Star attraction competes in first sheep dog trial

The star attraction at the Eukuanba Sheep Dog Trial is a North Island winner who is competing at her first Fieldays.

Nicola Rowlandson has brought her 6-year-old dog Jan from Raglan for the event.

“She has quite a bit of practice at these events,” she said.

Jan and Rowlandson’s win at the North Island championship gives them a chance to run in the national championship in Gore, she said.

She said she had been sheepdog trialling for five years.

The Eukuanba Sheep Dog Trial is running again for its second consecutive year after taking a four year break.

Organiser Graeme Strawbridge said that in the past it has been quite difficult to organise as the national championships are held a week before Fieldays.

“It is very difficult for the farmers to be in two places at once,” he said.

The competition is based on real farming situations and is a great training ground for young farmers.

“Sheep dog trials have been around since the 1900s,” said Strawbridge. “In England it is a very strong competition with 30 countries including Japan turning up last year.”

Strawbridge competed on Wednesday with his dog Rock, but says some competitors can have two or three dogs.