South East Field Days: Masterly dogs sure to be a big hit

SOME 150 dogs from Victoria, South Australia and NSW will compete at Lucindale from March 15-17.

Ready to rumble: About 150 dogs from three states will compete in the field days’ annual trial.

THE annual yard dog championships are celebrating 38 years at the South East Field Days.

Some 150 dogs from Victoria, South Australia and NSW will compete at Lucindale from March 15-17.

“There’s 15 sheep in a small area ... and the dogs are put through the drenching race, drafting race and truck section,” competition co-ordinator Rex Hocking said.

The yard competition has something for every level of expertise, including handlers and dogs that have not won a trial through to dogs that have won multiple trials and won their classes.

The top 25 dogs of the open section will compete in the state championships on Saturday, with the winner crowned at 3.30pm at Kelpie Korner.

“After that we go to the Australian Yard Dog Championships in Western Australia in April,” said Mr Hocking, who has been involved in the field days for about 30 years and has co-ordinated the yard dog section for what he says is “a long time”.

“It’s a great field day,” he said. “I quite enjoy it.”

Mr Hocking said children particularly enjoyed his other attraction, the Kelpie puppies on show at the Lucindale Engineering Puppy Pound, next to the trial spectator marquee.

South East Field Days

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 & SATURDAY, MARCH 17

Yakka Park, 3293 Avenue Range Rd, Lucindale, SA

Phone: [phone]

Website: http://www.sefd.com.au