By JO HARRISON
WITH the New England Expo on a hiatus for 2013 the popular yard dog trials will still go ahead at the Armidale Exhibition Centre this weekend 11 and 12 May, 2013.
Thirty handlers and over 100 dogs are expected to compete in five different categories of the most hotly-contested event in Northern NSW. Categories range from beginners through to the open event, with the winner qualifying for the state championships next year.
Andrew Fittler from the Armidale Sheep Dog Club is expecting a quality field of handlers and dogs.
“This is a very popular event and one of the bigger trials going around in the area,” Andrew said.
“People come from Queensland right through to Southern NSW to compete.”
Handlers and their dogs compete over a set course similar to what would be experienced every day on the farm. Sheep are brought up into a forcing yard and onto a drenching race, then drafted. Sheep will also be on a truck and unloaded and then put away.
“There is quite a bit of work to get a dog prepared for trialling at this level,” said Andrew.
“They generally don’t start until they are at least 14 months old and it can take a few years to get them ready.”
Border collies and kelpies are generally the only two breeds that compete in dog trialing as they have been specifically bred to work sheep.
“From an early age we are looking for particular traits in a dog,” said Andrew.
“You want them to have as many tools in your toolbox as you can have and you choose how you use them.”
Veteran of over 30 years in dog trialling, 81-year-old Ray Williams has worked many dogs and has seen the sport gain in popularity every year.
“I started with three sheep trialling and then 31 years ago I was one of the founders of Wool Expo and for 25 years I was the convener of the dog trials held during the Wool Expo,” said Ray.
“At the moment dog trialing in this region is quite good, local handler John Rosten and of course Andrew Fittler are among the top guys competing.”
At 81 years Ray has slowed down just a little and wasn’t planning to have a run at next weekend’s event, however he has now changed his mind and is going to give his four year old border collie Stubby a run.
“Stubby has only just done farm work so this will be his first event,” said Ray. “He’ll give it a good go.”
The yard dog trials will be on this weekend 11 and 12 May at the Armidale Exhibition Centre on Canambe Street. The action will start on both days from 8am and finish at 5pm. Entry is free and there will be food and drinks available.
