Scottsdale sheep spectacular
• Max Rainsford competing with his dog Bluey. Image Matthew Larner.
By Taylor Clyne
October 28, 2020
Celebrating and showcasing the skill between man's best friend and owner the first working dog competition will be held at Scottsdale after more than a ten-year hiatus.
The event will hope to fill the void of the Scottsdale Show with a rural extravaganza supported by the Scottsdale Rotary Club and the North-East Working Sheep Dog Club.
Local organisers Max Rainsford and Michael Irwin said the day will boast yard trails, paddock trials, shearing, food and drinks all at one venue.
“Scottsdale used to have the biggest sheep dog trail in Tasmania at one stage, we’re looking to bring a form of that back,” he said.
Mr Rainsford said he was relatively new to the sheep dog scene but has been enjoying watching, learning and competing alongside some great competitors from around the state.
“We are pleased to have state championship winners and other top competitors from around the state come to compete here in Scottsdale.
“It's a great spectator sport and we’ll commentate on the day taking through each move so people can really understand the skill.”
Described as a game of chess with sheep, the sheep trials for paddock dogs will see three sheep worked around a set course, each competitor starts with 100 points and points are deducted for getting offline and handler movements.
The yard dog trials work a small yard of sheep pushing them through gates, ramps and into a trailer.
Experienced local Lance Clifford will be on hand during the day and fondly remembers the years that Scottsdale shone on the working dog scene.
“We formed the North-East Working Sheep Dog Club in 1973 and used to be known as the strongest club in the state with many great people and dogs involved,” he said.
“We’ve kept the club going but we’re down to only a few members so when Max and Michael wanted to get this event up and happening again, we were pleased.”
There are 150 sheep organised for the event which will give about 40 dogs a round in the heat and a further ten dogs in the finals.
“Each dog will get a fresh team of sheep; the dogs love it, some love it a bit too much – you’ve got to get the right dog,” he chuckled.
Mr Clifford explained picking the right dog for the job goes back to the breeding and selecting the best pup.
“You need good training and a little bit of hope; with sheep every day is different so the more you do with your dog the better they are.”
For spectators Mr Clifford said if it looks good, it probably is good – with a lot of action to be had watching the dogs excel in the sport.
The event will also showcase a quick sheer competition.
Mark November 21 in your diary and roll in from 7.30am to support this unique local event.
For more information visit the Scottsdale Sheep Spectacular Facebook page.