Another fantastic edition of ‘Henty’ has been run and won over three massive days. The Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships at Henty Machinery Field Days is the only event on the calendar that is run by, and on behalf of, the NSW Yard Dog Association. The committee that runs this trial for the NSWYDA is led by Dale Thompson, Caroline Thompson, Kylie McDougall, Barrick Parker, Brock McCabe and Neale Taylor. It is a massive commitment by everyone involved to organise the logistics for this event in the lead up to and across five days of trialling, setup and pack up; the time taken away from family and work is greatly appreciated.
The championships at Henty are an important trial in the calendar as they are a massive draw card for the field days and the most public yard trial event that our association holds throughout the year. They provide a perfect opportunity to showcase the positive aspects of our sport. We would like to thank all members and competitors for the incredibly high standard that was on display in every event over the three days. That quality was reflected in the scores and the incredibly high standard needed to win any event, every winner needing to score 95+ in both runs to take the spoils.
We are very grateful to the team at Henty Machinery Field Days and Belinda Anderson, CEO, for facilitating the event and her efforts to ensure every need is catered for. Danny Ruben has once again provided his livestreaming services and technical expertise to our event. The absolute best in the business who does a huge amount of work behind the scenes for our association, thank you Danny. Bullenbung Merino Stud and the Kingston family have once again supplied their sheep for our event. They were terrific trial sheep that rewarded the dogs and handlers that looked after them well.
A massive thank you to everyone who helped over the course of the three days, whether that was out in the back yards, on the timekeeping desk, commentating on the livestream or loading out sheep in the evening. We are very grateful to so many competitors who helped in any way. We would like to give a particular mention to two people; Connie Jacotine for her help setting up and constant presence in the let-out pen on all three days and Michael Clarke for his wonderfully colourful commentary that keeps the crowds informed and all the competitors entertained.
We simply cannot run an event like this without the generous and continued support of our sponsors, all of whom have returned this year which we are incredible grateful for. The best way to thank these sponsors throughout the year is to consider their businesses when making your next purchase.
We were again supported and sponsored by these incredible businesses; Red River Fabrications supplied the let-out yards, Craven Made created the trophies for each event, Dale and Caroline Thompson donated the Open Championship buckle, Leader Products donated muzzles and VHC Fabrications made the amazing donation of a raised dog kennel which every competitor went into the draw to win – Congratulations to Hamish Paton for winning a new kennel.
The Delta Ag Maiden was run first, judged by Ben Wade, with Barrick Parker and Gilescreek Bell taking the win. The Bromar Engineering Novice judged by Brock McCabe and won by Marcus Campbell and Donny. The Drover Ag Improver won by Matt Adams and River after a runoff with Brad Gavenlock. The Hypro Group and Nutrien Ag Solutions Open Championship was taken out by the ever-consistent Thomas Woolford and Mac. Chris Sellars did a superb job judging both the improver and open events over two days.
Kambah Poll Merino’s sponsored the stockmanship award for each event won by Denzel Bambridge, Alex Hindson, Brad Gavenlock and Marcus Campbell respectively. SheepmetriX and Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine again supporting the highest scoring and placed female in each event. Those prizes went to Caroline Thompson, Billie Bourke, Sarah Lee and Emelia Stokehill.
Congratulations to all our competitors, finalists and winners, we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Barrick Parker
