Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - Issue 20, September 2022

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG Magazine

Australian Championships

The Huntaway

Stockman’s Profile: Pip Flower RRP $10.00 (incl. GST)

9 772205 872003 September 2022

ISSN 2205-8729

20

Issue 20

A DOG’S LIFE:

Coopendale Lucy

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Editors Thoughts Who would’ve thought it would go so fast, it’s already 1 year and 4 issues with the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine for me now.

It’s been a crazy first three quarters of the year with crazy weather Australia wide, and three floods here in the Hawkesbury with predictions of another one to come, it sure has been a wild ride.

Sadly, we have had some influential dog trainers and handlers pass away recently, my condolences to their families and loved ones. We are lucky to have their knowledge and influence on the industry passed on, as well as their great pool of genetics and dogs to continue their legacies.

Over the last few months, we have had two national trials which both have a great wrap up and amazing photos in the around the ground section. I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Australian utility trial championships and I would like to commend the committee on a wonderful, successful trial.

Congratulations are in order for our fellow Hawkesbury resident and personal friend, Danny Kerr and Mingle at the Australian Utility Trial and also to Jamie Sturrock and Craiglea Seth at the Australian Cattle Dog Championships on their successful wins.

DogTorque has also been keeping me busy and we have had the pleasure to speak with some amazing people, these recording can be found at https://www.dogtorque.com/ replayQandA. We also have some super warm and comfy Jumpers and Hoodie merchandise that are selling well, they can be found on our magazine website.

Christmas will be here in no time and I look forward to putting together an exciting December issue.

Laura

Grab your favourite drink and dive in.

The Australian

WORKING

STOCK DOG

Magazine

Publisher and Editor: Laura McKillop Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Phone: Laura – 0459 031 729 Advertising Enquiries: Laura McKillop Advertising, Articles & Stories Email: laura@stockdogs.com.au Mail: PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale, NSW 2753 Front Cover Photograph: Coopendale Lucy owned by Ben & Jess Coster | Photograhy by JMC Photography

Contributors: Dr Jasmin Hyatt, Brydie McKillop, Cobber Challenge, JMC Photography (Jess Coster), ABC Rural - Olivia Carter, Ken Sykes, Hooked On Hounds, Kassandra Hunter, Janice De Gennaro, Shadow’s Farm Photography, Edwina Moutray Images, Catherine Atkinson, Laura McKillop, Jake Nowlan, Pip Flower, Maree McKillop, Peter Goven, Amy Kerr, Kerry Lovell, Pay Cooper Photography, Steele Cannell, Nettie Eggleston Photography, Sandy Wilksch, Lee Mickan, Georgia Cameron, Ashleigh Randle Photography, Angie White, Naomi J White, Robert Cox

www.stockdogs.com.au

The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine takes due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistake, misprint or typographical error. Articles that appear in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or its officers and employees. Nor does publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of views that they may express. Accuracy of all material

is the sole responsibility of the authors. Appearance of an advertisement in The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine or the goods or services offered therein. The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited material of any kind. No Part of Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine may be reproduced by any means without the written consent of the Publishers.

Contents

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54

28

72

42

82

08 Rising Star - Luke Platts

54 The Huntaway

10 Vet Check

62 Colouring Competition

14 Cobber Challenge

63 Kelly’s Kennel

22 Stockman’s Profile - Pip

64 Coming Events

Flower

66 - 82 Around The Grounds

28 A Dog’s Life - Coopendale

•

Lucy

• • •

42 William (Bill) Trembath 50 British Association of True Working Kelpies - Mike Jones

•

Makenzie Hazleton All Round Stock Dog Charity Trial Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial Boonah Inaugural Yard Dog Trial Australian Cattle Dog Trial Championships SA State Utility Trial

• • •

Working Dog Challenge Sire Shootout Contenders Bengalla Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge Inaugural Australian Utility Championships

89 Mail Order Form 90 Business Directory 92 Breeders Directory

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Everybody feels down sometimes, and it ain’t weak to speak – Sometimes we need more than man’s best friend to talk things out with.

If you are struggling with anything, please check out some of the links below.

The beyondblue Support Service is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. Webchat and email options are also available via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.

Trained mental health professionals can provide free and confidential short-term counselling and offer referrals to local support services.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Aussie Helpers: Virtual psychologist - call 1300 665 234, text 0488 807 266 or visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au/aussie-helpers-virtual-psychologistfor-drought-affected-farm-ers/ Donations

www.aussiehelpers.org.au Rural Financial Counsellor Service: 1800 686 175 (for advice about locating counsellors in your area)

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g n i s i R

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rowing up on a small sheep and cattle property in Bombala, in the Monaro region of south-eastern New South Wales, Luke Platts always had dogs, sheep, cattle and horses around. Growing up, Luke was more into horses, using them for mustering and competing in campdrafts and rodeos. As Luke’s dad was a shearer, their dogs were mainly used to help him with his work however, there training was never a priority.

After school, Luke moved to the Northern Territory for a couple of years. Horses were still his main focus as they were used for mustering and competing but a growing interest in working dogs arose. Whilst in the Northern Territory, Luke attended a Neil McDonald school to hone his cattle handling skills and here for the first time he witnessed what could be achieved with highly trained and handy dogs. This school along with one of his fellow ringers had Luke hooked on the idea of training working dogs.

After returning from the Northern Territory, Luke completed a degree in Agricultural Management at The University of New England in Armidale.

During Uni break Luke would venture home and muck around with his dogs. With only his knowledge of training horses to guide him, Luke started searching for training schools he could attend.

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Luke Platts Luke soon ventured down to Welshpool, Victoria to attend a school hosted by Paul MacPhail of Beloka Kelpies, here Luke gained the foundation he was looking for – how to start a dog and how to train a dog for work.

Since then, Luke has attended multiple different schools with instructors such as Matthew Sherwood, Chris Sherwood, Gary White and Jake Nowlan. Additional to this, Luke finds asking questions and gaining knowledge from everyone whilst at trials and schools to be very beneficial.

When on a holiday in New Zealand, Luke and his partner Alana went mustering with many different people, such as Lloyd Smith a highly recognised dog men in New Zealand.

These experiences gave Luke an insight into a different way of working dogs and a what can be achieved with a highly trained dog. After returning from New Zealand, Luke met Jake Nowlan, who he now finds to be his most influential trainer with his dogs, particularly due to his Kiwi principles.

Whilst still at Uni, around 4 years ago, Luke competed in his first trial at Nimmitabel show where he took his station bred dog that was out of his Dad’s bitch. At Nimmitabel show Luke competed in the novice/maiden and the local. For the next 2 years, Luke mainly only competed in local trials but for the last 18 months Luke and his partner Alana have decided to commit to travelling to trials and schools to help him advance in his training of his dogs and to allow him to notice and fix the mistakes he’s been making whilst competing and training.

When looking for a dog, Luke still isn’t too sure as to what type of dog and characteristics suit him the best. With his team of dogs all being quite different, he is still unsure as to what type

Article by Brydie McKillop Photos Provided by Luke Platts

of dogs he will select in the future. Luke is aiming to have all round dogs, that can get the job done and still be competitive in the trial arena.

Luke’s main goal for the future is to develop a high-level team of work dogs, and to gain some more experience and achievements with his trialing. Along with this, Luke also wants to develop his knowledge on breeding and genetics to help him create the best possible team of dogs that will later go on breed top quality pups. Luke is happy with the progression he has made with his dogs hanf handling ability over the past couple of years, although he still belives there is a lot of improvement still to be made. He is happiest with his dogs when they perform well on tough stock be it at a trial or at work, even is it might not be a perfect run but they handle their stock well and their their commands. Luke belives more success both in the trial ring and at home will come in the future with more learning and commitment to his dogs.

When it comes to starting out in any area of agriculture, Luke’s advice would be to give it a go. Agriculture as an industry can be very rewarding. For instance, when you’re working your young dogs every day and you’re seeing progression in their work and in yourself as a handler and a stockman. Luke finds that to be a very rewarding experience. In regard to trialing, Luke recommends when starting out to go to as many schools as possible and to attend your local trial to help you find people to contact for help and knowledge. You are bound to meet someone who is more than happy to help out someone giving it a go.

Vet Check Breeding, Timing and Cycling in the Bitch Determining the optimal time for breeding of a bitch in heat is not as simple as one might think! There is significant variation in the behaviour each bitch shows on her most fertile days, meaning we cannot rely on behavioural and anatomical changes to give us the best chance for conception. This is especially important when you are using stud dogs that may have poor fertility (be it because of old age, previous injury or infection), or when performing Artificial Insemination with fresh or frozen semen.

Thankfully we have additional tools available that, in combination, enable us to ensure breeding occurs during the bitch’s period of maximum fertility.

Article by Dr Jasmin Hyatt BVSc (Hons) DipACT MANZCVS (reproduction) Veterinary Reproduction Consultancy Pty Ltd (02) 6301 9550, Orange, NSW

Physical and Behavioural Changes (Low accuracy) The following table shows the changes you will see externally and behaviourally in bitch’s in heat. Usually those found in mid-late heat indicate increased fertility. It is important to remember that these changes can be used as a guide only. Many bitches will show receptive behaviour and bleeding changes at times OTHER THAN their fertile periods and reliance on these changes alone significantly reduces her chance of pregnancy.

Early in ‘heat’ (proestrus)

Mid to late ‘heat’ (estrus)

Behaviour

Attractive to male

Receptive to mating (including backing up, standing for male)

Vulva Vulval Discharge

But not receptive to mating Swollen, turgid (firm) Bloody, red

‘Flagging’ (lifting tail up & waving side-to-side) Softens, reduces in size, becomes wrinkly Lightens in colour and eventually becomes clear

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Vaginal Cytology (Moderate Accuracy)

Length of time in between ‘heat’s’

A veterinarian taking a cotton swab of the top layer of cells in the vagina tells us a lot about where the bitch is in her cycle. It is a simple, cheap and instant procedure which many vets can interpret. If confidence is lacking here at VRC we can interpret microscopic images remotely if your vets send images through.

Due to their unique hormonal cycling, unfortunately we cannot ‘short cycle’ heat cycles in dogs like we can in other species like cattle, sheep and horses! However, it is important record the time between heats for each bitch as it can influence likelihood of conception:

When a bitch gets closer to her peak fertile period she begins to build up layers of cells in her vagina. These function to protect the bitch both from the physicality of mating and entry of bacteria at the time of mating.

As cell layers build up, the top layer of cells becomes further from the blood supply, changing the appearance of the top layer cells seen under the microscope from healthy ‘poached eggs’ (round, large central circle) to dying ‘fried eggs’ (flat, irregular shape), telling us she is nearing her peak fertile period. At the time of fresh insemination or natural mating we want to see >80% of the cells looking like fried eggs.

Progesterone Hormone Testing At the beginning of a bitch’s ‘heat’, or estrus cycle, the hormone ‘Estrogen’ increases. Estrogen functions to prepare the reproductive tract for breeding and we can visualise these changes externally (like the swelling of the vulva, and the bleeding).

Then in the middle of their ‘heat’ when they are closing in on their most fertile time, estrogen levels start reducing and the hormone ‘‘Progesterone’ (P4) begins to rise. Progesterone hormone is measured by a blood test.

Specific levels of Progesterone correlate with when the bitch ovulates her eggs. Following the subsequent rise in the hormone confirms she has indeed ovulated and then determines when the eggs are ready for fertilisation. This continual monitoring relative to P4 rising is the reason why we rely on the trend of P4 rising over a few blood tests, rather than one specific reading to determine best day for insemination.

1.

SHORT time between heats (<5.5 months): The uterus in the bitch undergoes a lot of stress during the ‘heat’ and it needs 6 months to recover, regardless of if she becomes pregnant or not. For this reason, we know that intervals of <5.5 months between heats are associated with reduced conception and fertility, by about 30100%. If this is occurring frequently in individuals there are medications we can prescribe to lengthen the interval between heat cycles however you will need to contact us at VRC or a reproduction veterinarian to discuss.

2.

LONG time between heats (>10 months): Whilst this has no impact on the bitch’s fertility as such, bitches that have a long time in between heat cycles can cause frustration if you are wanting to breed from them!

There are methods that we can use if the interval since her last heat has been confirmed as >10 months that will induce estrus in these girls; again you will need to contact us at VRC or a reproduction veterinarian to discuss.

Optimal breeding timing requires all the above tools to be used in combination and assessed by a veterinarian with accurate knowledge and experience. At VRC we use specialist knowledge, skills and vast experience in canine breeding to determine the optimal time for breeding for all inseminations performed at VRC. We also offer an Ovulation Timing consultation service for breedings (natural matings or vaginal AI) performed externally, assessing progesterone levels and cytology to determine the best day for breeding. Please contact us for more informa

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Working dog teams set to compete in the first Cobber Challenge Relay In previous years, the Cobber Challenge has showcased the efforts of individual working dogs, but this year’s challenge celebrates the teamwork that goes into running a farm.

Today the 12 working dog teams that will compete in the inaugural Cobber Challenge Relay are announced. There are teams representing every Australian state and New Zealand.

The new relay format recognises that farmers often work dogs in teams, or pick certain dogs to do different tasks, like mustering mobs of cattle or pushing sheep through yards.

Now in its seventh year, the 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay will run from Monday 22 August to Sunday 11 September.

Farmers have nominated teams of two, three or four dogs. Each day of the three­week competition, the farmer will select one of their nominated dogs to wear a GPS collar, to track how far, fast and for how long they work. The results will be combined to crown the winning team.

Their data is uploaded daily to the Cobber Challenge website so fans can follow along with their favourite working dog teams.

Genine Jackson, a grazier representing Queensland in this year’s challenge, has a special bond with her working dogs. In 2020, Genine fell off a young horse, crushing three vertebrae. She didn’t know if she could continue mustering Brahman cattle on the family’s station near Charters Towers. But working dogs, trained to take a bigger range of commands, returned her independence.

As she recovered and learned to train dogs in a new way, she was gifted a dog named Turbo.

“Turbo is the dog that trained me, then trained my other dogs.

Dogs have helped me accomplish much more than I ever thought I could,” Genine said.

Sadly, Turbo recently passed away and Genine has christened her team of two Kelpies and one Collie, ‘Team Turbo’ in his memory.

Nick Foster, a stockman from Boorowa, NSW, can’t wait to show off how hard his dogs work - and play.

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“They are a part of my family, and they love my kids. Every day they get off work, they go find my kids.”

Nick’s team ‘Koonama Working Kelpies’ is really a family affair.

All four Kelpies are related. Cracka and Drake are brothers, with Cracka siring Scorcha and Bundy.

Representing New Zealand this year is 19-year-old shepherd Taylor Bird. His ‘Team Hakatere Station’ is made up of four dogs - two Huntaways and two Heading dogs.

“We had so many amazing nominations this year, and the 12 we’ve selected span from Bodallin in Western Australia, across to Mount Somers in New Zealand, almost 5000km, says Kellie Savage, Cobber’s Marketing Manager.

“These teams showcase different types of farms and different breeds of dogs. But one thing all the teams share is a special relationships between our entrants and their dogs.”

Kellie says the relay format will give people a better sense of how farmers really work with their dogs.

“When they’re out on the land, it’s a team effort.”

Cobber Working Dog Food will provide the fuel these dogs need to go hard, as it does for thousands of working dogs every day around the country.

For three weeks, the dogs will be scored based on distance, speed and duration of work per day with points accumulated based on daily activity to determine the winner of the Cobber Challenge Relay trophy.

People can follow the performance of their favourite working dog team at cobberchallenge.com.au and on the Cobber Dog Facebook page.

Check out the live performances of each team -

Competitors for the 2022 Cobber Challenge • • • • • •

Nick Foster of Boorowa, NSW - Team ‘Koonama Working Kelpies’ incl. dogs Cracka, Drake, Scorcha and Bundy OIly Hanson of Corinella, NSW - Team ‘Lost River Kelpies’ incl. dogs Jake, Bowie and Hex Sarah Richards of Coolah, NSW - Team ‘Nerremen Kelpies’ incl. dogs Kora, Spud, Cash and Tank Georgie Constance of Binalong, NSW - Team ‘The Young Guns’ incl. dogs Belle, Beau, Murray and Jess Darius Cosgrave of Tintinara, South Australia - Team ‘Superior Wool Merino’ incl. dogs Jip and Boots Ali Hodgson of Greenways, South Australia - Team ‘Circus’ incl. dogs Opie, Becham, Floyd and Midi

• • • • • •

Jordan Flemming of Fingal, Tasmania - Team ‘Redhead Kelpies’ incl. dogs Nuts, Claire and Nip Ryan Eade of Bodallin, Western Australia - Team ‘Hill View Kelpies’ incl. dogs Flick, Millie, Tezz and Suzie Taylor Bird of Mount Somers, New Zealand - Team ‘Hakatere Station’ incl. dogs Bruno, Kate, Tom and Moss Melissa Smith and Dan McKinnon of Skipton, Victoria Team ‘Anywhere Crutching’ incl. dogs Caviar, Keith, Roy, Pip and Jude Dane Simmonds of Myrniong, Victoria - Team ‘Parwan Prime’ incl. dogs Ruby and Tully Genine Jackson of Charters Towers, Queensland - ‘Team Turbo’ incl. dogs Whiskey, Buck and Nick

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STOCKMAN PROFILE -

Pip Flower

Article by Brydie McKillop | Photos Provided by Pip Flower

Born and raised in Bath, England, Pip Flower visited Australia in 2011 as a backpacker with her friend at the age of nineteen ready to enjoy and explore Australia. Their first six weeks in Australia was full of fun and parties but their money quickly ran out and it was time to replenish the bank account. Pip found a job on a cattle station in the Gulf and her love for agriculture blossomed from there.

Growing up Pip, had pet dogs around her, but at the time she considered herself to be more of a cat person. Later in life, it became Pip’s dream to own her own Border Collie due to their intelligence and looks. Whilst working on properties in rural Australia she purchased her first working dog pup, Kaden’s Betty, off Denise Hawe from Longreach. Denise gave Pip her introduction to dog trialling.

After three years of living in Australia, Pip moved back to England where she completed a degree in Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University and became a trained arborist.

During this time, she discovered Australia is where she wanted to live permanently. Through the sponsorship of Jim and Rhonda O’Connell from Camara Station in Winton, Pip returned to Australia with a working visa and later on she received permanent residency. Pip’s desire to work sheep and attend dog trials resulted in her moving from Winton to work on properties in Tasmania for a while.

Currently, Pip lives in Texas, Queensland, where she owns a starter block and contract musters goats and sheep work. After limited amounts of sheep and sheep work for her dogs, Pip has recently accepted a job offer in Maffra, New South Wales where she will be managing 10,000 crossbred ewes, allowing her to work her dogs every day.

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When looking for a dog, Pip’s main focus is their temperament.

“They need to be sound and love you so that you can teach them anything you want” Pip said. Her main goal is to have a dog that is really strong, sound and biddable – the ultimate dog.

Pip finds when conducting sheep work, she likes to have certain dogs for certain needs. Pip’s paddock dogs are mainly Border Collies whilst for yard work she now utilises Huntaways after her introduction to them in Tasmania. Pip finds the Huntaways give her a little more firepower, particularly when she is working on her own. This year Pip is focusing on building her ideal team of dogs for sheep work, containing a mix of both Border Collies and Huntaways.

“They need to be sound and love you so that you can teach them anything” When it comes to training dogs Pip has found Jim and Rhonda O’Connell taught her how to get her dog to carry its sheep, helping to calmly move her sheep between obstacles during a three sheep trial.

Whilst in Tasmania, Pip needed to have the control in her dogs to move crossbred lambs back through a fence, she has found this work helped her with the obstacles of the three sheep trials as a lot of times you would only have one shot and it needed to work perfectly.

These days Pip uses tips and pointers from multiple different people and creates her own style when it comes to training her dogs. Pip finds bringing her pups up correctly by getting the basics right and not rushing them, allows her to build a strong and capable dog. She does this by bringing them up with a lot of love and fair discipline, so they know what their purpose is when working sheep – to please the handler.

Pip’s biggest achievements with her dogs would be coming sixth with her home bred dog, Flower’s Hurricane, at the recent Three Sheep Nationals this year in Hall, especially considering she’s never competed at that level before. She also found the Mackenzie Hazelton Charity Stock Dog Trial in Cowra a big achievement as her dog Wynella Coast has been extremely hard headed and the journey they have undergone flourished at that competition whilst winning the Cattle and Paddock Section, resulting in second position overall.

Away from trialling, Pip’s proudest achievement is now having the confidence to go out and just complete a stock job, where she no longer has the thought that she may not be able to get it done. Instead, she gets in there and gets it done.

Future ambitions for Pip include improving her trialling skills and having a really good team of working dogs that can trial competitively in the open ring of a weekend and still complete stock job tasks throughout the week. Her aim is to have dogs where you don’t need to rely on getting suitable sheep, she wants them to step up and control them no matter the sheep’s temperament.

Pip’s motto in life is to not be afraid of doing things and ask questions, people are a lot nicer than we expect. People will want to help you if you’re willing to listen and practice what they are teaching you. Ultimately, Pip wants people to know that anyone can do it. She herself came from a city in England and is confidently and competently living a successful working life in rural Australia.

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BREEDING ALL ROUND TOUGH STATION DOGS. PUPS AND STARTED DOGS AVALIABLE

Koonama Working Kelpies Contact: Nick & Katrina Foster M: 0417 522 513 | Email: nickandkatfoster@gmail.com @Koonamaworkingkelpies

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RURAL PHOTOGRAPHY CALENDAR 2023

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A Dog’s Life

Coopendale Lucy

Article by Brydie McKillop | Photos by JMC Photography

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oopendale Lucy’s story begins in 2013 when Ben Coster moved south to pursue a stockman’s job with Romani Pastoral Company just outside Harden NSW. This was Bens first job that required him to have more than just cattle dogs and one okay all-rounder, Ben needed a dog to start to build a team, a team that could go all day, every day. Ben needed a dog that would allow him to breed a team of dogs that could complete all disciplines from working in the yards with a calm presence but also have force, along with distance and stamina in the paddock. Andrew King, former Manager at Romani Pastoral company, provided Ben with just that – Coopendale Lucy, an 8-week-old black and tan bitch pup out of Coopendale Loo by Coogee Banger, who would soon become the future star of the pack.

“Training Lucy was quite easy, she was naturally talented, obedient and with a soft nature, Lucy was calm but could back it up with some grunt when needed, a dog I’ve never had to rouse on, her natural abilities made training a dog look easy. She made me look like I knew what I was doing,” Ben says. Once Ben had recognised the natural ability of Lucy, at 8 months old both Ben and Lucy competed in their first ever yard dog trial, the Southern NSW Yard Dog Championships held in Wagga Wagga.

“I was nervous” Ben states but Lucy’s presence and a little bit of direction got them a score of 99, winning the encourage and setting herself a standard for future trials. “I was pretty stoked to have won with that score” Ben says, “it was a good run; one I won’t forget” he adds. Lucy has since gone on to win the 2022 Southern NSW Open Yard Dog Championships held in Wagga Wagga.

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After this Ben got the trialling bug and became hooked, but still requiring a few more dogs for work and to compete, Graham Cooper, a well-respected dog and horse trainer loaned him both Coopendale Loo and Coopendale Rose, Lucy’s mother and Aunty respectively. In 2014, Ben had secured his first open win with Loo at the Canberra Royal Championship Yard Dog Trial.

Such a big win highlighted the excellence in Lucy’s genetics, providing an insight of what Lucy could potentially go on to achieve herself. Loo and Rose made themselves a place in Ben’s working and trailing team for some time. These pair gave Ben some insight and understanding of genetics that have been passed onto Lucy and what would be a starting point for his own lines.

Since Lucy’s first win at Wagga Wagga, she has gone on to win and place in almost every trial they attend “good old Luce never disappoints” Ben quotes. Lucy has claimed five Championship Titles with two of them being in 2022, she has also got her name on the Scoriochre trophy and many awards for highest point scoring bitch for the day. With such achievements under her collar, it is clear as to why Coopendale Lucy rarely misses a final. Yard trialing has not been Lucy’s only success, she also competes in cattle trials and utilities. This past year Lucy won the Gundagai Cattle Trial with a first-round score of 98! “She is a dog that can produce the big scores” says Ben. Lucy’s consistency has been recognised with her winning NSW Bitch of The Year twice and leading 2022 by more than 40 points.

Every year Lucy excels, as some would say, she ‘ages like fine wine’. Lucy’s most recent achievement was her securing

the 2022 Southern New South Wales Yard Dog Challenge. The challenge is run over five different trials throughout the year – Gundagai, Dalgety, Hay, Wagga Wagga and West Wyalong.

Each dog’s four highest first round scores of the Open are added together over the five trials – Coopendale Lucy was crowned the Challenge Champion winning by a fair margin.

Amongst the wins, places, and the championship wins, Lucy’s biggest achievement and one of Ben’s proud moments of Lucy is winning the Tamworth Stock Dog Spectacular yard dog section in 2018. “With a first-round score of 92.5 I needed a 90 or above to win, Lucy got a 93.5 in the final. I was happy to just be in the final but to come away with that win I was pretty stoked” Ben says. Adding to his proudest moments, Ben and Lucy ventured over to Tasmania this year for the National Kelpie Field trial. “In the final run the crowd was silent, you could almost hear a pin drop” says Jess, Ben’s wife. “It was such a nail biting final” she adds. With the highest score in the final Lucy missed the win and placed second to Garry White by ONE point!

“She really is a once in a lifetime dog” What Ben believes makes Lucy so special is that she can poke around her sheep at a trial and always be in the right spot at the right time, but then go to work and back a B double, push up in the yards and get the job done. Ultimately, she knows what her job is, and how to do it right. Lucy is a top dog at home, pups know to stay clear and not to annoy the boss. However, Lucy’s affectionate nature makes her the household favourite, with the kids squabbling over who gets to take lucy in the junior section to compete her. Two of Jess and Ben’s children, Claire and Liam, are also very successful with Lucy, making her the perfect all-round work and family dog.

“She’s definitely the favourite at home, Jess has her rugged every night and all her needs met, she is part of the family. I’m grateful for her consistency and all the hard work she has done over the years! She really is a once in a lifetime dog!”

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Dogs 4 Jobs charity helping to rehome working dogs from struggling farms and find them a job Article Provided by ABC Rural - Olivia Carter

Working dogs are known for their love of the job, but sometimes circumstances mean they need a new purpose or a second chance. This is where Dogs4Jobs comes in, a community service focused on rehoming working breed dogs with the tagline, “A dog for every job and a job for every dog”. Charity founder Peri Chappell is from a farm at Deniliquin in New South Wales’ Riverina.

“The dogs come into our care and go into our wonderful volunteer foster carers’ homes until they’re ready for adoption,” she said. Dogs4Jobs now operates in nearly every state in Australia, with 116 volunteers across the country.

Relief during natural disasters, Ms Chappell said they often worked with farmers who had experienced hardship, whether it be due to “drought, the fires or the floods”. She said they recently had a case where a farming couple were at a loss about what to do with their working dogs.

“They had been struggling since the drought,” she said.

“They had lost most of their cattle and most of their sheep.”

While shearing the remainder of their sheep, the couple came across an old newspaper article on Dogs4Jobs and decided to get in touch.

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“I went up to their farm with the dog trailer and we got 13 dogs, ranging from the youngest who was 12-months to a 13-year-old dog,” Ms Chappell said.

“They’d never left the farm — some had never been handled or caught before.”

Now just a few months later some of the dogs are almost ready to be adopted into new homes.

“But there doesn’t need to be a natural disaster for people to do it tough,” Ms Chappell said.

Close to 50 per cent of their work involved dogs who had come from suburban areas, where owners struggled with housing, work, or they simply did not have the space or time for a working dog.

Dogs4Jobs also offered support, training and educational programs for dog owners and temporary care when needed.

Farmers seeking dogs too, Ms Chappell said not all working dogs rehomed through the program ended up in town.

“There’s plenty of farmers that do come across what we do and get in touch and say, ‘Do you have any dogs that would suit cattle or sheep?’,” she said.

“And there’s plenty that will also take on a pup and give it a go if it comes from working parents.”

Ms Chappell said they wanted to encourage more farmers to become part of the adoption process and give dogs a chance for a new gig, on top of a new home.

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The Training Pen with Ken Sykes Give Your Pup the Best Start KEN SYKES

Ken Sykes has been working with sheepdogs most of his life. A successful competitor at sheepdog trials, Ken has now retired from running training days for livestock producers and giving working dog demonstrations. He is a feature writer and speaker. His expertise draws on a broad range of research as well as practical expertise.

My approach to pup rearing is heavily influenced by the Bar Harbour Research Facility, and the Guide Dogs for the Blind research carried out in the 1950s in the USA. It was found that there are critical periods in the first four months of the pup’s life. The pup’s experiences during this period set it up for life.

For the first three weeks, the pup relies on its dam. The brain is not fully functional at this time. Recent research indicates that the pup’s ability to deal with stress later in life may be enhanced by short daily periods of gentle handling during this period.

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The following four weeks are possibly the most critical in the pup’s life. The importance of socialisation during the period cannot be over-emphasised.

The pup will have training and behavioural issues if it does not receive adequate human contact during this period.

While I encourage my grandchildren to interact with the pups, there must be no rough play or teasing. Some time ago, I had a pup referred to me that had received minimal human contact during this period. The bitch had been fed daily but no contact with the pups. The pup would cower in the back of the pen when approached and snap if an attempt was made to touch it. The owner persevered with the pup but found it overly aggressive on stock and could not be trusted around strangers.

While the importance of the socialisation of pups up to eight weeks is now well recognised, the research findings for the following eight weeks may have significant implications for working dog breeders.

During the period of eight to twelve weeks, it is essential to maintain socialisation and give the pup as wide a range of experiences as possible. It was found that when the time was very limited, some daily contact with at least one fifteen-minute period of lead training and close contact per week was the minimum required for a well-adjusted pup.

The most important finding was the necessity of removing the pup from its dam and litter mates. When two litter mates were raised together for sixteen weeks, only one could be successfully trained as a guide dog. Not one pup that was run with its dam to twelve months could be successfully trained.

Where pups were raised with unrelated dogs, there was no problem. By sixteen weeks of age, the pup should reliably come when called, lie down calmly to be handled, and sit on command.

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I have had personal experience with a well-bred border collie bitch that was raised with a litter mate and worked with its dam and litter mate. This bitch would run out around the cattle with the other dogs but make no attempt to block up or push. She was three years old when she came to me, and I eventually got her to the stage where she could work a small mob of quiet sheep. She was a beautiful-natured, soft, calm dog with no walk-up force.

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5

Things to think of when buying a

Working Dog Pup

1 BLOODLINES

Do your research. Not every pedigreed pup will be the right pup for you, or is actually well bred. Spend some time watching different bloodlines work and find out what lines have been selected to complete the work you require. A pup out of lines that are bred for completely different types of work will be less likely do show your desired traits, than a pup that has been consistently bred for the same traits for generations.

2 WORK

What work do you need help with? Find a hand full of people who do similar work to you and ask what dogs they work with. Don’t try and reinvent the wheel. Get a feel for what dog is run in your line of work and work along those lines assessing temperament and trainability.

3 ANCESTORS

Watch at least the parents of the pup work. If you can, also watch the grandparents.

Make sure the work as well as the temperament you are observing is what you can see yourself working with for the next years. A pup is a great investment and the more you can be sure that it is the right fit the less money and time you will be wasting raising countless pups.

4 HEALTH

Research what genetic health issues your chosen breed is prone to and ask your breeder about testing and his/her lines. It will save you a potential headache in the long run.

5 BREEDER

A good breeder will be able to tell you about the lines behind his/her dogs and answer any questions from genetics down to health and temperament. It is often recommended to take the breeders location and line of work into consideration.

Who is Hooked on Hounds?

Hooked on Hounds, is a Hawkesbury based Dog Training Business specialising in Working Dog Lessons and Obedience/Behavioural Work. While we are based on the outskirts of Sydney our passion lays within both the livestock and dog industry. This is why we made it our mission to give dog owners the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their herding breeds, as well as offer Obedience and Behavioural Consults for everyone in need of an improved partnership with their dog.

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Malvin returns after being missing for two years Photos Courtesy of Kassandra Hunter

A Kelpie, Malvin was found crossing the Newell Highway on Saturday, July 30. The passerby noticed that he was very skinny, had a limp, and when they approached, was very dehydrated and cold.

“We settled him, gave him what little food we had suitable for him, and gave him some water and wrapped him in a towel,” said Kassandra Hunter in a Facebook post.

Malvin was collected and returned to his owner on Monday, after spending the weekend at the pound. They were beyond surprised and filled with emotion.

Cases like this highlight the importance of microchipping your animals and keeping your details up to date.

Gilgandra Shire Council general manager, David Neeves in an interview with The Gilgandra Weekly said, “It’s always great when we can locate an animal’s owner swiftly and have them reconnected once again with their animal.”

“Without microchipping and up to date details, it can be a much longer process.

“We are happy to hear Malvin has finally be able to go home to his owners after a long two years apart, and encourage everyone to make sure all their pets are microchipped and their information is up to date.”

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William (Bill) Harvey Trembath Article by Janice De Gennaro | Photos by Shadow’s Farm Photography

William Harvey Trembath, known as Bill, was born into a large family in 1932, and started out life in Prospect, South Australia. In his childhood this area was a series of paddocks amongst a few houses, so very different to the heavily populated suburb it is today. He spent his young years riding his pony, hunting and trapping with his Father in the Adelaide Plains as well as going to school. It was his Mother that organized Bill’s first job at the age of seventeen, after some trouble between Bill and his older brother. She knew he needed to be away from home so secured him a place as a general farm hand at Pine Point on the Yorke Penninsular.

He worked on a few different farms around the peninsular depending on where there was work available and it was during this period that a farmer handed him a hand piece, gave a few words of instruction and sent Bill to work as a shearer. He was a left-handed shearer and basically learnt the trade as he went along.

Aside from the usual farm chores, he also learnt how to work sheepdogs, hunt with Stag Hounds and in his down time rode horses. Bill’s love of horses and riding led on to him becoming a competitive show jumper, including competing at the Adelaide Royal Show as an adult.

One time he was out hunting with his mate and saw something in the middle of the road. At first, he thought it was a fox as it was red but as they got closer, he realized it was a red Border Collie. He took the dog home and called him Toby.

During his time on the farm, he began droving sheep on horseback along-side a sheep dog. He soon developed a good eye for reading sheep and also working the dog to achieve the best results.

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Bill met his wife at dances that were held locally around the area. After they were married, they moved into a property at Warooka and he began shearing part time as well as doing odd jobs for local farmers.

At that time his brother-in-law, Robert Mckenzie, had run out of sheepdogs on his farm. Bill offered to lend him Toby and Robert trained him for sheep work, after using him for a couple of years he returned Toby to Bill.

Whilst working on a particular farm, one of the workers, Perce Wesley, had a young pup called Lady. One day she followed Bill out when he went to move some sheep. She showed some natural instinct and when he got back to the farm, he told Perce that if he didn’t want the bitch, he would love to have her. Perce kept Lady but not long after their conversation, there was a knock at Bill’s door and there was Perce offering Lady to him. Bill told him to tie her up in the barn. When Bill went out to see to her, he found she was riddled with fleas and worms and had some other issues.

Bill took his time to gain her trust and she turned out to be one of the best farm dogs he has ever owned. She was an allblack cross bred bitch. At the time Bill was working for Jack Thomas and he took Lady to work with him. Not only was she able to bring the sheep in but she was also able to separate the ones they needed. Jack said to Bill that he’d never seen a dog that could work so well.

With a family of children to support it was time for Bill to go shearing full time, he had little time for anything else. By now he had a handy little dog called Reg, who was Kelpie cross Border Collie and when it was shearing and crutching time his mate would ask Bill to bring Reg. He was able to work this dog for penning up without Bill having to leave the stand.

Whilst shearing on Gordon Collins farm, Bill watched Gordon’s bitch who was in the process of birthing her pups in a part of the shearing shed. Gordon would call out “Sheep-O” and the bitch would leave her nest, move the sheep into the pens and then go back and whelp another pup. It was impressive to watch and Bill was lucky enough to score a pup from her litter.

Mr Smith rang Bill up and said he’d seen a litter of sheepdog pups for sale and asked if he’d go with him to help select one to buy. Not only did he help him but he also bought one for himself for $70.00, which in those days was a tidy sum. When he got home with the pup his wife was furious about how much he’d spent of their money. This pup was called Gramer Nip, he gained the name because he constantly nipped Bills heels and would swing from his trousers. Though he never bit a sheep.

It was 32 years ago that Bill entered his first Sheepdog trial with Nip, sadly just before the trial began, Nip found a bait and died. Bill was devastated. He rang the breeder and was offered another pup from a different litter. This pup was called Gramer Boy George. Bill brought the pup home and there were sheep around the sheds. George showed a very keen interest and natural ability and Bill’s son, Mark suggested he train him and have a go at trialing. “I haven’t got time for that stuff” was Bill’s reply but somehow, he found the time.

He put effort into George and trained him up and this was the first dog Bill ever trialed. They went on and won a few trials together.

Once the trialing bug had bitten, Bill went on and owned and trained a number of different dogs. It was at Barmera trial one year that he met a man called Brian Burns, they were competing at the trial with dogs of the same name however Brian’s Tarrawonga Ben was registered in Victoria and Bill’s Tarrawonga Ben was registered in South Australia. Bill won the Novice with his Ben but the greatest thing about that trial was becoming friends with Brian Burns, who would go on and affect Bill’s bloodlines to this day.

Bill bought a dog called Dickers Luke from Barry Dicker.

Brian Burns used him over two bitches which were Burndale Sally and Burndale Leta.

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Leta’s litter produced Burndale Jessie which became Bill’s as the service fee and out of Sally’s litter he received Burndale Clive.

Chas Saunders had bought a pup from Brian called Burndale Ben and when he retired from trialling he gave Ben back to Brian. Bill liked this dog and paid Brian $300.00 for him.

Burndale Ben and Burndale Jessie produced a litter of pups that has formed the basis of Bill’s bloodlines. He kept the entire litter and not only did they all work sheep but they all trialed.

Bill sold Burndale Clive to Laurie Davies but he told him that if he bred a litter from Clive, he would like a pup from it. Fortunately, this happened and this is how Bill acquired Fairlea Dave. This is the dog that led to Bill making the Australian Team that were the first Australian Team to beat New Zealand on their home turf.

Brian Burns decided to quit trialing and gave Bill five dogs, one of those was Burndale Sally. Sally had been in 64 open finals during her career with Brian and had bred some great trial dogs along the way. One memorable time when Bill was trialing Sally, he was giving her a command to move as the sheep were camped at the mouth of the bridge. Sally just lifted her eyebrows and ignored Bill’s commands. He knew he was on a good score and was fuming that Sally wouldn’t move, then all of a sudden, the three sheep turned and trotted over the bridge. It was like a scene from the movie “Babe”.

They went on and won the trial.

Bill became a judge in South Australia, as well as winning numerous trials including Mt Compass, Yankallilla, Strathalbyn, Fleurieu Cup, Barmera three times, Wentworth, Meulamein and many more.

These days Bill has a small property just out of Bute in South Australia This year in July he turns 90 and is still training his young dogs and working them at trials. He is currently the oldest trailer in South Australia that is still competing.

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Not only does he work and train his own dogs but he also hosts days on his property where people just starting out in the sport can come and work their dogs and learn from his skills. Obviously at 90 he is a lot slower than in his prime, but his mind is sharp as a wick and he’s most capable of telling a student what they need to do to improve their dog or themselves.

His devotion to dog trialing over the years has been immense.

Unfortunately, Covid came along and has interfered with his ability to trial interstate. Before Covid he had competed at Port Fairy (Commonwealth Championships) every year that it was located here. He made the Top 20 in the Open Trial a number of times. He also judged the Farmers trial for them.

Along the years he has made so many good friends from travelling the country to compete in dog trials. Unfortunately, many of the good ones are no longer with us, but he’s quick to reminisce about them all. His most memorable quote is “If it ain’t right, it’s wrong” and trust me if it’s wrong, he’ll be sure to let you know!

I am Edwina Moutray; a rural lifestyle photographer from South West Victoria. As well as documenting my own family’s life as we work on our farm, I love photographing other rural and regional families as they interact with their animals, pets and work through the seasons.

This image is one of our working kelpies ‘Rex’ who is a real sweetie. He’s about three years old and is just hitting his straps now in learning how to work confidently in the yards and the paddock.

He is always ready for a cuddle.

I can be found on Instagram @e.m.images_ or Facebook @edwinamoutrayimages

Mike Jones

A story of a Welshman, passionate about working stock and growing the working kelpie genetics within the United Kingdom.

H

aving spent most of his childhood on his grandfather’s beef and sheep farm in Llangwstennin, North Wales; Mike Jones’ passion for livestock and working dogs began from an early age. Although there were no Working Kelpies on the farm, which is now one of Mike’s main interests, they did run working Border Collies which at the time (and still now) is the most popular working sheepdog breed in the UK. His grandfather had a keen interest in Welsh Springer Spaniels and was an honorary member of the Welsh Gwynedd Spaniel Club, which took him all over the UK meeting all sorts of people, including the Queen. Although they were working gun dogs, Mike says his grandfather was one of the best hands he’s seen with a dog, and he played a large part in the interest and passion for working dogs that Mike has now.

With not much of an interest in school, Mike spent one year at Sixth Form College before deciding it wasn’t for him. He then went on to Agricultural College, but too dropped out as it wasn’t for him. He then completed a HND in Landscape Design & Technology, but admits his heart always lay with agriculture.

At the same time, in the early 2000s, he was farming at home with his grandfather, and started to build the foundations for his pedigree Charollais sheep flock he still runs now. Throughout this time Mike, and his working dogs, worked on various dairy, beef and sheep farms around North Wales.

Mike moved to the family farm (Ffridd Farm), with his partner, Gwawr, in 2011. They’ve welcomed two children since moving there, Bedwyr and Elena; both of whom have a keen interest in the farm and their dogs. Initially when they moved to Ffridd it was a beef and sheep farm, but since then Mike and Gwawr have developed it significantly. Initially, changing to rearing dairy heifers, to this year putting in a brand-new dairy and starting milking at the start of 2022. Ffridd’s main holding is in Gwynedd, North Wales, but it totals around 850 acres across several different sites, plus open hill rights to 1000 acres.

Numbers comprise of 850 sheep (including followers) and 130 milking cows. The milking cows are mainly British Friesians, milked twice a day. All sheep are pure breeds, being either North Welsh Mountain Sheep or pedigree Charollais. Another of Mike’s keen interests is breeding and selling pedigree tups.

Dogs first became a prominent part of his life when he got his first collie, Spot, aged 12/13. Reminiscing, Mike says that he was his best dog, but your first dog always is. Sadly, he broke his leg and the vets cast it badly, consequently it got infected and resulted in him being put down. Mike’s first Working Kelpie, Tess (Winllan Caddi), was gifted to him by a close friend, Hywel Davies (Cefn Coed Kelpies). Regardless of this, Mike clicked with her and found she was a bitch who was quick and sharp, and the type to shift a lot of sheep.

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Article and Photos by Catherine Atkinson She was unsure of herself, and always looking for another dog, but she seemed to breed on well; as many of the imperfect workers do, adds Mike. Tess was bred to Avenpart Hilton, a Working Kelpie imported into the UK in the 2000s. There was only one pup in the litter, a red and tan bitch, which Mike retained and named Wern Fflei. This was the start of Wern Working Kelpies, and since then Fflei has had an instrumental role in working with Mike and breeding some outstanding dogs. Tess had a couple of litters after this, but Mike says he didn’t click enough with any of the pups to retain anymore.

Regardless of this, Mike has imported a decent number of new bloodlines into the UK from across Europe, and most recently in 2021 from Australia. The first import was in 2008, and was a dog named Orjagarden(NY) Billy from Odd Magne Nilsen in Sweden. Recalling through several names and bloodlines, Mike says he’s imported several other dogs since then. None have stayed with him as he didn’t feel they fit the type of dog he needs to work on the hill/Welsh mountains, but then also have the eye and power required to work flighty stock calmly and stress free in pens. With regards to his recent import from Australia, it didn’t suit the type of work Mike has, but he went on to say that he has seen three of the other imports working from Richard Davies, and they are going very well. Mike went on to say that we really need more breeders in Aus to export to the UK like Richard did. He added that not every dog turns out to be what we think it will, so it’s important we have choice to choose from.

Richard put a lot on the line sending over five pups to us here in the UK, and you have to give him a lot of credit for that.

Currently, Mike owns three Border Collies (Llanfarian Maid, Jet and Wern Nel), four Working Kelpies (Wern Fflei, Orjagarden(NY) Billy, Wern Judy and Cefn Coed Dot), and has two Working Kelpie pups to bring on (Mickleton Jedda and Wern Bella II). When asked about which bloodlines he liked Mike mentioned a UK bred dog, Cefn Coed Jet as being a nice sharp bitch, but generally he tends to like the older style Orjagarden/ Capree bloodlines. Older Wyreema type bloodlines he’s seen online are some that he wishes he’d had the opportunity to import years ago, as they aren’t readily available in the UK. When looking for a pup, Mike generally tries to breed his own.

Out of the last litter he bred, his children chose which to keep because at that age it is luck when choosing. He admits he’s got a soft spot for red and tan pups because the best Kelpie he has had is red but won’t keep one for colour.

As a minimum, Mike will expect it to head/balance stock straight away and needs to see eye. Interestingly, he also expects it to have a tight tail as he feels it’s closely related to balance in the dog. Unless the pup wants to have the last sheep, and keep stock together, he admits he won’t keep it.

Britsh Association of True Working Kelpies Anything which splits stock off or holds one off against the fence is not the type of pup/dog he’s looking for. When starting a dog off, Mike will take it everywhere with him from the age of eight weeks. He’ll start it on stock in the field (not a pen) and run it with another dog initially.

When breeding, Mike tends to put two similar stamps of dogs together. In the UK we don’t currently have the genetic basis and choice required to line breed effectively. He doesn’t tend to outcross in terms of type, because if you’re wanting to retain a pup then you don’t want a split litter, you want the stamp that the parents have.

Mike is also currently chairman of the British Association of True Working Kelpies (BATWK) and is responsible for initiating and setting up the Association in 2017. It was initially set up as Mike (and other owners/breeders) felt disappointed that the breed was being disproportionately represented in the UK. With the breed starting to increase in popularity significantly, Mike felt that it was imperative to display and promote Kelpies which were true working types, that had been tested in a variety of different, frequent working situations. One of the main aims was to promote the Kelpie as a breed that could be used for everyday work, and not have the stigma it used to previously have in the UK of not being able to match up to other more common, working breeds. Mike says he felt it was vital to bring together likeminded people, who as a group would have more chance of promoting the breed as a working dog as a shared voice.

There was a lot of support for setting up the Association, and its primary aims remain its key focuses today. Membership and a UK bloodline database was opened in 2019. Currently BATWK has over 230 site members, and 5000 dogs on the database, which is an impressive achievement in such a short space of time, signifying the need for a UK based Association. Many bloodlines which were lost years ago, have been retraced and registered. Mike says that BATWK is lucky to have the people who are currently involved.

Britsh Association of True Working Kelpies There’s a mix of real characters, people who are approachable, and importantly between the team there’s over 100 years of experience with the breed, in a multitude of very different working environments with different types of dogs and bloodlines. For Mike, the most satisfying part of setting up the Association has been hosting clinics where both handlers and those teaching the clinics have learnt from it and picked up lots of tips along the way. In 2022 there are seven training clinics organised. In 2023 BATWK is excited to welcome Gary White to the UK to take three training clinics. Mike said he is particularly looking forward to Gary visiting, as he feels as a handler, he’ll have a significant amount of experience with the paddock style of dogs we generally tend to have in the UK and will hopefully therefore be able to share a lot of tips and tricks with us.

When asked about his thoughts on Working Kelpies in the UK vs Australia, Mike admitted it was hard to comment as he’s not visited Australia. From what he has seen online, he feels the dogs are a lot more screwed down as the breed is more commonly used for trialling than it is in the UK. Mike explains that he doesn’t tend to screw his Kelpies down as much as his Collies.

Once he has a left, right and stop on a Kelpie it goes to work and he doesn’t drill them. Additionally, Mike went on to say another major difference between Kelpies in the UK and Australia is that the gene pool is far wider, so you have more to choose from.

Whereas, in the UK we’re taking more of a punt when we’re buying a dog. People’s perceptions of a good and bad dog are very different, and you need to see the dog to judge it yourself rather than take someone’s opinion, which is very difficult to do when we’re 24 hours away!

Stockmen and dog handlers which Mike thinks he has learnt the most from include Hywel Davies, Dewi Jones, Odd Magne Nilsen and David Hart. When asked about why these handlers, who’ve all got different styles, Mike explained that he thinks it’s important to see as many different handlers as possible and take away little bits from each. Specifically, the videos you can see on YouTube of Odd trialling his dog Atlas years ago, Mike describes as sheer class. Dewi Jones is an exceptional trainer and handler, and Mike says he’s probably not seen someone who can get more out of a dog. Someone who Mike has probably learnt the most from over the years is Hywel Davies, who has (and had) some exceptional dogs. In hindsight, he accidentally fell into the breed because of the bitch gifted to him from Hyw. Handlers in Australia he respects for what they’ve done for the promotion and significantly influencing the breeding of Working Kelpies include Gary White, Chris Stapleton and Joe Spicer.

Mike Jones with Ian Muirhead (Co-Founder of BATWK) and Nina Giriffiths (Treasuerer)

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The Huntaway

T

he Huntaway fills a niche in the sheepdog market, due to their ability to herd stock through barking rather than sight alone.

Developed in New Zealand, the Huntaway was formed by mixing the Border Collie with a variety of other breeds, such as the Doberman, Rottweiler, and Labrador.

Resulting in the creation of a herding dog with a large bark out on the field.

Their quick wits and athletic ability make them wellsuited to their job, and their good nature means that they tend to fit in well to the farming family. They can possess an independent streak and require firm training to bring out the best in them. Hyper and destructive when underexercised, this dog absolutely requires an active lifestyle.

With New Zealand having a large density of sheep, sheepdogs have always been in high demand. Therefore, a determined dog with a lot of stamina to spare was needed to herd the vast terrains on the hilly, large sheep properties throughout the country.

The Huntaway sets itself apart from other working dog breeds due to their bark. Their bark is a very useful characteristic on very hilly land, when sometimes the farmer and the dog will disappear from each other’s sight.

Whilst the exact origin is unknown, the first proper written record of the Huntaway appeared in 1870 in the Upper Waitaki region, where a sheepdog trial was known to have a Huntaway class.

Later in 1884, there were advertisements featuring the breed in the Otago Daily Times newspaper as “broken on rough country”. It was not until 129 years later, in 2013 when the Huntaway dog was recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club. As there is a huge variety in the appearance of a Huntaway, creating a breed standard is difficult for them now as appearance has never been bred for. The organisation also specified that the Huntaway should never be kept solely as a pet, but rather must continue to exist as a working dog.

When breeding a Huntaway, the breeder must focus solely on their ability and health, rather than their appearance as this is insignificant to the breed. While Huntaway’s are best known and used in New Zealand, they are becoming increasingly popular world-wide being used in Australia, Great Britain and in recent years a Huntaway club has started in Japan.

Huntaway’s are very driven, obedient, and extremely intelligent, diligent workers. However, they can get bored easily and do not enjoy repetitive tasks. They are renowned for their problem-solving skills and excel at the New Zealand Sheepdog Trial. Despite their dedication to work, they enjoy the company of humans, and respect their handler, often forming a close bond with them.

Built for their stamina and ability to be active for long periods of time, they will quickly become destructive and hyper if not given an adequate outlet for their high energy levels. Generally, not well-suited to an indoor lifestyle, they much rather roam outside, and like to work in a pack rather than alone.

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Hu ntaway Q & A

with jake nowlan Jake Nowlan is a young stockman based in New South Wales who works predominantly Kelpies and Huntaways. He has had a successful work and trial career including winning the Ultimate Stock Dog trial in 2015 and the All-Round Stock Dog title at the Stock Dog Spectacular in 2018. Jake has spent a lot of time working with and learning from top stockmen, including a recent stint in New Zealand for two years where he learnt a lot of different training techniques.

What sets the Huntaway apart from your other working dogs and how do they benefit your team?

In Australia, the Huntaway is often compared to an Australian Kelpie or a Border Collie, they are however, very different animals. Their unique way of working stock requires a different type of handling than other dogs.

Before I went to New Zealand, my experiences with Huntaways consisted of seeing the odd one with a shearing contractor, or perhaps a Kelpie x Huntaway, but I never really thought much of them. I used to see them in the Trans-Tazman Test, as a teenager, and never really understood their style of work.

A good Huntaway comes into it’s own when steering large mobs of sheep through big and challenging terrain. They use their noise, which is usually much bigger than a Kelpie’s or Collie’s, to guide their stock. Their ability to move and mob livestock up from long distances, their handling capabilities, and their desire to work, mixes nicely to create an excellent all-round, station dog.

What elements of your New Zealand experience changed your perception of Huntaways?

The moment I realised what a Huntaway was capable of was when I was mustering on foot with a young female shepard in New Zealand. It was my first week on the job on a 35,000 acre property, mustering really challenging native tussock country at the bottom of the South Island. I sent my dog to retrieve a mob of a few thousand perindale hogget ewes, off a hillside about 800 meters away. I thought my dog was a good mustering dog, but due to my lack of control and experience in that terrain, we failed to navigate the steep gullies an ridges that stood between us and the sheep. As I quickly learned, there are levels to the game.

The young girl then sent her Huntaway towards the sheep, steering him out quietly, without noise. The cast was blind, so she steered him left, right and straight through the rough, hilly country until he was in the perfect spot. Then she lit up his noise to allow the stock to flow off him at a nice steady, even pace.

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She steered her dog with pin point accuracy. This was the moment I fell in love with Huntaways.

When I left Australia to seek further knowledge about dogs, I wasn’t interested in Huntaways, but little did I know that they are highly intelligent, exceptional mustering dogs. The dog I saw that day had as good cover and hold as any dog I had ever seen, even on light touchy sheep. He had the ability to turn his noise on and off as needed and could punch sheep up a race in the yards all day. The Huntaway has everything you need in a working dog to get you through the numbers during a heavy day’s work.

How do you teach your Huntaways to bark properly?

As with any dog breed, genetics plays a big part in a Huntaway’s composition and nature. However, a good Huntaway does not need to be taught to bark, but rather you need to harness their natural noise and gain control over it.

Personally, I let them freely chase their stock to allow their noise to develop, but once they have fully switched on I will put a rope around their flank. This training tool allows me to put a stop on them and really throw out their noise. I focus on getting them to move forward in a steady and slow manner. This can be challenging as the kind of Huntaway I like is usually a very reved up, powerful type that is hard to hold. Like all of my dogs, I would rather be trying to stop them than asking them to move forward.

Do you have sides on your Huntaway or do you prefer them straight/direct?

I have ‘left’, ‘right’ and ‘go/run’ commands on my Huntaways and other working dogs, and each dog has its own unique set of of whistles that enables me to work two to three dogs at the same time. Their whistles dictate the dog’s position and the length of the whistle dictates how far I want them to turn. For example, a short half whistle would mean to take a few steps, while a full, long, extended whistle would mean to move right the way around the mob. In my opinion, having solid sides on your dogs

allows me to be a much more capable and versatile stockman.

This is especially the case when working alone, in the yards, or when mustering in hilly, steeper country.

Where I work, I am usually casting long distances where I need to be able to steer them through rough country. It is essential I have the ability to steer my dogs, recast them, and navigate them with fair amount of accuracy from far away. Doing this successfully requires a high level of control; a process I am still trying to master.

If you have sides on your Huntaway, how do you teach them?

Every animal you work with is different. Each dog has a different set of requirements in its training and communication.

I try to keep educating myself on a lot of different techniques to put sides and other commands on a dog. The most successful technique I have found so far involves imprinting on the dog and opening up lines of communication at a young age, usually as the pup comes off mum. Having one pup at a time is the most important thing in this process. If you have more than two dogs under 12 months of age, I don’t think those dogs will ever reach their full potential.

Do you train your Huntaways differently to other working dogs? If so, how?

The only real difference I find is that sometimes, if I can’t stop them when they’re young, I will use a rope on their flank. A lot of really good trainers in New Zealand use poles, harnesses, and reins to do this. I am still learning myself and I try to use these training aids as little as possible, but occasionally I will use a flank rope on a Huntaway to establish some control. I focus on creating distance between the stock and the pup in order to encourage them to throw their noise out.

What is your favourite thing about the Huntaway breed?

The Huntaway’s desire and dedication to their job is incomparable. I’ve worked with many different types of dogs and the drive and willingness I see in Huntaways is at the top of the tree for me. They can be hard to handle, and when they’re not worked, they can drive you a bit mad. But when it comes to the big country and big days, the Huntaway in my opinion stands alone. I love working Huntaways, they are a massive part of pushing myself to be the best I can be at what I do. So many dogs have to be coaxed along and lack the desire to push on when the going gets tough, but a good Huntaway is always raring to go. They have definitely made me a more capable stockman and given me more confidence in my ability to achieve whatever task is at hand.

Tell me a bit about your Huntaway team.

I have two main Huntaways and I recently imported a sire from New Zealand to put over my two bitches.

Ester is my 4 year old pocket rocket. She is a very small, compact Huntaway but has an exceptional motor. She goes and goes and goes! She can drive me crazy at times because she is very wound up and anxious. She needs a lot of stimulation to truly thrive, but when you have those big days and the work is piling up month after month, while other dogs are getting sore Ester just keeps getting stronger.

Poi is my main bitch. She is five years old and a

lot bigger than Ester. She is a powerful, strong, and a hard Huntaway type. She has exceptional mustering ability. She can cover really huge distances and has great stamina. She has good cover and hold with big noise. She is my go-to in the yards, and the kind of Huntaway that I look for.

She has a beautiful temperament, but can be really hard to handle and hold. She doesn’t like to stop! She is a very tough dog who has become an essential member of my team.

Swig is the Huntaway sire I imported from New Zealand. It was very difficult to find a good Huntaway to put over my two bitches in Australia. Swig is from North Island, New Zealand and from a top handler. He is an older dog, at eight years old, but has massive noise, lots of grunt, and a beautiful temperament.

Would you ever solely work Huntaways and leave kelpies/ collies /other dogs behind entirely?

I have no doubt I could do my job with a team of all Huntaways.

However, sometimes I will use a Huntaway to move a certain type of sheep and they will ball them up and not work well, that’s where my Kelpies come in. For me as a stockman, I want to be able to cover all my bases. Whether it be mustering livestock through rough terrain, out in the flat country near our own farm, or in the Snowy Mountains where I currently work. I want to be able to do it all to the best of my ability, and to do that, I believe you need a variety of animals with different qualities.

The Huntaways are amazing at shifting large mobs of sheep, through the paddock and yards, but having a team of diverse dogs helps me strive to be a better stockman.

A & Q y a Hu ntaw with pip flower Pip Flower, orignally from England, moved to Australia in 2011. Pip has since worked on properties in the Gulf, Western Queensland, Tasmania and is now located in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales. Pip first started with Border Collies and now runs Huntaways with them. Pip predominately competes in three sheep trials where she has placed sixth in the Nationals. Pip also won the Cattle and Paddock section, to place second overall at the Mackenzie Hazleton Charity Trial in 2022.

How do Huntaways benefit your team?

I use the big woofers in my team for all the grunt work; Sweeping vast hilly paddocks, shifting large mobs of XBs, and providing the punch in the yards. I try to save my heading dogs as much as possible as I also trial them in three-sheep competitions in my spare time, and they can pick up some rotten habits on farm if I’m not careful.

What sets the Huntaway apart from your other working dogs?

Definitely their versatility, athleticism, work ethic and temperament. Not only are they great punching machines, but are the best sheepdogs to work weak stock, or cunning ewes with lambs. Barking from a distance is a far more effective way of shifting difficult stock than zipping into their flight zone like you do with a heading dog. There can be too much pressure involved working stock closely, whereas a steady bark can actually relax sheep leading them into a comfortable, walking lull. I’m not a particularly strong person, I despise picking up stock, and don’t want to leave any behind either.

Therefore, I avoid as much confrontation as possible when in the paddock; a wall of sound is perfect for this. Later on, once sheep are broken in to the noise; they will mob up without the shepherd scouring the entire paddock, which suits my patience and time-poor days!

Also, due to their sound and placid temperaments, the Huntaways don’t seem to burn out as quickly as my collies. Whether that’s because they don’t do the same steps, or, as I believe, it’s due to their ability to simply “shut off”.

When I don’t want them to work, or when there are no stock around, they mostly lie down and nod off, whereas, the headers tend to keep alert throughout most of the day.

How do you teach your Huntaways to bark properly?

By letting them bark non-stop until you think they’re mature enough to shut down without “telling them off” – if that makes sense! I think a lot of people ruin young borkers by screwing them down too early; all they have is their bark, a silent one is useless! The Huntaway doesn’t have the sneaky feel of headers, they need to make noise, that’s how they work.

A good one will know where to throw their bark without moving over to that wing, or tail etc.

They are amazing animals, and need to be allowed that potential.

Do not yell at them for barking as pups, in play or in the kennel, until you judge them old enough to understand the difference from making a useful noise, to being unruly. Then, during their first introductions to stock you have to have them in a scenario where it doesn’t matter if things go wrong (safely). You have to build their confidence to bark “freely”. They must be allowed to bark and smash as a young dog to develop this. Better explained as a constant bark; breath bark breath bark breath bark… and so on.

Do you have sides on your Huntaways?

I absolutely teach mine to go left and right – very much needed to control a flock, or for them to go the correct way around a yard. Admittedly, it’s something I don’t teach them until they have the drive, bark and stand, down pat. I learned to do this by watching Lloyd Smith videos; using a stick and chain/ ropes and reins; whatever you think fits your dog. I love dry training my dogs, so this method suits me well, especially when I don’t feel like a big session on the trainer sheep late at night.

Do you train your Huntaways differently to your collies?

Yes, there is a different upbringing in the dry/discipline training.

Huntaways are a very powerful work animal – bred to be so!

They have to work all day punching stock up the rugged New Zealand terrain.

However, this immense pressure cooker energy can lead to the pups and young dogs being quite a handful! You need a firm hand with them, even with mine, who lean more on the softer side.

But in saying that, you have to be very careful not to damage their confidence. Dogs are empathetic creatures, and to get one to stand up tall, with their backs to you (working stance) and make “free” noise, can be quite exposing and intimidating for them. So, you have to be strict to control their energy, but keep the handling in good balance: positive reinforcement they say!

However, with collies or kelpies, if you go overboard and stuff up a part of your handling, you can usually rectify it later on, I’ve found young Huntaways are not as forgiving…

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STOCKMANS

KELPIES COLLARS and

Bill and Marg Scott North East Victoria 0428662728 stockmans5@bigpond.com www.stockmans.com.au Stockmans Kelpies - Stockmans Collars

What is a Shepherd’s Crook and how should I use it?

A crook, staff or stick has traditionally been a shepherd’s multi-purpose tool since man first herded sheep. It is basically a long and sturdy stick with a hook at one end. It has been said that the only tools needed are a good whistle and a crook.

Years ago very few shepherds ever had money to buy a crook, so for many the only option was to make their own. In those days a shepherd’s crook was more than a tool of trade; it was a symbol of their status and made a statement about who they were.

Today there are various types available from the readily available plastic options, lightweight aluminium, right up to beautifully crafted, carved timber and horn masterpieces.

A crook has many uses - It’s a support for walking over rough country when mustering; a means of catching ewes and lambs around the neck or legs, a defence weapon against predators and today it is becoming a common training aid when used as an arm extension.

When being used as a training aide, it is important to note it is certainly not a weapon but instead an extension of the arm, used as a barrier or wall to transfer pressure for the dog to move off or not move into. The higher the crook is held the more pressure the dog feels, therefore it is important to hold the crook still and low when not in use.

Examples of training scenarios •

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When training a young pup to walk beside or behind you a crook can be carried to be held or waved slowly in front of the dog, acting as a barrier or wall, encouraging the dog to slow down, and come back into the required position. This can be started with the dog on a lead and then with time as the dog masters being in the required position the lead removed.

Teaching a young dog to balance in a small yard or round yard a crook can be used as a barrier/pressure together with correct body positioning to change direction or if the crook is pointed toward the rib of the dog, this pressure is enough to create an arc and move the dog out wider from the sheep. We often see a plastic rake used in this scenario.

•

When training a dog to follow/drive its sheep and stay within the required ‘V’ like area, the handler can walk backwards in front of the sheep holding a crook in each hand. If the dog tries to leave the ‘V’ the crook can be held out, acting as a barrier putting pressure on the dog to return to the required position.

•

When encouraging the dog to keep some distance off sheep a crook can be tossed into the air to grab the dog’s attention. Not thrown at the dog, but instead into the air in front of the dog. Often the dog will stop or at least slow to look up at the crook, giving relief and distance off the sheep. Reward the dog and encourage him to remain in the position he has just been shown.

JUMP ONLINE AND GRAB YOURS TODAY!

ONLY $23.50 + POSTAGE Or call Laura 0459 031 729 to place your order over the phone

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Colouring Competition - September 2022 Name

Area & State

Contact Number & Email

Age

Anyone under the age of 16 years old are welcome to colour in the picture and send it in before 1st Novemeber 2022 for the chance to win a prize and be featured in Kelly’s Kennel! There is no need to damage your magazine, you can print this picture from www.stockdogs.com.au/pages/kellys-kennel Submit your entry to Colouring Competition, AWSDM, PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale NSW 2753

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Kelly’s Kennel June 2022 Colouring Competition Winner

Heidi Atkinson How old are you?

I’m 9 years old Who is your favourite dog?

Monty

Well Done Heidi, enjoy your prize!

Lots of barks, Kelly.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

My Family What is your favourite colour?

Purple What is your favourite food?

Tuna Mornay What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a Vet or Zookeeper

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We have included a summary of the events that we received prior to the printing of this issue.

3 Sheep Trials New South Wales 8 - 11 SEPTEMBER 2- 22 SEPTEMBER

Central West Championships Geurie, NSW Jon Cantrall - 0427 129 779 Henty Field Days Henty, NSW Paul Darmody - 0412 347 753

26 - 29 SEPTEMBER

Moulamein Sheepdog Trial Moulamein, NSW Barry McKenzie

20 - 22 OCTOBER

Australian National Field Days Trial Borenore, NSW Janelle Fessey - 0418 637 641 Bungendore Sheepdog Trial Bungendore, NSW Sarah - 0403 257 243 Neville Sheepdog Trial Neville, NSW TBA

4-6 NOVEMBER 24 - 27 NOVEMBER

Victoria 29 - 30 OCTOBER

Bairnsdale Sheep Dog Trial TBA, VIC

5-7 NOVEMBER

South Eastern VIC Sheep Dog Trial Korumburra Showground, VIC Louise Rielly - 0409 170 964 South Gippsland Sheep Dog Trial Dyalls Lane, Berry Creek, VIC Jean Moir - 0428 397 630

11 - 13 NOVEMBER

Western Australia 15 - 18 SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER 4-5 NOVEMBER 11 - 13 NOVEMBER

Queensland 1-4 SEPTEMBER 23 - 25 SEPTEMBER

8 - 9 OCTOBER

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Esperance Supreme Pingelly Recreation & Cultural Centre, WA Central Districts Woolorama Showgrounds, WA Margaret River Arena Margret River, WA Great Southern Arena Albany Soccer, Albany

Yard Trials New South Wales Macquarie Valley Championship “Beltana” Narromine, NSW Bill Gibbs - 0484 888 884 10 SEPTEMBER Forbes Yard Dog Trial Forbes Showground, NSW Olly Hanson - 0430 112 600 17 SEPTEMBER Eugowra Show Yard Dog Trial Eugowra Showground, NSW Kevin & Kay Howell - (02) 6859 3211

3 SEPTEMBER

8 OCTOBER 8 OCTOBER 8 OCTOBER 14 - 16 OCTOBER

28 - 29 OCTOBER 24 - 27 NOVEMBER

Karara Sheep Dog Trial Karara Showgrounds, Recreation Reserve, Karara QLD Cameron Smith - 0417 220 868

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Sydney Championship Yard Trial Hawkesbury Showgrounds, NSW Tammy Lindsay - 0419 015 729 The Working Dog Challenge Trial & Auction CTLX, Carcoar, NSW

Victoria

24 SEPTEMBER Yundool Yard Trial “Somerset” Yundool, VIC Mark Wheeler - 0488 972 904 Seymour Yard Dog Trial - North East 1 OCTOBER Open Challenge Kings Park, Seymour, VIC Brian Leahy - 0409 336 654 Lancefield Show Yard Trial 15 - 16 Lancefield, VIC OCTOBER Neville Williams - 0437 400 000 12 NOVEMBER

Allora Sheep Dog Trial Allora Showgrounds, QLD Judy Allen - 0407 073 697 Chinchilla Trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial Chinchilla Showgrounds, QLD Lisa Walsh - (07) 4662 7972

Boorowa Championship Boorowa Showground, NSW Nick Foster - 0417 522 513 Gunnedah Yard Trial Gunnedah Showground, NSW Emily Wall - 0419 705 772 Illabo Show Yard Trial Illabo Showground, NSW Scott Carter - 0439 021 392 Geurie Golden Collar Working Dog Weekend Geurie, NSW Ryan Johnston - 0437 307 546

Alexandra Yard Dog Trial - North East Open Challenge Alexandra Showgrounds, VIC Ian Bates - 0418 367 209

South Australia 2 - 3 OCTOBER 5 OCTOBER

8 OCTOBER

Loxton Yard Trial Loxton Showgrounds, SA Lee Mickan - 0427 820 712 Pinnaroo Yard Trial Pinnaroo Showgrounds, SA Peter Barr - 0417 905 585 Keith Yard Trial Keith Showgrounds, SA Wayne Gelven - 0448 572 000

COMING EVENTS Please email your dates to laura@stockdogs.com.au to be included in our next issue.

16 OCTOBER 29 OCTOBER

29 OCTOBER 5 NOVEMBER 6 NOVEMBER

11 - 13 NOVEMBER

Meadows Yard Trial Meadows Fair Ground, SA Josh Megson - 0487 840 426 Penola Yard Trial Penola Showgrounds, SA Darren Jenke - 0427 500 300 Kapunda Yard Trial Kapunda Harness Racing Complex, SA Angie Grant - 0417 801 112 Millicent Yard Trial Millicent Showgrounds, SA Barry McCreanor - 0428 965 702 Uraidla Yard Trial Uraidla Fairground, SA Bev Kellock - 0427 973 247 SA Yard Dog Championships Lucindale Field Day Sites, Lucindale Darren Jenke - 0427 500 300

Cattle Trials Queensland 2-4 SEPTEMBER 9 - 11 SEPTEMBER 17 - 18 SEPTEMBER

Comet River Working Dog Trial Queensland Champioships Andrew Jansen - 0429 475 313 Rockland Spring Working Dog Tiral Annual Futurity Steve Biles - 4984 4145 Killarney Working Dog Trial Col Bloomfield - 0412 754 807

Utility Trials New South Wales 4-5 SEPTEMBER

Victoria 5-6 NOVEMBER

Finley Utility Trial Finley, NSW Perri Chappel - 0422 043 080

Victorian Utility Dog Championship Avenel, VIC James Fowler - 0417 133 826

Auctions 25 SEPTEMBER Lucindale Working Dog Auction Lucindale, SA 13 NOVEMBER

RMA Network Working Stock Dog Auction Glencoe Showgrounds, NSW

24 - 27 NOVEMBER

The Working Dog Challenge Trial & Auction CTLX, Carcoar, NSW

New South Wales 10 SEPTEMBER Dungog Working Dog Trial Sandy Alison - 0402 717 562 16 - 18 SEPTEMBER 8-9 OCTOBER

Bonalbo Working Dog Trial & Futurity Merlene Allen - 0447 653 202 Gunnedah Working Dog Trial Emily Wall - 0419 705 772

14 - 16 OCTOBER

Casino Show John Gould Memorial Cattle Trial Casino, NSW Jess Gall - 0417 122 766

20 OCTOBER

Lismore Show Working Dog Trial TBA

28 OCTOBER

Alstonville Show Trial TBA

24 - 27 NOVEMBER

The Working Dog Challenge Trial & Auction CTLX, Carcoar, NSW

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L-R: Danny Kerr and Mingle - third place, Kevin Howeell and Karana Roy IV, first place, Pip Flower and Wynella Coast, second place.

Makenzie Hazleton

Charity Stock Dog Trial

O

n the 4th and 5th June the NSW Yard Dog Association, members and supporters came together for a wonderful weekend of dog trialling and an online auction with purpose of raising funds to assist and support a local Cowra family.

The Makenzie Hazelton Charity Stock Dog Trial was looking to find a great “all round stock dog” with competition being made up of 3 rounds being yards, paddock and cattle. Competitors were to show their skills in each round and the highest scoring overall would be award the title of “all round stock dog.”

It was a great sociable weekend bringing competitors from all over New South Wales and Victoria. Local campdraft clubs ran a canteen and provided a scrumptious dinner on the Saturday night where a further ‘live’ auction was held to help raise funds a little further.

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The trial saw great success with Kevin Howell and Karana Roy IV winning the overall title. A close second was Pip Flower and Wynella Coast after winning both the cattle and paddock section. Third was Danny Kerr and Mingle.

Winner of the yard section was Dale Thompson and Broken River Jake.

The weekend was a great success with approximately $46,000 being raised. Organiser Nathan Cayfe, President of NSW Yard Dog Association, said he hopes to make this an annual event and continue to raise funds for those in need of support or charity organisations. He would also like to thank all involved from those who donated goods for the auction, to stock, yards and transport for the trial itself, along with competitors, sponsors and purchasers from both auctions.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Makenzie’s Story The Hazelton’s difficult journey started in 2019 when their beautiful daughter Makenzie, then aged 5, was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

After 10 months of aggressive treatment at Westmead Children’s Hospital, Makenzie was allowed to go home with her family in Koorawatha in rural NSW where she resumed school at Mulyan Public School in Cowra.

In May of 2021, no one was prepared when Makenzie told her parents that she had a headache and that she was sick of seeing double. After seeking urgent medical advice, Makenzie received the devastating news that she had relapsed, and the cancer had spread to her brain. So back to Sydney for further treatment living between hospital wards and Ronald McDonald House for another 12 months.

In May 2022 Makenzie made it home for the Easter Bunny! All was going well and a plan was made for a potential bone marrow transplant in June if everything went to plan.

Sadly, that was not to be and in June 2022 Makenzie’s health took a turn for the worse when she suffer a bleed on the brain and was rushed by ambulance to Cowra hospital, then onto Sydney by helicopter where she underwent surgery for an aneurysm.

Just weeks later, on Monday 4th July, Makenzie passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the tender age of just 8 years old. Rest in peace beautiful girl.

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2022 Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial Article by Peter Govan | Photos by Amy Kerr

Another very successful Holbrook Cattle Dog Trial was run on Friday and Saturday 20th & 21st May 2022. With over 170 runs (not including finals) we had a lot of new faces and many returning competitors, which was great to see. The event was run under cool, but clear skies – glorious May weather for Holbrook.

This year’s Trial was affiliated with The Agricultural Societies Council of NSW through Holbrook Show Society and we thank them for their support. Once again we drew competitors from a huge area, from many parts of NSW and Victoria and we thank them all for putting in the effort to travel.

We included a Junior – Under 13’s class this year. These young pups all had fun out there under the guidance of their parent/grandparent.

The Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine kindly donated a 12 month’s subscription for a Stockman’s Award for each of the Senior Classes – this award was given to one of the competitors who may not have had a winning run, but showed great stockmanship.

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On the Friday and Saturday nights Holbrook Working Dog Club provided a delicious evening meal (at hardly any cost), which brought everyone together socially for a great evening. I think there might have been a few sore heads the following day.

The local ‘Bushmans’ trial proved to be very entertaining again, especially with Seumas McKillop’s commentary and musical highlights. It was set up for locals to bring their best to the competition and to showcase their fantastic skills of everyday cattle dog work. It was great to see some new faces and many of the local competitors came back this year having brushed up on their skills. I’m sure a few of these guys and gals will be highly competitive in the coming years.

Setting up a trial like this takes a lot of effort and commitment and is impossible to do without gaining fantastic sponsors and help from many of the locals and competitors over the whole two days. A special mention needs to be made to Tom Quihampton, who happily jumped on board the committee to help organise this event; and also to Danny and Amy Kerr – the first people to arrive and

AROUND THE GROUNDS last to leave doing all the jobs that needed to be done. Thanks mate – I couldn’t have done it without you! We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generosity and a special thank you to Dunoon Angus for supplying their excellent heifers for the trial again.

A big thank you also goes out to our Judges over the weekend and to Geoff Lloyd, who spent the whole two days commentating, which was warmly received.

Sponsors for the Trial were: Hicks Beef | Wirruna Poll Hereford | Dunoon Angus | Kenmere Charolais | Bendigo Bank | Cobber Dog Food | Chemvet | Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine | Holbrook Cattle Vets | R & T Jenkyn Livestock Transport | Holbrook Vet Centre | Ray White Rural

Bendigo Bank Bushmans winner and place getters

Results Hicks Beef Open

1. Aiodh Doyle and Whisper Snip - 183 2. Matt Mooney and Mac - 178 3. Rod Cavill and Grub - 124 =4. Paddy Mulquiny and Smoke - 95 =4. Justin McDonald and Flirt - 95 =4. Peter Govan and Tuck - 95 Stockmans Award - Peter Govan Kenmere Charolais Novice winner and place getters

Kenmere Charolais Novice

1. Danny Kerr and Buddy - 179 2. Justin McDonald and Molly - 157 3. Paul Roots and Spud - 141 4. Harry Grant and Duke - 138 Stockmans Award - Tim Stokes

Wirruna Poll Hereford Maiden 1. Nick Hovey and Munns Bill - 127 2. Paul Roots and Twinkle - 117 3. Paul Roots and Beau - 109 4. Paul Roots and Spud - 95 Stockmans Award - Justin McDonald

Bendigo Bank Bushmans Hicks Beef Open winner and place getters

1. Ben Hewitt and Dee - 97 2. Jeremy Lim and Lady - 96 3. Tom Quihampton and Reba - 95 4. Tom Quihampton and Cash - 92 Stockmans Award - Laura Greenfield

Holbrook Vet Centre Awards

Highest Scoring Female Run – Whisper Snip (97) owned by Aiodh Doyle Highest Scoring Male Run – Allona Smoke (=95) owned by Paddy Mulquiny and Tuck (=95) owned

by Peter Govan

Boonah Working Stock Dog Club's Inaugeral Yard Dog Trial Held at Kalbar Showground Article by Kerry Lovell | Photos by Ray Cooper Photography

Kalbar is a rural town in the Scenic Rim region of South East Qld. Despite the rain, mud, sludge and general discomfort, the trial at Kalbar was a huge success.

Also thanks to the committee and the numerous helpers in setting up the yards and working the let out under difficult conditions.

Thanks to Dogpro for their sponsorship. Other sponsors Creative Canines, Hip Pocket, Drovers Collection and DaMumma’s.

As usual the Judges did an awesome job Karl Hinchelwood Open, Margo Hogan - Novice and Errol Gill - Encouragement.

There were 19 runs in Open, sponsored by Goetsch & Sons, Auctioneers.

Novice 26 runs sponsored by Peak Vets and 8 runs in Encouragement.

A huge thank you to Errol Gill for his hard work in pulling it together particularly in being able to acquire sufficient sheep for the trial to go ahead.

It is difficult to find enough sheep at present and we are very grateful to those who supplied them as they came from six different properties.

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We have a club member Ray Cooper who is a professional photographer taking heaps of fantastic shots. Ray supplied the attached photos.

We had competitors from as far as Boggabri and Glen Innes NSW as well as locals most showing how easy it looks when done with talented dogs and experienced handlers. All of which is achieved with time, effort and teamwork between dog and handler.

The club is only 14 months old and on 1st May we held a Short Course Trial at Carney’s Creek which was very successful.

Hopefully in the next few months we will be holding our first Cattle Dog trial, and we are all looking forward to that.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Results Goetsch & Sons Open

1. Brad Clarkmand and Ruby - 181 2. Ed Wall and Duke - 178 3. Ed Wall and Kate - 170 4. Margo Hogan and Morris - 170 5. Errol Gill and Tumutvalley Milly - 169 6. Brad Clark and Donny - 164 U/P. Kerry Lovell and Drifter - 124

Peak Vets Novice

1. Karl Hinchelwood and Anvil Tracker - 144

2. Brad Clark and Donny - 141 3. Ed Wall and Chip - 141 4. Adam Miller and Freestone Willy - 132 5. Brad Clark and Ruby - 124 6. Ed Wall and Boss - 100

Encourage

1. Tammie Conroy and Sky - 90 2. Kerry Lovell and Montana Blaze - 87 3. Tammie Conroy and Sisco - 80 4. Triston Lyons and Cloudnine Chilli - 80

Check out Ray’s photos from the trial by scanning this QR Code -

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2022 Australian Championship Working Cattle Dog Trial

Article by Steele Cannell | Photos by Nettie Eggleston Photography

Over a massive four days from the 14th - 17th of July the small country town of Toogoolawah in South East Queensland came alive with dogs and handlers from far and wide, all competing for the prestigious title of Australian Open Cattle Dog Champion. The Toogoolawah Show Society and event organiser Steele Cannell were the lucky committee accepted to host this major event in 2022 on behalf of the QWCDTAI (Queensland Working Cattle Dog Trial Assoc Inc) which this year attracted a huge number of competitors. The four-day event comprised of 57 handlers with 198 Open runs, 170 Novice runs, and 149 maiden runs along with second rounds and finals.

The Australian Championships traditionally consisted of handlers from the QWCDTAI and the NSWSDA (NSW Stock Dog Association) with many years of hard-fought battles.

With the number of working cattle dog associations increasing the potential for this event to grow and future possibilities of interstate and one day international challenges is an exciting prospect.

Tuesday before the event was cold, windy, overcast and a very unwelcomed 6mm of rain turned the grounds extremely wet on top of previous wet conditions making the event organisers extremely nervous. Wednesday, the day before the trial, was still windy and cold but looking to clear.

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The cattle were delivered in three B doubles by Smith’s Transport Harlin to nearby yards due to the wet conditions. The first truck was unloaded successfully but the next two had to be towed onto the ramp. Next the cattle were walked to the arena with efforts to settle on feed. Competitors started arriving and trying to avoid the soft campsites was challenging. The arena set up was left until the last-minute Wednesday night to give the grounds every chance to dry out.

Thursday morning 6:45am the weather was cold but clear and started with the event welcome, judges talk, and first round of the Open Trial. Just to top the rough lead up to the event off, the cattle started out agitated making trailing tough but thankfully they eventually settled. With such large numbers and limited time, the trial committee with the agreement of the handlers decided to trial late into the night with the assistance of a good feed and a few beverages pulling up at midnight after 150 runs.

Amazing effort by all and especially the judges wrapped in their blankets and handlers cheering on from around the fire.

Friday started at 6:30am and by mid-morning saw the completion of the first round of the Open and the start of the Maiden/Novice trial. With the weather turned in our favour, sun out, competitors continued to put together successful runs.

AROUND THE GROUNDS The beautiful mountains in the background and parachuters falling from the sky to the nearby Ramblers drop zone, made for an impressive backdrop and the Championships was starting to take shape. Once again trialling continued late into the night with handlers and dogs working together and competing hard finishing at 10:30pm. Day two was a wrap with more celebrations.

Day three kicked off and we were gaining time from somewhere.

The first round of the Maiden/Novice concluded, followed by the second round of the Open with the top 44 competitors taking up the challenge. With lots of spectators gathered on the hill and with time gained the top 18 competitors in the Maiden were called upon for the Maiden final. The winner of the Toogoolawah Tyre & Battery 2022 Australian Championships Maiden final was Charlie Brummell and CB Austin, Judged by Paul Wroe.

Competitors were given a well-earned break leading up to the Saturday night main event under lights, the State of Origin (QLD v NSW) trial. This event consists of the top five handlers from each state who have competed all year to gain points and earn the right to represent their state and go head-to-head. Just to throw a spanner in the works each team gets a wild card member who is the person who scores the highest first round score in the open at the event for each state not already in the team. This dog trial rivalry began back in 1992 and means a lot to its proud representatives.

Lights lit, crowd ready, beverages flowing, friendly banter flying and live stream running, the Origin began. The night started with a minute’s silence for our fallen dog trial family, handlers and dogs were introduced and the all-important coin toss was made.

“Heads” was called in favour of the Blues and the call to lead the charge was given to go out first.

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The trialling was fierce going back and forth with high scores posted by all handlers. QLD coming out victorious over NSW, with 563 points to 545. All Trialer’s and spectators from both states celebrated into the night and showed the true spirit of what dog trialling is all about.

Sunday was finals day and with a well-earned sleep-in, competitors kicked off at 8:00am with the QWCDTAI Derby final. This event was run in conjunction with the first round of the Maiden/Novice trial and consisted of dogs under three years that were nominated in the previous years, 2-year-old futurity.

Taking out the QWCDTAI 2022 Derby trial was Dave Steel and Koolwai Rebel, judged by Glenn Mckay. Following was the Novice Final and the Swiss Rural 2022 Australian Novice Champion, Antony Mulder and Shadowvale Cheese, which was also judged by Paul Wroe. To finish off the massive four days was the prestigious Amberoak 2022 Australian Championships Open final judged by Stan Hughes and Ryan Usmar with the winner being Jamie Sturrock and Craiglea Seth. Congratulations to all winners, place getters and competitors.

The event ended a remarkable success and on behalf of the Toogoolawah Show Society I would like to thank all the competitors, helpers and especially the Cattle Donors “Ashvale Station” and all the sponsors who made this event possible. Cobber Working Dog Food, Amberoak Rural, Swiss Rural, Toogoolawah Tyre & Battery, Nutrien Ag Solutions Toogoolawah, Ray White Esk/Toogoolawah, LJ Hooker Esk/ Toogoolawah, HLE Smith & Co Transport, South East Country Vets, Brisbane Valley Protein, Brisbane Valley Meats, Seymors

Toyota Toogoolawah, P & F Eggleston, E.M.E Smith, Morden Pastoral, Craig Donald Electrical, Dog Movers, Advanced Equine and Canine Supplements, Nettie Eggleston Photography, Mysticview Working Dogs and the AWSDM.

RESULTS Open Championship

1. Jamie Sturrock and Craiglea Seth - 283 2. Paul Wroe and Jacksons Silver - 279 3. Wyatt Judd and Judds Alice - 276.5 4. Jamie Sturrock and Craiglea Lego - 275.5 5. Sam Connolly and Kasajoca King - 274.5 =6. Glenn McKay and Bauers Trip - 274 =6. Stephen Flatley and Brutonvale Marley - 274 =6. Wyatt Judd and Judds Daisy - 274 9. Paul Wroe and Carrascott Spot - 271 10. Dick Chapman and Cash - 270

Novice

1. Anthony Mulder and Shadowvale Cheese - 188 2. Dave Steel and Koolwai Rebel - 187 =3. Wyatt Judd and Judds Alice - 186

=3. Gavin Car and Carrdoon Boss - 186 =3. Sam Connolly and Kasajoca Ace - 186 =3. Anthony Mulder and GoGetta Polly - 186 7. Sam Donovan and Natel Pepper - 185 =8. Zac Ede and Leeway Snoop - 184 =8. Nathan Brown and Buckol Megan - 184 =8. Stephen Biles and Wildas Kay - 184 =8. Rob Hodgman and RB Gypsy - 184 =8. Barrie Hughes and Electra George - 184

Maiden

1.Charlie Brummell and CB Austin - 186 2. Gavin Carr and Carrdoon Boss - 185 =3. Wyatt Judd and Judds Daisy - 184 =3. Sam Connolly and KasajocaAce - 184 =3. Dave Steel and Koolwai Rebel - 184 6. Andrew Jansen and Riverside Cash - 183 7. Dick Chapman and Blue - 182 =8. Wyatt Judd and Judds Alice - 181 =8. Nathan Brown and Buckol Megan - 181 10. Sam Donovan and Tomana Tess - 180

Under 3 Year Old Derby

1. Dave Steel and Koolwai Rebel - 197 2. Charlie Brummell and CB Austin - 185 =3. Lucy Roache and Electra Chippa - 184 =3. Wyatt Judd and Riverside Jerry - 184 5. Ross Kehl and Mysticview Archie - 183 6. Anthiny Mulder and Diamantina Tonka - 180

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AROUND THE GROUNDS

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South Australian State Utility Championships Article by Sandy Wilksch | Photo by Lee Mickan The South Australian Yard Dog Association and remarkable sheep dog committee finally were able to return to trialling at Melrose after a long two years.

With Gary holding the first three placings it was going to make an interesting final. Lee Mickan had four dogs, Sara Lee had a dog in the final as did Tom Joyce and Ryan Ackers.

Melrose turned on the weather with lovely crisp mornings and sunny afternoons record entries for the event with competitors coming from far and wide to compete in the South Australian State Utility Championship.

First out was Gary and Whites Lucky followed by Lee Mickan and Paddy who put the heat on with a 77 early in the in the final. Tom Joyce came out with Sammy but had trouble in the yards with the sheep not wanting to flow but a great effort for his first utility trial.

The Novice event was judged Mr Gary White, NSW who spent all day Friday judging and finally finishing off the first round under lights.

Joker and Lee were next to run another consistent 73, but Gary not to be beaten came back with an impressive 80 with Whites Pint. Victorian Ryan Ackers had trouble in the paddock section but certainly would have been happy to end up tenth overall.

The sheep were extremely good trial sheep, that were very well educated to dogs. The committee would like to say a massive thank you to the Waterman family who supplied us with some very nice 15-month-old ewe hoggets to test the dog’s ability and find the top dog for the weekend.

Lee Mickan started his run early with Hogans Toby getting the top score in the first round followed by Kelvale Gus and The Lees Rock on equal second. Newcomer Tom Joyce went into the final in third and fourth place. The final was held early Saturday morning and placings stayed the same.

Following on from the Novice the Open was started, and was judged

by Anthony Ireland from South Australia.

Kevin Howell was the first to put a score on the board and put the pressure on. Gary White came out with his first dog to put an impressive 81 on the board and the heat was on. The more experienced dogs were getting the pen with seven dogs penning out of the 36 runs on the first day of the Open.

The final 21 runs were completed on the Sunday morning before a ten-dog final.

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Kelvale Gus was next after a fantastic last few trials and placed second in the Novice but he was not going to be beaten by his Sire and ran a huge 85 – the best score in the final.

Nacooma Jazz and Sara Lee had a great run but the sheep proved difficult with the pen but they still finished up eighth. Toby was next and as usual a very consistent run followed by Whites Benny who just couldn’t beat Pints run.

All in all, a very exciting final with Gary White and Whites Pint taking the honours followed by Lee Mickan and his dogs, Gus, Toby, Paddy and Joker, respectively. Gary White placed sixth and seventh followed by Sara, Tom and Ryan.

A special thank you to the members of the remarkable sheep dog committee for all their hard work setting up and running a smooth trial, the ladies and gentleman that keep us fed all weekend and a special thanks to Bev Kellock for time keeping all weekend. Pat Wake our announcer and all the other helpers and last but not least a big thankyou to our Judges Anthony and Gary.

We hope to see you all next year.

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Bengalla Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge Article by Georgia Cameron | Photos Provided by Ashleigh Randle Photogrpahy & Georgia Cameron Working stock dogs from across the country packed out White Park at Scone NSW, for the first Bengalla Upper Hunter Stock Dog Challenge, held over the weekend of July 1 to 3 2022, across three big days of cattle dog trialling and a new Cowdog Challenge event, gaining much popularity amongst the 127 stockmen and stockwomen who took on the challenge.

With a total of 245 first round runs, across two arenas, there was a huge turn out of working dogs looking to bring home the the standout $10,000.00 prize pool and trophy buckle, up for each event.

The NSW Working Stock Dog Association Open Cattledog Trial was won by elated birthday girl, Cassie Clark, a vet nurse from Newee Creek NSW, with her kelpie Ehsmans Zoe, after a runoff with Ben Costa and his kelpie Fred of Yass NSW. “The event organisers did an amazing job, along with all of the volunteers. It is an excellent venue and it was very touching for me to come away with the win in my old home town and on my birthday as well,” Ms Clark said.

Ehsmans Zoe was bred by Matt Ehsman from Delungra and she was broken in by Jason Cooper. Her sire is Gunna Mick and her dam Ehsmans Melanie. Zoe has been a successful dog in sheep yard dog trialling with Jason Cooper, gaining open status in this arena.

“Zoe had many miles under her belt mustering on a station near Mungindi with Jason. She worked cattle, sheep and wild goats. I am very thankful for the opportunity I got to purchase her.” Ms Clark said.

Zoe won the Upper Horton Open cattledog trial for Cassie this year and previous to this she had placed in other cattledog trials.

“I love this dog! She is always happy, easy to have around, she reads the stock before I’ve read them and she has taught me a lot.”

The Cowdog Challenge was won by Coolah NSW stockmen, Pat Hanrahan and his border collie dog Pat.

L-R: Cassie Clark & Eshmans Zoe - Open Trial Winners, Clinton Aspinall Shootout Winner, Pat Hanrahan & his dog Pat- Cow Dog Challenge Winner.

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AROUND THE GROUNDS This was a great achievement, being their third start ever in a dog trial event.

“I am only new to trialling but I like the cowdog challenge because I believe it rewards good stockmanship and being able to identify the tough situations that might arise and work out a way through them, just like you would before going to work out in the paddock,” Mr Hanrahan said.

Mr Hanrahan’s border collie Pat is three years old and was bred

by Les Mayer from Chinchilla QLD.

“I have noticed that young ringers and people new to trialling are more confident and comfortable entering a cowdog challenge style of trial which is a good thing, and generally they shock themselves at how well they do, because it is just like the day to day jobs they are doing on the farm,” Mr Wrobel said.

The event along with the new concept was very exciting and enjoyable for the dog trialling world. The White Park venue at Scone topped it off making it a comfortable experience for families, spectators and competitors even in the not so favourable weather conditions.

“Pat has done a lot of miles on all types of stock including cattle, goats and sheep. He has great ability to read his stock and work the eye so he doesn’t over work his stock unnecessarily. I have found him extremely easy to train as he wants to please all the time,” Mr Hanrahan said.

Saturday night drew a big crowd and a buzzing atmosphere, with a featured Top 10 Shootout and Calcutta event. The win was claimed by Clinton Aspinall and his border collie, Dodge.

Dodge is by Murray Wilkinson’s Zack.

The Calcutta prize pool fetched just over $4000. The shootout winner received a trophy buckle and a two-bay dog cage, donated by Sycolah Fabrication. The top five competitors were selected to compete from the first round of both the Cowdog Challenge and Open Trial.

Competitors and their dogs competed in a hybrid trial, navigating obstacles with a combination of the Open Trial rules and the other half of the course under the Cowdog Challenge rules, the event was a real crowd pleaser.

Jonothan Randle and Rooster Bercini’s dog Whip

Event organisers, Zac Ede and Gracie Halsted said they would like to thank all sponsors and volunteers who helped all weekend.

“There was a high calibre of dogs from across NSW, QLD and VIC.” “The Cowdog Challenge event was well received by all and we hope the event encourages more people on the land to have a go at the next one,” said Ms Halsted.

Ms Halsted said the cowdog challenge stems back to similar events which have been run around the Hunter Valley area on properties as just a bit of fun for stockmen and stockwomen.

“Other challenges of a similar style have been run under the Australian United Stockmans Cattledog Challenge association,” Ms Halsted said.

“We thought we would put one of these challenges on with an affiliated event to diversify and cater to a wider range of people.”

Luke Heagney’s dog Bruce

Catching up with horse trainer Adam Wrobel, who competed with his dogs Lane and Soldier over the weekend, he kindly explained some of the finer points behind the concept of the Cowdog Challenge event.

“The cowdog challenge is different from a traditional trial in that you gain points for every beast you get through each obstacle, and you can move around and work together with your dog to get the job done.”

“There are no penalties, in a traditional trial it is a little more technical and you do have penalties, which creates its own challenges, so both versions have their place,” Mr Wrobel said.

Mr Wrobel said the event was a great initiative to encourage everyone to come along with their dog and have a go.

Zac Ede and his dog Wooton Charlie

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Inaugural Australian

Utility Championships Nyngan played host to the Inaugural Australian Utility Championships Sheep Dog Trial on 4th – 7th August at the pristine grounds of the Nyngan Showgrounds in western NSW. 50 competitors and over 200 runs were contested to determine the winner of the event with great sportsmanship shown and a happy comradery.

Nyngan has been hosting Sheep Dog trials for over 60 years and in the last few years Utility trials. The Committee felt that these trials were a true test of a good all-round dog and so the decision was made in 2021 to this year run the Australian Utility Championship.

Article by Angie White | Photography by Naomi J White As Australia currently has no governing body for this area of trialling, the committee were keen to make their mark and run an Australian event never yet held in this country, and one that will, fingers crossed, pass the test of time, and become a fixture on the Trialling calendar.

Day One saw the commencement of the Novice with Judge Daniel Pumpa, taking the reins and despite a day of rain and mud, all competitors took to the arena and had a good crack at the course. For a while during the day the top score was 4 until Greg Walton came out with a score of 45 and it wasn’t long after

AROUND THE GROUNDS the scores slowly started to trickle in leaving Dave Motley, Les Eveleigh, Gary White, Greg Walton, Brad Clark and Maurice Metherell, with the top scores heading into the Novice final.

Day Two dawned bright and sunny and after competing late into the previous night, it was an early start, as all Novice runs were completed, and Open Judge Gordon Curtis of WA gave his talk before competitors started the Championship section.

Friday night saw a “Verandah Party” get together that enabled everyone to come together for a meet and greet. With competitors from Victoria, Qld, Tasmania, and all across NSW, it was a great chance to catch up and put names to faces around a roaring campfire with beer in hand. Some of the ladies got a bit wild but what happens in Nyngan stays in Nyngan!

Saturday all competitors were woken with a great Chris Stapleton song over the loudspeaker, courtesy of Gary White and his cheeky sense of humour, as the Open competitors prepped for their next runs.

Midday Saturday saw our Nursery section run under the quiet guidance of Judge Richie Davies with 18 competitors taking part including the young Crawford Sisters Hanna and Ella who gave the audience a great thrill seeing two young girls attempting the course. It was beautiful to watch.

Everyone was so happy for Danny, and he had an awesome trial.

Despite being a relative newcomer, he has certainly made his mark.

Three Stockmanship Awards were given out, one to Hanna Crawford, SA in the Nursery Section – Adrian Carpenter, Tasmania and Danny Kerr, NSW. These awards were selected by the judges for good work in a run.

We would like to thank all our sponsors and helpers and particular thanks to all the competitors and their partners, who offered and gave assistance over the four days of our trial, as well as family and friends.

We look forward to our trial being bigger and better in 2023 and hope to see more people come along and give it a go.

TRIAL RESULTS Open Championship

1. Danny Kerr and Mingle - 225 (NSW) 2. Gary White and Whites Billie - 222 (NSW) 3. Bree Cudmore and Native Hut Digger - 207 (VIC) 4. Les Eveleigh and Nixes Bundy - 185 (NSW) 5. Les Eveleigh and Hiltons Major - 182 (NSW) 6. Gary White and Whites Albert - 181 (NSW) 7. Maurice Metherell and Wilbos Joy - 177 (NSW)

Improver

1. Gary White and Whites Billie - 170 (NSW) 2. Danny Kerr and Mingle - 152 (NSW) 3. Maurice Metherell and Wilbos Joy - 142 (NSW)

Novice

1. Dave Motley and Motleys Joy - 156 (NSW) 2. Les Eveleigh and Hiltons Major - 151 (NSW) 3. Greg Walton and Milburn Harvey - 117 (NSW) 4. Gary White and Whites Albert - 97 (NSW) 5. Maurice Metherell and Wilbos Mitch - 81 (NSW) 6. Bard Clark and Ruby - 63 (QLD)

Nursery

1. Barrick Parker and Blockemup Yuko - 77 (NSW) 2. Daniel Raynor and Fernlee Gee - 73 (NSW) 3. Nicole Henry and Nix Dart - 72 (NSW)

AROUND THE GROUNDS

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A unique program that covers every stage from buying a pup to going to work; including specialist yard dog training. The course consists of over 30 video lessons with a paper base back up. Support is number 1 for Kaden’s students, we offer 1 on 1 coaching as well as weekly Q&A conference calls. There is a private FB community that is active with contests and challenges. This course will transform you as a trainer.

Both the Property and Online are something new, I don’t believe there is anything like this in Australia at the moment.

www.kadenworkingdogschools.com | 86

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www.kadenworkingbordercollies.com

Impossible Lemon Slice • • • • • • • • • •

75g (1/2 cup) plain flour, sifted 215g (1 cup) caster sugar 85g (1 cup) desiccated coconut 4 eggs, lightly whisked 125g unsalted butter, melted 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice 375ml (1 1/2 cups) milk Icing sugar, to dust

1. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Line a 23cm (base size) square cake pan with baking paper, allowing the paper to overhang 5cm above sides.

2. Place flour, sugar, coconut, eggs, butter, vanilla and lemon rind and juice in a large bowl and stir until combined.

3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until just combined.

Pour mixture into prepared pan.

Bake for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and set.

4. Set aside in pan for 1-2 hours or until cooled to room temperature.

Dust with icing sugar and slice into squares to serve.

Makes: 16 | Prep: 15mins

Photo by Laura McKillop

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Phone and mail orders also available Call 0459 031 729 or use the mail order form on the opposite page.

WWW.STOCKDOGS.COM.AU 90

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www.stockdogs.com.au

MERCANDISE MAIL ORDER FORM Item AWSDM Trucker Cap – Grey & Teal, Army Green & Blue, Grey, Blue & Orange AWSDM Stubby Cooler – Sunset or Border Collie DVD – Kingdom of the Collie DVD – Greg Prince, My Way – Firm but Fair DVD – The Kelpie Dog, Selecting and Training DVD – Kelpie, The Legend DVD – Doghouse Training Logan A1 Whistle (Red, Blue, Silver, Pink, Purple) Logan A1 Turbo Logan 304 Turbo - Stainless Steel Logan 304 Stainless Steel Logan Delta Logan Delta 2 Logan Ventura (Gunmetal, Teal) Logan Ventura Brass Logan Brass Turbo Logan Brass Supreme ACME Ultra High Pitch 211.5 Whistle ACME Shepard’s Whistle Nylon Cord Lanyard Adjustable Cord Lanyard (Red, Blue, Pink, Green, Black, Purple) Adjustable Leather Lanyard Lamb Nappa Lanyard (Black) Shepherd’s Crook Postage inc. Shepherd’s Crook Postage Total Order Amount

Price $35.00 $9.95 $40.00 $55.00 $50.00 $40.00 $399.00 $44.00 $57.00 $94.00 $89.00 $44.00 $56.00 $49.00 $67.00 $69.00 $67.00 $19.00 $25.00 $10.00 $16.00 $25.00 $32.00 $23.50

Amount

Colour

Total

$24.50 $9.95

Name:________________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________________________________ Postal Address:_________________________________________________________________ Bank Transfer: CBA – Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine BSB: 062–595 | Account: 1057 5288 Please attach payment to this form.

Name on Credit Card: Card Number: Expiry: CVV: Cheque made payable to – Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine Return this form to: Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine PO BOX 3003, Grose Vale NSW 2753 We can also process credit card payments over the phone – Call Laura on 0459 031 729

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UNSEE THIS SPACE Prices starting at $45 Contact Laura - 0459 031 729 or laura@stockdogs.com.au

Toogoolawah, QLD

Contact: Steele Cannell P: 0428 583 260

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Breeders Directory

CALLUM 0488776047

Breeding Kelpies with natural instinct

Fairdinkum Kelpies Lokabe Kelpies

Breeding and training quality

WORKING KELPIES for sheep and cattle work

WORKING DOG SCHOOLS

GUARANTEED TO WORK WKC registered and DNA tested for genetic disease Contact Janelle 040 775 9338 Email: nelscartage@bigpond.com

Come to us or host one of your own

Pups, Started and Going dogs regularly available.

Fairdinkum Kelpies are strong versatile dogs, bred to work with natural ability under all conditions.

www.lokabedogs.com lokabedogs@outlook.com

 

@LokabeWorkingDogs

Business Directory

WATCH THIS SPACE

Living in the Lucky Country

If you’re into outback life, this book has it all. Horse breaking, shearing, scrubbers, brumbies, a picnic race day, horse shows, working dogs, a little romance, and a whole lot more. While the characters are fictional,all the horses and working dogs are based on actual animals.

$30.00 including postage

Worming, Tick & Flea Subscriptions coming soon!

Never miss keeping your dogs up to date with their worming, ticks or flea control.

Everything you need delivered to your letterbox.

Think Like a Canine

A concise and down-to-earth guide to training working and livestock guarding dogs.

$20.00 including postage

Reasonable Force Crime in the Outback A novella or short novel inspired by the author’s experience in the Police Force in the 1970s

$25.00 including postage

www.stockdogs.com.au

Available From Ken Sykes kwsykes@bigpond.com

Business Directory

QUALITY AUSTRALIAN MADE WORKING DOG COLLARS

SCAN THE QR CODE TO BROWSE OUR FULL RANGE OF DOG COLLARS & LEADS

angus barrett saddlery & leather goods www.angusbarrett.com.au

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Las

By Robert Cox

The fire flickers gently as he sips upon his beer, and the life as he is living it will bring him to a tear.

But not a tear of sadness, it is a tear of joy, as he lives the life he’s wanted to since her was just a boy.

For the ush it has a beauty that so many do not see. And it aches within the heart of many such as he.

The solitude’s not lonely, as the people persons say.

The bush is his best friend by far, the night and then the day.

The stars they hold him closer so much better than a book, as he rolls now in his swag to take another look.

The animals he learnt to hunt provide a certain feed, and respect will mean he takes no more tha what he really needs.

The need to co-exist with all is high upon his list, and he sits there as the rabbits play so gently in the mist.

The sights, the sounds, the smells, are things that really keep him free. They heal the heart, the mind, the soul, as all things he does see.

This will be my tribute to a friend I never knew.

But the spirit that I feel as well they say, burn bright in you.

So I really hope that Las, your heaven’s just as bloody good. So whenever you may need to, simply go and fetch some wood, light a little fire, crack a little can and rest in peace my friend, just because you can.

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Grovers Country Clothing

Ladies Flannelette Shirts & Spring Range Ladies 8 - 24 | Mens S - XXXL CODE - AWSDMPOST - FOR FREE STANDARD POSTAGE