Sheep-dog trials at Moyston

Australia’s longest-running sheep dog trials will go ahead this month, attracting top-class working dogs from across Australia to Moyston for the 94th year of competition.

Moyston Sheep Dog Trials, from March 17 to 19 at Moyston Oval, will feature sheep dogs and their handlers competing in three levels of competition.

Spectators have an invitation to see dogs compete in novice, ‘improvers’ and open level trials.

An elite working-dog demonstration will also take place on the Friday night. The Brace Dog Trials showcase experienced dogs working in pairs to corral sheep through a variety of obstacles.

Moyston Sheep Dog Club vice-president and sheep-dog trial co-ordinator Rosemary Nater said she was hoping for a big turnout across the weekend.

“If we get a nice night, we’d hope for about 100 people on the Friday evening, where there will be a roast dinner available during the Brace Dog Trials,” she said.

She said because the Moyston trials coincided with national sheep-dog trials in Canberra, the competition at Moyston gave emerging elitelevel dogs the chance to show their wares in serious competition.

“The veteran car club will also be in Moyston throughout the weekend and some of their oldest cars will hopefully be on show down at the sheep-dog trials for a bit,” she said.

“The youngest car they have is 100 years old so it will be a great showing in Moyston for everyone that comes down.”

Spectator and community entry to the oval is a gold coin donation and food and drinks will be available.