Henty sheep dog trials wrap up field days

The 81-year-old has been training dogs since 1983 and shed a tear as he accepted the top prize along with third and fifth position.

Like his competitors, he stood in the field where he whistled and commanded his dogs to direct sheep.

The dogs guided the sheep through two passages before entering a pen where the sheep were closed in.

Mr Slater made the trip from Murrumbateman with his dogs Wondara Jules, Wondara River, Memate Stormy and Wandara Drift.

He said he still manages to keep up with the four canines who are part of a team of 12 he trains back home.

“To come in and beat these fellas is a really big thing,” he said.

“They were all top competitors, they worked well and are good mates.”

There were 90 dogs who competed in the trial with 25 owners travelling from as far as Western Australia and Queensland.

The top seven place-getters were presented awards along with a bag of dog food.

The ceremony was one of the final events before the field day's wrapped up for another year.

Wondara Jules was up against some stubborn sheep but managed to take out the title.

Mr Slater said he will return next year.

“The sheep were a little touchy yesterday, but they were better today,” he said.

“Training dogs is an everyday effort.

“It's in the bloodline through breeding and you've got to get out at least every second day to exercise them and keep them fit.

“Henty is one of the better competitions around.”

The Exelpet Pedigree Sheepdog Trial was judged by Victorian farmer Bill Paton.

Mr Paton said it was his third time judging the event which was always a “pleasure” to watch.

“The competition was really good, the sheep were tough and brought the best out in the dogs,” he said.

“It's a top event here and it draws many spectators.

“Laurie Slater is very good at his job there is no doubt about that.”

The sheep and yard dog trials ran over the three days at Henty.