Preparations are underway for Richmond Parks upcoming A&P Show at the end of this month.
Part of the weekend’s line-up is a regular favourite, the sheep dog trials.
The trials will be held on both show days and one of the key organisers, Colin Gibbs, says the course will give the public a taste of how things are done for the annual Trans-Tasman Wayleggo Cup test between New Zealand and Australian dog trial competitors.
“This year we have a similar type course set up as what we would normally do for the Trans-Tasman, but on a slightly smaller scale.”
The New Zealand Sheepdog Trial Association Trans-Tasman Test Series has been running for 30 years and, for fans, it remains a highlight on the calendar. Next year New Zealand will be hosting the event and Colin is hopeful the kiwis will maintain their five-year winning streak.
Past president and a life member of Richmond Park, Colin says one of the New Zealand test team, Ian Herbert from Wakefield, will be competing at the upcoming A&P Show event.
Ian helped his team win against Australia and bring the Wayleggo Cup back to New Zealand.
“Each dog trial can take around 15 minutes per competitor. This year will be mainly Nelson and Marlborough competitors. We will have a presentation for completion on Sunday afternoon.”
Colin comes from a long line of sheep dog handlers.
“I have done it all my life, I followed in my dad’s footsteps. My dad did it and my grandad did it. I enjoy it because it challenges your wits. You have got animals that all have a mind of their own. It is not a physical race, you have to know how stock will respond. Everytime it is always a challenge.”
The Nelson A&P Show is on the weekend of November 24 & 25, from 9am to 5pm Saturday and 9am to 4pm Sunday at the Richmond Showgrounds.
Tickets are available from Haven Motors, More FM, Richmond Mall and Bowater Toyota Nelson & Motueka.