UPPER Goulburn Working Dog Group and Mansfield Agricultural and Pastoral Society present the Stock Dog Spectacular at Mansfield Showgrounds, March 7 – 13, 2023.
There is no doubt that this week of trialling in March 2023 will be highly anticipated and planned for by working stock dog enthusiasts from all over Australia.
This will be a great opportunity to travel to one location with a team of working dogs and compete in two of the most prestigious trials in the country: the National Kelpie Field Trial and the Australian Yard Dog Championships.
Then top it off with the very highly regarded and challenging Supreme Stock Dog Challenge.
The National Kelpie Field Trial is run for the Working Kelpie Council in a utility trial format for registered Kelpies.
This trial showcases the versatility of the kelpies with the emphasis on outside paddock work handling three or five sheep with a cast, lift and draw and three obstacles, but also a relatively simple yard section where some force may be required.
The National Kelpie Field Trial has been running for over fifty years with the inaugural trial held in 1969 at Manildra NSW.
There are historical trophies associated with the trial including the highly sought after winner's perpetual shield.
Gary White and Whites Benny II are the defending champions from Connorville Station, Tasmania trial in 2022.
The Australian Yard Dog Championships are run annually in a state–by–state rotation, generally along side the National Kelpie Field Trial.
This allows interstate competitors the opportunity to compete in both events while on the road.
The Australian Yard Dog Championships have been running since 1982 and are open to any breed or cross–breed, and does not require breed registration for entry.
The yard course is designed to show that the dog can block and hold their sheep, and to allow a more forceful yard dog to express itself.
Aoidh Doyle and Cash are the defending Champions from Connorville Station, Tasmania trial in 2022.
The Supreme Stock Dog Challenge is a trial designed to give the stockpersons who use their dogs in all situations on both cattle and sheep the opportunity to showcase their ability over three sections.
These include a traditional three sheep course with a cast, lift and draw and three obstacles to negotiate; a yard course, where block, hold and cover as well as force to load and unload a truck are required; and a cattle trial where three angus weaners are worked in the camp and then released to negotiate three obstacles on the arena.
Scores are combined to determine the champion.
Campbell Smedley and Tundabardi Mick are the defending champions from 2022.
Mansfield has been chosen as the venue for the Stock Dog Spectacular with great facilities at the showgrounds, and plenty of area for camping/parking.
Mansfield is at the foot of the Great Dividing Range with a short drive to Mt Buller, Mt Stirling and the famous Craig's Hut of The Man from Snowy River fame.
Amongst other attractions are Mansfield Zoo, the Merrijig Rodeo, Lake Eildon for fishing/boating, and Stringybark Creek, the site of the historical police shootings committed by the Kelly Gang.
