Bungendore & District Sheepdog Association will host the 2019 Trans-Tasman Sheepdog Trial at Bungendore Showground from July 4-7.
The Trans-Tasman Sheepdog Trial was established to provide a level playing field for competition between Australia and NZ, using a combination of rules from each country, with the aim for the best in Australia and NZ to compete annually.
The course is run with three fresh sheep for each competitor. Four obstacles must be negotiated and the course completed in 15 minutes.
This year's competition has attracted a record number of entries, with 200 dogs running and 48 handlers.
Bungendore & District Sheepdog Club president Sarah Sydrych said spectators will get the opportunity to see top handlers from across NSW and Victoria in action.
"It's a really warm and friendly club, we love people coming along, and they can also bring their dogs on leads," she said.
"This year we are running two rings because we have so many entries, and we often do commentary to explain to people what is happening out there."
Sarah, who owns six sheepdogs of her own, has much admiration for the heritage sport and the dogs who compete.
"They're the main workers on the farm, the're your right hand man, they don't take sick leave, and they don't need to be paid super, all they want is a comfy bed, something to eat and they live for working sheep,' she said.
"They are so clever and people will see the team work and what a partnership between dog and handler is capable of."
The Bungendore club would love spectators to come and watch to help keep this heritage sport alive. It's close proximity to Canberra makes it the only other trial, apart from the National Sheepdog Trial, to be held so close to a capital city.
Free entry for spectators, canteen will provide gourmet country food, drinks, tea and coffee.
Trials commence at 8am on Tuesday, July 4 and run until about 4.30pm.
This year, the NSW Selection Trial will also be held in the days before the Trans-Tasman Sheepdog Trial on July 2-3.
The trial will determine the top two workers and their dogs, that will represent NSW at The Supreme, held at Dalby Queensland, later this year.
