Featured in the quarter two 2025 newsletter – click here
Roy was gifted to me at eight weeks old by Nathan Cayfe of Eveready Kelpies. I got to know Nathan through trialling and working dogs, and Roy has since become one of the most influential dogs in my team.
He’s had a highly successful trial career, winning multiple Open events, including the NSW Yard Dog Championship twice — first in 2020 at Wagga, and again in 2025 at Oberon. The 2025 win was especially meaningful. It was Roy’s first weekend back on sheep after a long break due to health issues that has led me to retire him. To have him recover and return to win a major title was a highlight of our time together.
Roy’s strengths shine brightest in the paddock, especially when it comes to finding sheep in rough, rocky hills. He was the first dog to truly show me what a top working dog is capable of. As a younger dog, he often challenged me. I came from handling push-button dogs, and Roy brought a level of intelligence and initiative that forced me to grow as a handler. He has, without a doubt, shaped who I am today.
Our success comes from the partnership we share — we just gel. He’s not just a worker or trial dog, he’s a teammate. Roy has also had numerous litters to outside bitches and his influence is strongly felt in my current team. His exceptional work ethic is something I’m consistently seeing come through in his progeny.