Working dogs put to the test

There was a good turn up of both dogs and handlers as entries were up again compared to previous years with more than 100 working dogs testing their skills.

There were many competitors who returned to the Parkes annual trial, a few new competitiors to the trial and a few competitors who were competing at their first ever trial.

Organiser Bernie Dwyer was thrilled with the event, which saw competitions across six categories - Juniors, Maiden and Novice, Encouragement, Local and Open - with a large increase in entry numbers and great sponsorship support.

The winner of the Local Competition was Daniel Day from Peak Hill with his two year old Coolie, South Stormy.

In second place was Bernard Dwyer with Annie and third place was Lachlan Cox with Lue.

"It was a privilege for us to have handlers and dogs in the Open that are currently and have been Australian Champions," Elizabeth Dwyer said.

The Open Competition winners were presented with their prizes by judge Kevin Howell of Eugowra who has recently just travelled back from Western Australia competing in trials with his own working dogs.

First was Dean Incher from Cooma with Hulk with a score of 193, second was Dean Incher with Raffa with a score of 187 and third place was Rob Cox of Manildra with Bruiser with a score of 176.

All results for the weekend are available on the NSW Yard Dog Association website.

"We could not run our trial without our sponsors support," Elizabeth Dwyer said.

Sponsors of the trial include, Coprice, Agriwest Parkes, Weston Fence, Dwyer Contracting, AON Insurance, Tanswell Transport, Inland Petroleum, Quality Wool, Hutcheon and Pearce, Blatches, Spratt Contracting, Timtrac Industries, Nutrien Ag Parkes, Parkes Central Butchery, Wakely Shearing and David Bicket Accounting.

"These days don't run without help from many people especially the guys out the back that work tirelessly to keep the sheep moving."