The inaugural Tikokino-Olrig Dog Trial held on Smedley Station's Bakers Block on February 3 and 4 was very successful, according to organisers, with 107 heading dogs and 88 huntaways competing.
President of the newly-created Tikokino-Olrig Sheep Dog Trial Club, Jerry Jeromson, said the Smedley Station provided a wonderful venue for two-day NZ Sheep Dog Trial Association-affiliated trial, which featured the long head, short head, zig-zag hunt and straight hunt, with prize money in maiden, intermediate and open classes.
As the first day of the trial clashed with the Fielding Centre Championships, Jeromson said competitor numbers were fewer than expected on the Friday, but there was a great turnout for Saturday competition.
"Friday was fairly relaxed but Saturday had us working until late evening to get all the competitors through."
With any new trial, Jeromson said there was always a worry that the courses or the sheep would not be up to standard.