Nation’s best head to Henty to compete in working dog trials

Competition is expected to be intense this year as the nation’s best sheep dogs and their handlers gather for the Henty Working Dog Trials.

The trials consist of two events – the sheep field trial and yard dog championships, each running concurrently across the three days and culminating in the finals on the Thursday. 

Run under the auspices of the NSW Sheepdog Workers Incorporated, the sheep field trial is set to attract more than 100 dogs and their workers from around Australia.

The Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships run by the NSW Yard Dog Association, is tipped to also attract more than 100 dogs.

Hypro Pet Foods came on board as a new sponsor for the dog trials in 2022 and continues to support the event in 2024. 

Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships co-ordinator Peter Darmody, of West Wyalong, said the event was one of the most prestigious on the calendar, and would draw the cream of the nation’s best dogs competing for more than $5000 in prize money plus trophies and prizes.

The maiden trial will be held on Tuesday, followed by the novice and open classes on Wednesday and Thursday.

The finals are due to get underway from 1pm on Thursday. 

Dogs will be fresh from the Delungra and Wentworth championships, and Finley and Forbes yard dog trials.

Bill Luff, of Gundagai, along with Dean Incher, of Adaminaby, and Dale Thompson, of Benalla, are expected to be among the top line competitors. 

The event is designed to demonstrate everyday skills a working dog would use on a farm.

Each entrant has 12 minutes to gather a mob of about 18 sheep, herd them through a draft, and then on and off a truck.

Starting on a score of 100, points are deducted for livestock and mishandling breakaway sheep and ineffective work.

Benalla trialler Dale Thompson and his dog Broken River Jake took out last year’s Hypro Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships on 186 points. 

“It is always a good trial at Henty and it is super competitive,” he said.

“Henty attracts the cream of the crop and it’s always very special to have success here so hopefully we can keep it going. As competitors we all help out to make it all happen.”

Equal second was 2022 winner Dean Incher, Adaminaby, and Rafa, and Shane Maurer, Stockinbingal, with Tom on 183 points. Shane also placed fourth with Stuart on 182 points.

Up to 450 sheep will be needed for the Three Sheep Dog field trial heats and finals alone over the three days.

Run by the NSW Sheepdog Workers Incorporated, the event is limited to an open trial, with no encourager or novice class, and handlers entering their four best dogs.

Three Sheep Dog Field Trial co-ordinator Paul Darmody said the event would draw both top-line competitors and younger handlers competing for prize money of $4000.

Mr Darmody said the event would attract entries off the back of the 2024 Australian Supreme Sheepdog Championship at Geelong on September 7.

Last year Paul Elliott, of Henty, and his Border Collie Elliott’s Brisket scored 188 points to win the trial from John Perry, Bredbo, and Boco Raffa on 183 points under judge Ken Robinson, Quirindi, NSW. 

A retired shearing contractor, Paul Elliott moved to Henty last September from Eumungerie to help his shearing contractor son.

“We have great support for the sport here with the local butcher being unbelievably good to us and the whole community is behind us,” Paul said. 

Trialling for over 30 years, Mr Elliott rates Henty as one of the most competitive on the circuit, with his last Henty win in 2017.

“If you win Henty, you’ve won a good trial. It was tough out there today, but the sheep and dog worked well.

“The sheep were consistent from day one to day three. It is a terrific place to trial with a good crowd.”

The event is a three-sheep field trial, requiring the dog to move the sheep around a designed course.

The dog begins by casting around the sheep, bringing them back to the worker.

The dog and worker then move around a marked course through obstacles of a race and bridge before penning them within 15 minutes.