Commonwealth championship sheepdog trials

The Guardian

11-02-2025

Mick Hudson's highly-decorated dog MGH Rabbit, earned the Australian dog of the year for the second time in a row. Mick adheres to the old farmer adage - 'never touch another man's hat or his dog' - and it shows in the loyalty they show each other. 'The Bill Paton dog of the year is the most prestigious award for me, and I am honoured to represent NSW and bring the trophy home once more,' said Mick.
Mick Hudson helping nine-year-old MGH Rabbit cool off after a run. The Muster Dogs star says he has learned to be more quietly spoken with his dogs. 'I used to be a yeller, but I've learned to control my emotions. You won't hear what I'm saying to my dog. If you have to yell at a dog, it's not your dog.'
Scott Smith, a Dubbo zookeeper trains his five dogs - Jack, Jem, Flo, Pink and Ace - for relaxation. He has found a new love competing in sheepdog trials.
In a scene straight out of Babe, Martin Waddingham's Waterloo Ace appeared to speak directly to the sheep, coming fifth in the competition.
Waterloo Ace, moving around the course at a steady pace. The luck is often in the sheep - one rogue wether (a castrated male sheep) can see the whole trial fall apart.
Pat Wake, from Lewiston, with her dog, McConnells Marrar. Pat has six dogs - four collies and two kelpies - and says Marrar is her best. She lectures at Tafe in horticulture, agriculture and conservation and has been a trainer for 12 years.
Tom Joyce with dog, Oakdowns Sammy, from Mullaquana station represented South Australia.
Colin Reid from Glen Rowan, Wally Dalton from Toolern Vale, and Ken Jelbart from Cape Liptrap, have been sheep dog trial friends for over 10 years. The average age of the trainers is around 70, with retirees bonding over their love of dogs.
The next generation of champions watching the action.
Simon Leaning gives Marionvale Di a quick rinse before her run, hoping it will help the dog in the heat of the afternoon.
Marionvale Di keeps the sheep together in a 'balance'. The dogs can run up to 3kms in one turn on the large oval.
Michael McNamara, of Yambuk, is the president of the club and has been involved for 35 years. His dog, Liam, was the model for the Australia Post Stamp when it commemorated 150 years of sheep dog trials in Australia.
Toowoomba's Bailey Knight is a rising star in the sheepdog trials. Knight's dog, Ron, was a little skittish in Port Fairy, but performed well, taking third place. Bailey's other dog, Gibsons Flicka, won the improver final.
Martin Waddingham and Waterloo Ace performed well, with penning, the last obstacle, proving that both he and his dog have a lot of patience.
Shepparton's Blondie gets behind the sheep, and awaits further instructions. At 10 years old she is a working grandmother, and the oldest in the competition. David Lacey keeps competing her 'because she's bloody good'.
Club president Michael McNamara's dog, Liam, has never competed in trials, but is part of the Take Off team, heading out to bring back the wethers after each trial.