![]() Phew, what a week! The 2019 Trans Tasman Sheepdog Trial coincided with the NSW Selection Trial, held at Bungendore Showground in the first week of July. You might think running the two trials sequentially would be a sensible approach – ground already set up, combines the trials so that those travelling from further away only have to make the one trip. Little did we appreciate how big the week would be! For the first time, Bungendore & Districts Sheepdog Association (BDSDA) ran two grounds to accommodate the huge number of entries received. Which of course meant twice the number of volunteers required to manage the Box, Let out, and supporting the Judges. The car park was packed over the week end with spectators coming from surrounding regions and as far away as Melbourne. Bungendore put on its usual July weather – early fog and cold starts, with mostly clear afternoons. And the odd light shower to keep us moving! The Let outs were well supplied with sheep, firewood and a billy for tea. A few key stalwarts made it through the entire week watching the trial from the woolly end! The Canteen team seems to outdo itself every year, and by Sunday we’d sold out of nearly everything - even the backup supplies. The food was sensational and there always seemed to be spectators and hungry competitors lined up waiting for orders. The social side of the trial was also catered for, with a welcome dinner for Triallers on the Thursday evening, an impromptu Pizza night on Friday and the Trial Dinner (mmm, lamb shanks) on Saturday – all were very well attended and entertainment provided by Pip Hudson, Tony Whitehead, Tony Elliott, and Sue Priest. A big thank you to Mr Will Goggin (Improver / Open), and Mr Brett Smith (Novice / Encourage, and doing a great job judging his first trial). Also to Mr Paul Darmody for supply of his valuable sheep, and managing the movement of mobs between the two grounds, with a little unexpected help from some of the club dogs keen to demonstrate their skills post trial. (thanks for seeing the funny side, Paul!) Trials like these – both the Trans Tasman and the Selection Trial – couldn’t survive without generous support from our sponsors, Triallers and volunteers who are worth their weight in gold. Both trials were a huge success, which is a great reflection of the teamwork that went into running them. Congratulations to Mr John Perry and Delrio Gem with a sensational score in the Open final, and to Mr Paul Darmody with Annaway Dotti (Improver), Mr Mick Hudson with MGH Tri (Novice) and Ms Teresa Kernahan with Neecabe Elphie (Encourage). We look forward to seeing everyone next year! BDSDA Committee
1 Comment
15/10/2019 01:28:54 pm
Is it just me or maybe it's really cruel to make dogs work. I am not really sure if they are treating the K9 units properly. I mean why is it not okay to pet them? I thought all dogs love it when humans pet them. They are not like cats who are like gods that if they happen to enjoy petting, they thought you are doing so because of their command. Wait maybe I have a seen a few cats who seem a bit nicer than the rest. But really, they aren't the majority. Mostly it's the dogs that are very obedient. But then I just feel it's still not proper to take advantage of these obedience.
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Club.Our Sheepdog club is for working sheepdog breeds and hold regular training days to assist people with training their dogs. We also organise and run the Trans Tasman Trial at Bungendore. Archives
December 2019
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