Shepherds' shemozzle set to be biggest yet

UP AND OVER: Boys leap haybales in the children's shemozzle at the Hunterville Huntaway Festival.PHOTO/FILE A-021113WCSMSHEMOZZLE8

As a concession to health and safety, there will be no dogs allowed on the mudslide at this year's shepherds' shemozzle in Hunterville.

The obstacle race for young and old is a popular event at the Hunterville Huntaway Festival. This year it is based in Bruce St, on October 31.

The 18th shemozzle will be bigger than ever, judging by the 30-plus people entered so far, organiser Claire Clare said.

The shepherds will cover 2.8km in about half an hour and contend with water, mud, haybales and, usually, some bulls' testicles.

The day begins with registrations for the family, children's, teenagers', shepherds' and masters' shemozzles. The shepherds run with a dog and have to finish with the cap they are given.

"Sometimes it's quite tricky holding on to it, especially going down the mudslide."

There are always new obstacles but Mrs Clare would not say what's new this year.

"I can't give away too much."

The festival runs from 11am to 11pm in the Rangitikei town - "rain, hail or shine". As well as the obstacle races, there will be dog trials during the afternoon, showing what huntaways can do. Then at 5pm, four teams of contractors compete in a speed shearing challenge with a twist, organised by Shane Ratima.

There will be 20 stalls, selling "quality handcrafted goods" like olives, cheeses and wooden toys, and a bouncy castle and demonstrations to amuse children. The day ends with Palmerston North band Six Chairs Missing playing from 7-11pm in a marquee, for a price of $10. The festival costs about $60,000 to run, Mrs Clare said, and it has many sponsors.

"It's an event for the community and it's promoting Hunterville as well."

To find out more or enter an obstacle race, go to www.shemozzle.co.nz.