Titles rounded up along with the sheep

Huntaway and heading dogs have been put through their paces with the stunning Mackenzie Country as a backdrop.

About 200 dogs, and up to 90 competitors, took part in the 131st Mackenzie Collie Dog Club annual trial held at Balmoral Station, Tekapo, on Friday and Saturday, with committee member Steve Kerr describing conditions as ‘‘typical High Country weather’’.

Steve’s wife, and fellow committee member, Sue Kerr said Balmoral Station had provided the sheep, and land, for the trials for 30 years.

She said it had been fortunate in the past two years the event had not been affected by Covid-19, with the trials always held in the first weekend of March.

The competition is open to anyone, with dogs being assessed by four judges – two from North Canterbury and one each from Banks Peninsula and Waimate.

The competition’s four courses are made up of two for huntaways and two for heading dogs.

Dogs were judged on several factors, according to Steve Kerr, with the line of the sheep a big element as they were herded down a hill.

‘‘The dog has to have a nice close group of sheep, not too wide.

‘‘The dog walks the sheep back to the bottom of the hill, and it’s about them having good control.’’

The sheep are then directed into a pen, he said.

Another big part of the course work was the relationship between a dog and its owner, he said.

‘‘The ones who are the better trainers and have a better bond with the dog are the ones who rise to the top.’’

Kerr said Ned George, of North Canterbury, was a standout over the two days, winning the open zigzag hunt section with Base and coming third with Sprocket, and coming first in the intermediate section with Sprocket, and first and second in the straight hunt open with Pitch and Sprocket, and first in the intermediate section with Sprocket.

Matt Simpson, of Mackenzie, was first in the long head open section with Bill, and first in the intermediate section with the same dog.

Mike Brown, of Geraldine, won the open short head and yard section, and intermediate section, with Midge.

Also important on the day were committee members who helped run the competition’s cook shop. ‘‘It is run for both days, and you can get a big cooked smoko or hot lunch.’’

Kerr said the dog trial season was about mid-way, with 18 competitions throughout Canterbury alone.

PHOTOS: GEORGE EMPSON Clockwise from above: John Simpson, of Mackenzie, and huntaway Slug about to start their run at the Mackenzie Collie Dog Club’s annual trial; Sheep were provided by Balmoral Station; Cindy Sheehan, left, Marie Murdoch and Sue Kerr fed the troops.