Getting ready for charity dog trials at RDA arena

A field of around 120 dogs and their handlers will compete in the annual J and T Hickey charity sheep dog trial at the Riding Club for the Disabled for three days from next Thursday.

The 57th annual J and T Hickey Charity Sheep dog trial at the Riding Club for the Disabled next week has attracted a field of around 120 dogs.

Trial secretary Helen Cook said the entry is a bit down on last year but there would be triallists and dogs here from all around the North Island.

There were around 160 entries last year.

“The lineup includes 17 entries from novices, who will be taking part in their first trial.”

Dog trial spokesman Ross Buscke said the charity trial was a great one for the novices to begin their trialling careers.

The sheep to be used will come from Papatu Station at Manutuke.

“We will be working them in preparation for the trial this Sunday,” Mrs Cook said.

“We will begin to prepare the RDA arena for the event next Wednesday.”

Hawke’s Bay’s Bo Milner will be the judge this year.

The trial begins at 8am next Thursday morning and concludes on Saturday.

“There will be full days of runs on Thursday and Friday, with the 12 dogs in the final runoff on Saturday morning,” Mrs Cook said.

The trial will be free of charge for the public to attend.

It supports the RDA, the Trust Tairawhiti rescue helicopter, Idea Services and CCS Disability Action.

The trial has again been supported by Hinenui Genetics and Colin Bayliss, and the teams event by the Rau family, among other sponsors.