Stuff Digital Edition

Brian and Jerry win at dog trials

Diane Bishop

Kaiwera farmer Brian Sparrow and his huntaway Jerry have a special bond.

The pair came second in the zig-zag hunt at the 2023 South Island Sheep Dog Trial Championships at Warepa in South Otago last week.

But, sadly their golden run was cut short during the New Zealand zig zag hunt.

‘‘The sheep broke away and they didn’t play ball.

‘‘But that’s dog trialing,’’ Sparrow said.

Sparrow and Jerry eventually placed seventh overall in the NZ zig-zag hunt, when the results were tallied.

But, as any dog trialist will tell you, to make it onto the leader board and stay there is a major achievement.

Sparrow was one of 270 dog trialists who competed at the week-long event which was hosted by the Warepa Collie Club and held on the Lawlor and Cross Brothers properties, near Clinton.

An estimated 256 huntaways and 244 heading dogs were put through their paces in four competitions, which included the zigzag hunt, straight hunt, long pull and short head and yard.

Some dog trialists competed with multiple dogs.

Otago Centre President Richard Hore said it had been an

extremely well-run event.

‘‘It was one of the best championships I’ve been involved with.

‘‘It really set the standard,’’ Hore said.

He also praised the ladies in the kitchen who kept everyone well-fed throughout the week.

Other southern dog trialists to do well included Ethan Smith and Chub who won the NZ straight hunt (2nd in the SI).

Gandhi Lucas and Dixon were third in the NZ long head (6th in the SI) while Lloyd Smith and Guide were fifth in the same event (2nd in the SI).

Lucas, 70, who lives at

Lowburn, said he enjoyed competing on the dog trialing circuit, which he had done since the age of 19.

‘‘I’ve had a pretty good season this year.’’

His dog Dixon, six, was named after Highlander rugby player Elliot Dixon after he was named Player of the Day following a match.

‘‘I’m pleased I didn’t have to call him Fatialofa,’’ Lucas said.

Brian Dickison and Jake were third in the NZ short head and yard (4th in the SI) while Lloyd Smith and Ted were seventh in the same event 7th in the SI).

Farming First

en-nz

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282282439681512

Stuff Limited