Competition is expected to be intense at Henty this year as the nation’s best sheep dogs and their handlers gather for the Exelpet/Pedigree Sheep and Yard Dog Trials.
Run under the auspices of the NSW Sheepdog Workers Incorporated, the sheep field trial is set to attract more than 100 dogs and their workers from around Australia.
The Exelpet/Pedigree Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships, run by the NSW Yard Dog Association, is tipped to also attract more than 100 dogs.
Championships co-ordinator Peter Darmody said the event was one of the most prestigious on the calendar, and would draw the cream of the nation’s best dogs competing for more than $5000 in prize money plus trophies and prizes.
The maiden trial will be held on Tuesday, followed by the novice and open classes on Wednesday.
The finals start at 1pm on Thursday, with the winner receiving automatic entry to the 2017 NSW Yard Dog Championships.
Dogs will be fresh from last month’s Australian Yard Dog Championships at West Wyalong, and the Rabobank Classic Darling River Championships at Wentworth.
Defending champion Bill Luff, of Gundagai; Kevin Howell, of Eugowra; Fred Raines, Coolac, and Neil Taylor, Holbrook, are expected to be among the top line competitors.
Each entrant has 12 minutes to gather a mob of about 18 sheep, herd them through a draft, and then on and off a truck.