Sheepdog trials: One bad run no discouragement at Wanaka A&P Show

PL Anderson and Miss kick back after a run at the Wanaka A&P show. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery

"PL" Anderson was a bit too upfront about one of his runs in the dog trials at the Wanaka A&P Show.

"The dog wasn't up to it, and the sheep were terrible and I was disinterested," he said very matter-of-factly.

Mr Anderson (79) was sporting two crutches, thanks to his latest - and fourth - hip replacement about three months ago.

He has been dog trialling since he was 15 and kept 70 sheep at home in Wanaka, which were useful to practise on.

He has four dogs, including Queen, who has already qualified for the New Zealand championships in Kaikohe.

He was campaigning both Queen and Miss - who was "hit and miss" - at Wanaka.

"After a run like this, I'm a bloody idiot if I come back again," he rued, but that was followed by "of course I will" when asked if he would return.

He was hoping to go to Kaikohe as he once judged a New Zealand championships there.

Mr Anderson has been travelling around many trials in the South this season, usually accompanied by his two old mates - Don McRae and Gordon Lucas - and they had a lot of fun.

"Their dogs are a bit better," he confided.