly as an eight-week-old pup. Rooster became Nicks main dog, and although Molly was injured at a young age, Nick had seen enough in her to later join the two, hoping for a type of dog that would continue to suit his work style and personality. On 14th July 2013, those plans came to fruition. But Nick knew little of the learning curve this would be for himself and the long journey ahead of him.
The first time Cracka saw sheep, he displayed style and character that Nick wasn’t familiar with. Balancing stock from a young age, Nick describes Cracka as a dog that... “Broke himself in. You just showed him what you wanted and away he went”. This could be because, as best mates, they think so alike in work scenarios, and Cracka will do anything to please Nick. Matthew Sherwood also had a hand to play, helping to guide Nick in understanding the natural qualities Cracka possessed and demonstrated. Whilst working composite ewes, lambs, Merino wethers and Angus cattle (cows and calves), Cracka’s creates flow in the yards by using his huge bark, grip, and expertise with an effective bite. With his natural presence and ability to read and rate what he is working, Cracka adjusts himself to suit different types of stock. These traits, along with the eagerness to constantly look out for stock while mustering, makes life on the farm more enjoyable for Nick. Not only is Cracka a proven work dog, but he is also consistently competitive in yard trials. Winning his first novice at the Gunning Show in 2016, Cracka later won the open at the Warren Show the same year.
In his first trial as a maiden dog at the Mudgee Field Days, Cracka spent the entire 7 minutes trying to get the sheep into the first pickup. He never lost them, he was just unable to work them around the gate into the pen. Nick remembers walking away feeling defeated and disappointed. Robert Cox later explained to Nick something that he hadn’t considered. Cracka’s natural grip deterred the sheep from moving off him and around the gate. With further miles and experience under his collar, Cracka worked out how to use his grip together with natural presence and strength to return three years later and win the open championship. Since then, he has won many open yard dog trials, including; four open championships, placed in
The Australian Top 25 four times, NSW Top 10 twice, won NSW Dog of the Year in 2020 and had been in contention other years, including missing out by two points in 2021.
Nick says that while representing NSW in 2021 was rewarding, Cracka’s most memorable win was at the Dalgety Championship in 2020. This was a special win, as they were rubbing shoulders and competing against some of the sports best yard trialers that Nick had admired since commencing the sport. The sheep were tough and the course difficult, yet Cracka worked well and managed to come away with a win.
Cracka has sired the majority of Nick’s work team. Stamping his hard work ethic and all-round ability into his progeny, he generally produced very handy work dogs in the paddock, while being powerful in the yards. In recent years, Nick has made Cracka available to outside bitches, and these traits have also been visible in his lines outside of his own camp.
Spending countless time together, sometimes working seven days a week in rain, hail or shine, Nick says that, “he is my best mate and is a dog that will do anything for me. He doesn’t need to be told, he just knows what he is doing no matter what or where we are working. He just turns up again and again”.
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