NKFTC

National Kelpie Field Trial Championship

The NKFTC of 2018 was held for the first time at Yallambee, Ken and Jenny Atherton’s property in Arthur River, in the great southern area of WA.

It was lovely setting for a trial, with an uphill cast so spectators had a good view of the dogs working.

The sheep for the trial were young Dohnes and they were challenging to work. The cast was tricky as the sheep had a tendency to run down the fence if the dog did not head them properly at the top. They were touchy to get into the circle and also proved difficult to convince them to go into the small holding yard, where they stayed while the yard work was completed. A lot of time was used up here for some teams.

The yard course was fairly simply with a gather, drench race, draft and put away. The gather caused the most issues, being a fairly wide gate the sheep quickly worked out if they could dash past the dog or not, so a few points were lost there.

Once back outside the five sheep in the small yard were released, then worked back up the course through a gap then into a trap.

The trap required the dog to put the sheep into a race and hold them until the handler went around the other end to let them out.

Last obstacle was a pen. As the sheep generally could not be rushed around the course many people ran out of time before they could pen. Others who got to the pen too early ran off a fair few points trying to get them in.

Weather for the trial was fairly mild, with a few chilly nights. A strong wind on the last day caused a few headaches.

It was a well run, enjoyable trial, with a great spirit of competition and camaraderie. Evenings were spent around Ken’s huge firedrum built from some large piece of machinery. Many ales were drunk, many dogs discussed, and many champions remembered.

Well done to WAWSDA and all the helpers who made it a fantastic trial

Prior to the Kelpie trial a competiton was run for unregistered dogs or any other working breed.

This was run on the same course and Judged by Nan Lloyd.

Results are.

Novice.

1st. Tony Boyle. Boylee Midge. 70+53=123.

2nd. Shelby Harries. Waterlea Tas. 63+55=118.

3rd. Jenny Whitelock. Boylee Talent. 56+42=98.

4th. Rick Janitz. Badgingarra Izzy. 46+39=85.

Open results.

1st. Simon Leaning. Chidlow Floss. 71+82=153.

2nd. Tony Boyle. Boylee Midge. 70+53=123.