The 2012 Supreme Australian Championship Sheep Dog Trials will be held at the Warwick Showgrounds from September 24 to 30.
Spectators are urged to come along and watch the action at the three sheep dog trials, with some of the best handlers and dogs from all over Australia on show.Queensland Working Sheep Dog Association President Gary Hurtz said that, since the early days of colonisation of Australia, the sheep dog has played a prominent part in pastoral industry.
“These remarkable dogs whose ancestors came to Australia from the Collie bloodlines of Scotland, continue to be an important member of any team where sheep are farmed in a cost effective operation,” Mr Hurtz said.
“The sport of Sheep Dog Trials first got underway in this country in 1870 at Forbes in the western district of New South Wales and is a popular hobby today, both for the primary producer, who has dogs for work and recreation, to the sheep dog enthusiast who pursues this sport for pleasure and to keep alive the tradition of the bush.”
The complex judging process that decides winners via a marked course of three obstacles (a gap, bridge and pen) remains as it was 140 years ago, with only small refinements.Monday, September 24 sees the first round of the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge, where Australia’s top 12 dogs compete for selection to represent Australia in the 2013 Trans Tasman Test in New Zealand.
The day will proceed to the Australian Supreme, which will see 240 dogs compete, with Sunday’s finals showcasing the top 10 competitors vying for first place. The Australian Supreme will continue all week, along with the Australian Novice and Encourage Trials.
On Saturday, September 29, the competition goes international with the first round of the Australia V New Zealand Trans Tasman Test.
Mr Hurtz expects a top week of sheep dog trialling. Entries have exceeded all expectations, with almost 250 dogs in the Open category and 170 dogs in the Novice category. Caravan sites will be available for visitors at a small cost, with a canteen operating throughout the week.
It is free entry to the grounds.
