District dog trials, a tradition 114 years in the making
The 114th Waimate Sheep Dog Trials wrapped up this weekend, with great conditions across the two days.
Club president Elliot Clayton said the weather conditions were ideal, “no mist or rain, everything ran smoothly”.
Numbers were down slightly on last year, but that was consistent with other trials and likely reflected a busy calendar across the region.
Working dogs are part of everyday life on farms around Waimate District. The dog trials are about more than just showing what they can do. They’re a place to learn, swap knowledge, and catch up with others - some travelling in from out of the area, people you might only see once or twice a year.
The sheep penned and ready for day two of the trials - held on Elgin View.
A long history in the district
Dog trialling is part of New Zealand’s farming history, with early events recorded in the 1860s - before the sport spread to Australia and the United Kingdom.
The first organised trial was held just up the road at Duntroon in 1885, before shifting to Hakataramea, where trials have continued ever since.
Waimate’s club was formed in 1912, and is still going strong today.
Club Vice President Becky Farrant.
A new generation stepping up
Club vice president Becky Farrant is part of a newer wave of members, having been involved with the club for around five years.
She ran her heading dog Chief at this year’s trials and has a team of four working dogs at home.
After going along to a huntaway demonstration fundraiser about five years ago, she joined the club and in her first year “floated around a bit, helping out on the straight hunt”.
These days, she’s helping lead the club, potentially becoming its first female president and running the social media.
“It’s really important to record everything for the future.”
Watching the action at last year’s event. Photo: Waimate Sheep Dog Trial Club.
Learning the ropes
Farrant said the club had seen a shift in recent years, with more younger people joining as they return to farming, and a noticeable increase in women competing.
As life member Brian Ponsonby pointed out.
“It’s a sport where there’s no advantage to being a man or a woman.”
Some members are serious trialists, focused on collecting points to compete at South Island and national events. Others have dogs that get the job done on farm and use the trials as a chance to train their dogs in a competition setting.
She said other club members are willing to share their knowledge, even getting out on the field with new members to show them the ropes.
“It’s quite strategic,” Farrant said. “Where you stand, how you use your dog - you’re getting marked in sections the whole way through.
“It can be a bit daunting when you’re new, but there are a lot of people willing to help you.”
For Farrant, the message is simple.
“We’d love to see more people come along and have a go - especially if you love rural life.”
Brian Ponsonby and Alistair Mackenzie - both with long associations with the club.
More than just results
Ponsonby has been coming to the Waimate trials for more than 40 years. He’s seen plenty of dogs come and go - but one still stands out. Ben, a big black heading dog, carried him to a DB Maiden win back in the 1980s.
But if you ask him what the best thing about dog trialling is, it’s not the wins.
“The best thing is the camaraderie,” he said.
Out on the hill, it might look simple - a dog, a few sheep, and a handler working the course. But those involved say there’s more to it than that.
As former club president Alistair Mackenzie puts it, there are three things that need to click - the handler, the dog and the sheep.
“When they click, you’re in with a chance.”
Each mob of sheep brings something different. Some are capable of winning runs, others will test even the most experienced dogs.
“It’s a great leveller.”
Leanne Clayton taking her turn at leading the cookhouse kitchen.
“Ladies” in the kitchen
Like many events, a lot of the work happens behind the scenes.
In the early days, cooking was done in a woolshed across the road. According to Mackenzie most years someone fall through the floor, fortunately without serious injury!
Since the 1970s, the cookhouse, dining room and clubrooms have been combined into one building, with additions made in the early 80s.
Food remains a key part of the event.
The president’s partner takes the lead for a two-year term, but everyone gets stuck in, including the triallists. Local farmer and Waimate District councillor Paul Harrison is known to don an apron and work his magic in the cookhouse.
For some, helping in the kitchen has spanned decades. Working around young families, prams and everything in between. At one stage, a sandpit was set up to keep kids entertained while the work carried on.
Food is included in the entry fee - proper rural tucker, done well.
Tracey Hurst, Megan Sutton and Louise McRae take a break, part of the team behind the scenes at the Waimate trials.
The dog trials have been part of district life here for 114 years.
They’ve outlasted wars, droughts, interest rates north of 20 per cent, a couple of pandemics - and even the dairy boom that thinned out the district’s sheep numbers.
Whether it’s chasing points, learning the ropes, helping in the cookhouse or just catching up on the sideline, it’s a part of district life that shows no sign of stopping.
Follow the club on Facebook - you can check out the weekend’s results there too.