Glenrowan farmer looking to win at Korumburra

The best working dogs from across Victoria are set to test their skills in Gippsland, with last year’s novice winner looking to go one better.

“I sat there and watched every dog, and I got hooked,” explains Glenrowan farmer Colin Reid, recounting the moment he knew training working dogs was for him.

It was 25 years ago, and Colin picked up a new hobby that would eventually take him to success Victoria-wide.

“I knew an old fella over at Yarra Weir, and I had a Border Collie dog, for farm work mainly,” he said.

“To cut a long story short, he was entered into the Benalla trials and he said, ‘Do you want to come?’.

“It just went from there.”

Since then, Colin has been a consistent feature on the sheep dog trial circuit across Victoria, including wins in Port Fairy, Benalla and Seymour.

Colin Reid and his Border Collie working dogs. Picture: Zoe Phillips

This month, Colin is returning to Korumburra for the South Eastern Victorian Sheep Dog Trial at the Korumburra Showgrounds, marking 20 years since he first competed there.

After winning the novice prize last year with his dog Mikey, he’s setting his sights on the open victory at the November 11-13 competition.

Border Collie working dog Belle is in with a chance at Gippsland. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“I’ve got a couple (dogs) that I believe are good enough, but who knows, it depends on the kind of sheep you get,” he said.

“One (with a chance) is Belle, the other is Mindy.

“I really enjoy working with my dogs. It’s a challenge, but it’s the only real hobby I’ve got, and I enjoy it.”

More than 100 dogs will compete in the trials across three days, with dogs and handlers from across Victoria and interstate camping out at the showgrounds over the weekend, as competitors earn points toward the Australian Dog of the Year competition.

The Berryden Sheep Dog Trial will take place the following weekend on the 17th-19th of November at Boolarra Recreation Reserve, Boolara.

Colin Reid’s team. Picture: Zoe Phillips