More female finalists in National Yard Dog Trials

June 11 2002
For immediate release

More female finalists than ever before at the
PEDIGREE Meaty-Bites National Yard Dog Trials

There will be three female competitors in the finals of the PEDIGREE Meaty-Bites National Yard Dogs Trials to be held this Friday June 14 at the Mystery Creek Field Days in Hamilton.

Hundreds of farmers from around the country have entered the competition in the lead up to the finals. The competition is for new as well as seasoned competitors and an Open and a Maiden (inexperienced) winner have been selected from regional trials in Hunterville, Canterbury, Wairoa, Taupo, Gore, Northland, Pio Pio, Pleasant Point, Ward, Wairarapa, and Maniototo to attend.

The three female competitors: Andria Swanson, a shepherd from Managakino; Cath Bendall, a farmer from Wairarapa; and Jennifer Williams, a shepherd from Gore are all Maiden competitors.

Cath says she began dog trialing when she was given a retired sheep dog that was already highly trained. “I enjoy learning how to run a dog properly and the social competitive aspect of the trials,” she says. “It’s something girls can do – it’s not a physical thing so they can be equal with the men.”

Contestants say the yard dog trials are more reflective of what their dogs do everyday and a better spectator sport than standard dog trials.

“The yard dog trials are more hands on and the spectators can get closer to the sheep,” says Colin Grey, a finalist from Pio Pio. “I find the yard dog series especially enjoyable.”

Open entrants at the final will be competing for total prize money of $2,200, with $450 up for grabs in the Maiden class. Half the 22 finalists are first-time entrants.

The PEDIGREE Meaty-Bites National Yard Dog series has been held since 1998.

For further information on the trials contact:
Zoe Triggs 09 309 1494

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