Top dogs and their workers are given the opportunity to showcase their skills as part the annual Deans Marsh Sheep Dog Trials.
The event which has been running for over ten years now attracts a crowd of 300 to 400 spectators eager to watch the dogs demonstrate their skills.
From Friday, 18th January through to Sunday, 20th January, the best working dogs are given challenging herding tasks to complete, including directing a group of sheep around a course full of fences and other obstacles. Don’t forget to come to Deans Marsh and have a look at some of the best dogs and handlers from all over the country demonstrating their skills over the school holidays.
About 30 sheep dog trials are held annually around Victoria. The events not only highlight the dogs’ skills, but the training, time and hard work put in by their owners. One of the organisers, Jill Stewart, said: “The weekend has always been a great success, we get a good crowd coming to Deans Marsh to watch the trials. This event gives us the opportunity to showcase all of the well-trained dogs and provide the community with a bit of entertainment.”
The Novice & Open events will be run on Friday with the Improver, Open and finals on Saturday & Sunday. Also, on Friday & Saturday, at lunchtime, time permitting, there will be a learner’s section for anyone who is interested in learning or would like to start trialling, to gain some experience under the guidance of an experienced trialler.
Many of the competitors have represented Australia in the Trans-Tasman trial against New Zealand, so you will see top competitors with their wonderfully trained dogs over the 3 days.
If you watch carefully, you may see the organisers’ dogs, Mark’s Faith out doing what she loves and Jill’s Buzz & Jet showing you how farm dogs do it!
There will be catering for Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunches. Morning & afternoon teas with yummy locally made cakes will be on sale all weekend.
There is a gold coin donation at the gate for entry if you would like to support our trial.
If you have any enquiries ring our organisers Jill or Mark.
Jill Stewart 5236 3206
Mark Fagan 5236 3262
