Blue Mountains dog lovers have the chance to see top working dogs in action this weekend at the Hawkesbury showground, as the state’s sheep and yard dog trials take place.
This unique event brings a real taste of the country to the region, showcasing the top sheepdogs and yard dogs from all over the state, as well as some of their interstate rivals.
The Hawkesbury will host the Sydney Sheep Dog Club trials, which last year was won by Hawkesbury trialler Leigh Foster. There are some Blue Mountains dogs competing over the weekend too.
Sheep dog trialling involves commanding a dog to herd sheep in a paddock around obstacles in a given amount of time.
The Hawkesbury Showground will host the trials until Sunday, and Alison Burrell (pictured) will be one of those trying to win, although she admits she is up against some stiff competition.
Most of her friends wanted to go on holidays to the beach when Alison Burrell was growing up, yet it was farms that always captured her imagination.
Just as it is in the blood of a kelpie to herd sheep, the country life seemed to call to Burrell and so, for the past seven years, the Pitt Town resident has trialled sheep dogs.
“You need to train the dog to follow your commands and resist their instincts. It takes a very long time to train dogs, which is probably why a lot of the successful competitors are older,” she said.
“My dogs get training work whereas some dogs work stock all the time.”
Burrell, like most people, used border collies to trial, but she originally started with a kelpie, which are mostly used for yard trials.
“I just decided to go and have a go. I had some friends doing it so thought I would join the party,” she said.
“As a kid I grew up in the suburbs but always went to friend's farms at any chance I could. I’ve always had an interest in farms.
“I used to watch it on ABC on Sundays when I was about 12. They don't show it anymore which is a shame,” she said.
“I never saw it in person until I started trialling.”
Sheep dog trialling has traditionally been a very male dominated, but Burrell said she has never had any problems fitting in.
“It really isn't a problem. A lot of the men are retired farmers, so there are all very nice and helpful, and like to help out new people,” she said.
“They don't treat us any differently to the men.”
Burrell said she thoroughly enjoyed the competition of sheep dog trialling, despite the vast real life experience of her competitors making it hard for her to win.
“It is the atmosphere and people keep me coming back. You only see these people every few months so it is somewhat of a social event as well,” she said.
“When you compete, just improve on each time. As long as you see improvement each time you’re doing something right.”
The Championship 3 Sheep and Yard Trial is run by the Sydney Sheepdog Club. It is being held at the showground on Racecourse Road in Clarendon. Go to www.sydneysheepdogclub.com.au.