First time sheep dog trials held in Violet Town
With only his voice and perhaps a whistle, a competitor and his dog must encourage the sheep through the gap. [djp 12 Dec 2007]
A three day test of man and dog teams involving competitors from all over Victoria and local sheep was completed on Sunday 12 December.
With more than 30 competitors and 220 runs, it has been a full-on weekend competition for the organisers and the competitors.
Nancy Halsall, seen here taking a break from her role as commentator, is a founding member of the Arena Trial Club, affiliated with the VYUFD Association Inc. [djp 12 Dec 2007]
For interest a challenge between 18 football members and a man and his dog to pen sheep was held on Saturday.
"The competition evolved from 'yard trials', using a set of portable yards, something like a farmer does in practice where he brings the sheep in and drenches, drafting ewes and lambs off." said Nancy Halsall of Miepoll. Nancy is the founding secretary of the Association which began about 17 years ago.
"This is a concept of what three sheep trialing is, out on an arena, this and yards is what we call 'utilities', a combination of both." she explained. It includes a set of yards, a gap, a race.
Events held during the three-day competition included novice trials, open trials and improver trials.
The sheep dog eventually drives the through the gap after which it must coerce the sheep into entering a race. [djp 12 Dec 2007]
On behalf of the Association Nancy wished to particularly recognise the sponsors: AAA Woolbuyers Pty Ltd Shepparton, North Eastern Country Real Estate Euroa and Violet Town; Ellen Frances Hotel; S J Rural Engineering Euroa; Rapz Cafe Violet Town; WB Hunter Euroa; Violet Town Cafe; Violet Town Hardware and Plumbing; Honeysuckle Caravan Park Violet Town; Sheep Donated by Mr and Mrs N Ellis.
Catering was provided with compliments of Jim and Kaye Hall; yards supplied by Chris Hayes, M Storan and G Halsall and; the public address system by Andrew Langer.
"A special thank you to our sponsors and all who helped before and during the trial. Without your help this trial would not be possible." Nancy said
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858