“It’s a skill to see a dog working properly, it really is incredible.”
This is the reason David Webb, an organiser of the Finley Show Society sheepdog trials, continues to be part of the June long weekend event.
For those familiar with sheepdogs, you will know just how complicated the relationship can be between dog, person and sheep.
Imagine yarding up, loading a truck or moving a mob and then turning around to receive your score. A frightening concept.
But not for those who love the challenge of sheepdog trialling.
“Competitors came from South Australia, Dubbo, Orange, down near Hamilton and Canberra,” Mr Webb said.
“There were around 200 dogs competing in the trial, which is affiliated with the NSW Sheep Dog Workers Inc.”
With a continuous crowd at the showgrounds over the three-day event, the township of Finley benefited greatly from hosting the trials.
Behind the success, there was an army of Finley Show Society volunteers who managed catering, labour force (sheep work), course layout and promotion of the event.
Mr Webb put it quite simply, that without sheep, there can be no sheepdog trials.
“We are extremely fortunate here at Finley because we have Bruce Atkinson, a local farmer, who supplies plenty of Merino sheep. It’s very generous of him to let us use his sheep,” Mr Webb said.
The event started back in 2016 and according to Mr Webb it has been a success ever since.
The competitors earn their keep, tasked with moving three sheep around several obstacles while keeping them in a corridor and ensuring they are kept a certain distance from the trialler.
“You really need to focus on the sheep and the dog, you’ve got to control the dog’s natural instinct and of course you’ve got to manage your temperament as well — it’s difficult to do,” Mr Webb said.
With trophies, bragging rights and Dogpro food up for grabs, the Open winner at this year’s event was John Perry with Boco Raffa and the runner-up was Mick Hudson with MGH Rosie.
In the Improver section, Paul Elliott with Elliotts Spook took the honours, while Jayson Montanari with Binaway Dolly came second.
The top Novice was Will Goggin with Vaimari Triton and runner-up was Paul Elliott with Elliotts Elle.
The Encourage award went to Kerrie Pollock with Shadowvale Ike followed by Paula Whitbread with Sherwood Sparky.