Dog trials a “great New Zealand institution”
The Harwood property at the bottom of the Takaka Hill resounded to the mystifying toots and peeps of shepherds’ whistles and commands of “wayleggo” last weekend. Photo: Neil Wilson
The Harwood property at the bottom of the Takaka Hill resounded to the mystifying toots and peeps of shepherds’ whistles and commands of “wayleggo” last weekend.
Dog triallers from near and far competed for prizes, trophies and championship points in The Takaka Dog Trial Club’s 2011 event.
Participants competed in four disciplines: the long head, the short head and yard, the zigzag hunt and the straight hunt.
The Takaka club’s annual event is the first of the season in the top of the South, and it gives keen triallers a chance to begin accumulating the championship points they need to qualify for national events.
Club President Terry Nalder described the weekend’s event as a great success, even though Saturday’s strong wind blew over the important tent and the more important toilet.
“We were pleased with the number of entries—about 180 all told. That’s just below the record we set a couple of years ago. Things went well, even though it blew a bit.”
Club secretary Ian Alach described the trials as “the perfect way for town people and country people to get together”.
“That’s why we make it free to get in. We welcome spectators. The people who come tell us they have a great day. There’s plenty to see. Dog trials are a great New Zealand institution that everyone should see at least once in their lives.”
Neil Wilson
