Dog trials set to draw crowds

A large field of entries is expected at the Levin show again, writes

the show.

Barber said a mob of sheep would be brought in off the farm three weeks ahead of the show and worked in smaller groupings so they wouldn’t be too skittish come show day. “They’re used to running in a big mob so you have to work them in smaller groupings ahead of the show so they’re not so unsettled,” he said. “Because they’re used to being part of big flock you have to break them in a wee bit, otherwise they’re likely to jump the fence.” Entries will be taken on the morning of the show. Most of those competing come from out of town, but there will be a small handful of local entries, like Barber and Whiteman, and their respective dogs Steel and Bru. Barber said the beauty of competition is it gives the wider public an insight into farming and gives those competing a chance to showcase their skills and close relationship with their animals.

Dogs had to work the sheep through obstacles before calmly getting them penned.

“It’s replicating what we do on the farm on a smaller scale,” he said.

Heading dogs were specifically bred for the job, but there was a large amount of training that went into a dog before they began to earn their keep.

Some of the competitors are retired stockmen and women who keep their hand in the game with a dog or two and enjoy a chance to showcase their art.

Barber said the show is a way of not only showcasing dog trialling but also giving youngsters an insight into farming as a way of life.

“It’s a good way to get young ones interested and hopefully encourages them to become involved,” he said.

The Royal Horowhenua Agricultural, Pastoral and Industries Show will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Levin Showgrounds from 9am to 4pm.

Access from

TiroTiro Rd.

Due to the size of the Royal Show there will be no public parking in the showgrounds.

Daily entry prizes: $15 for adults, $5 for kids under 15, preschoolers are free, families (two adults and three children): $40 each day.

An annual membership is $50 and that gets you entry on both days for three adults and two children, plus a carpark on both days.

Victoria

St and

Jason Barber and Tom Whiteman will be working behind the scenes at the Horowhenua AP and I Show but will each enter a dog too.

Photo / NZME All it takes is for one sheep to break for chaos to ensue.