Q Why did the sheep cross the road? A Because they were being driven... through the short head and yard course of the Broadwood leg of the Northland sheepdog trials circuit on Saturday. Well, it wouldn't be at all unreasonable to hear a casual observer ask, is this the onlysportsground in the world which has an actual road running right through the middle of the course?
Maybe. It certainly came as a surprise to members of the local vintage car club who - going for their regular little blatt in Saturday's mild conditions - took the Takahue loop by turning off on SH1 and cruising down the winding and picturesque Waiotehue Road only to drive smack-bang right through the middle of the trials. The motorcade eventually left the dogs, sheep and men unscathed to emerge deeper west for the home run. If anything, the classic cars' presence added even more quaintness to an occasion where morning and afternoon teas are delivered on horseback from the event HQ (a 'rustic' shack encouraging al fresco dining and an overview of the short head and yard course). Yep, tea by pony express.
The trial is one of a dozen or so legs making up the Northland circuit and often sees triallists and their dogs coming from all over the North Island, attempting to gain qualifying points for this year's nationals.
Some of the more passionate local shepherds chase these all important qualifying points at trials as far away as Hawke's Bay and even further afield without being funded or sponsored in any way. Surely not many athletes in the Far North can claim the same passion, dedication and willingness to their chosen craft by putting this kind of money where their mouth is.
But the star attraction of the Broadwood trials is the venue itself. On a clear day with low autumnal cloud draped over the ominous valley, with the odd sun-ray poking through to dapple the tree-laden link lane, the pastoral setting could well double as a set for a Hollywood fantasy movie.
The hangi laid on at the end of the day always goes down a treat as well. As usual, the dinner attracted a strong turnout from the local community which steadily grew in number as darkness fell.
It all helps ensure the Broadwood trial retains its hard won reputation as the most charming sporting experience in Northland. Probably New Zealand for that matter.
