Shemozzle sack race from 2012.
The 20th annual Hunterville Huntaway Festival takes place Saturday. Co-founder Richard Horrocks reflects on how it began and what's in store this year.
The event was thought up at the local pub by some local folk - Tony Theed, Richard Horrocks and Thomas Powell. They suggested a run like the Cardronna Shepherds run in the South Island, but it was quickly pointed out that we don't have a mountain. But we do have a steep hill!
The event has evolved over the past twenty years and is the only event of its kind in the North Island.
The festival attracts between 5000 - 8000 visitors every year. A fantastic family day filled with plenty of entertainment and fun.
The Shemozzle was devised over drinks at the local pub.
Horrocks: "You won't get farmers and shepherds hanging around after the dale to see who won the best sponge cake."
Powell and Theed: "What do you suggest?"
Horrocks: "I reckon we need an event with a ridiculous prize, involving huntaways and shepherds. A race, perhaps involving obstacles, similar to the one in Queenstown where shepherds race down a mountain with their dogs."
Powell :"But we don't have a mountain!"
Horrocks: "We've got Mount Nigel, a pretty steep hill!"
Theed: "Sounds a bit of a shemozzle."
Powell: "What are we going to call it?"
Horrocks: "What's wrong with calling it The Shemozzle?"
Main Events
Children's Shemozzle for ages 9 - 13 years old, and a teen's shemozzle, for ages 13 - 18. As gruelling as the Shepherds race but no dog required. The Shepherd's Shemozzle is the main race of the day catering for anyone aged 18 and over, where competitors do the full course with their Huntaway by their side and the first across the line with all the requirements of the race met, will win the prestigious title for the year as well as valuable top prizes. A race not to be missed!
After the Shemozzle races we have the Shearing Contractors Challenge in the marquee. A not to be missed speed shearing event.
We also have fantastic shops in Hunterville perfect, for a spot of Christmas shopping, food stalls, craft stalls and to finish the day off we have a marquee, bar and band for the evening.
Hunterville Township
Hunterville was established in 1884. The village takes its name from George Hunter who walked from Wellington and placed a peg on the site.
The village has a population of 429 according to the 2013 Census and services the numerous farms in the district many of which are still in the hands of the original settlers' families.
There are a number of shops in the village as well as two pubs, a café and the Hunterville and Districts Settlers Museum which is well worth a visit.
We have a resident pipe band - the Rangitikei Scots formed in 1923 which supports local events in the region as well as competing nationally in competitions.
Have your photo taken on one of the sheep sculptures in Bruce Street, the main shopping street, or by the Huntaway dog statue on State Highway One erected to celebrate the fact that Hunterville is known as "the Huntaway Capital of the World" boasting more Huntaway sheepdogs in the area than anywhere else.
The festival starts at 11.30am today and includes a range of other activities to watch or participate in. Children's entertainment including free bouncy castles, balloon twisting, and face painting operate between noon and 4pm.
Richard Horrocks is a co-founder of the Hunterville Huntaway Festival.