National Dog Trials at Puhatikotiko

Local competitors took their share of the prizes in the New Zealand and North Island sheep dog trial championships held this month on Mr L. H. Maclean's property at Puhatikotiko, Puha, near Te Karaka. About 600 entries were received from top dog trial men from all over New Zealand.

For most of the week-long trials the weather was dry and sunny. The courses, handily placed in close proximity, were open to the sun, and appeared to be ideal for the occasion.

Photographs are by "Photo News" and Dunstan's Photo Service.

The Huntaway course, viewed from near the secretary's tent, was always popular with spectators.

D. Buscke, Gisborne, with Mate: won N.I. Straight Hunt title and third in N.Z. Straight Hunt.

Huntaway judge A. S. Robins (Queenstown) and Mrs Robins in their judging tent

Telephoto lens follows fortunes of Huntaway competitor as dog persuades sheep up steep course. Sheep must be kept between white markers. Judge includes points for style and noise. In this case the competitor was J. Wotton, of Te Awamutu, whose dog, Ben, only just put sheep inside top marker.

At foot of hill, Ben starts Job of persuading sheep up steep slope.

Nearing half-way mark, progress is good.

Sheep went rather close to left-hand marker, begin veer to opposite side of course.

Anxious moment as sheep threaten to stage last-minute deviation, while Ben seems more interested in the scenery.

In Short Head and Yard event, dog brings sheep down off hill, across flat, through hurdles, and into pen. Competitor must keep hand on gate. Actual yarding counts only 10 points out of 100, but 22 points are allowed for dog's work at yard.

In Long Head event, dog must head three sheep on distant hill, bring them down and across the flat, and place them in a marked ring. In picture at left, W. J. Lundie (Fairlie), stands in ring as his dog Star encourages sheep over last stages.

Competitor above and right is Alex Cockburn (Napier) with his dog Jean.

Short Head and Yard judge J. S. Tait, of Dannevirke (nearer camera), with his timekeeper, R. P. Murphy, Rere.

Long Head judge D. G. Tomlin, of Lumsden, and Mrs Tomlin. At left is timekeeper, J. English, Ormond.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 60 : June 25, 1959

National Dog Trials at Puhatikotiko