NZ dog trials: Youngster determined to make mark

Up and coming Whanganui-Manawatu triallist Phoebe Smailes with her 4-year-old huntaway Sage. "I'm feeling pretty chilled about it." Picture/Paul Rickard

Organisers of the Tux North Island and New Zealand sheep dog trials breathed a hefty sigh of relief this morning when the rain stopped as the first of the 300 competitors arrived at the Pouawa venue.

The week-long championships on the Whangara Dog Trial Club courses alongside SH35 at Pouawa finally started at about 9am as the sky cleared.

"We got a start on the huntaway courses at that time with the first runs in the straight and zigzag hunts, but there were delays with the other two events," said trials commentator Trevor Brown.

"We had to build a bridge across the creek on the short head and yard courses before competition could start there.

"There was a fair bit of water running through the creek."

More than 500 qualifying runs will be completed across the four events between today and Friday.

At week's end the top seven competitors in the four North Island events will go forward to the New Zealand finals.

"The sheep from Whangara Farms had pretty heavy coats on this morning because of the rain, but they still worked well," Mr Brown said.

"It was pretty difficult for us setting up this morning in that heavy rain but it eased up at just the right time.

"Everyone seems happy with how the champs have been set up and we have had lots of positive comment already."

It is an exciting day for young Whanganui-Manawatu dog triallist Phoebe Smailes as she makes her debut at the North Island and New Zealand championships, as a 14-year-old.

Phoebe, from Ohingaiti between Hunterville and Taihape, is the youngest competitor in the event.

"It's just another trial really, only it's the big one," she said.

She earned the right to compete in the championships with 12 qualifying points.

She won an open zig zag hunt championship in the Wairarapa with her four-year-old Sage and finished third in the Whanganui/Taumaranui/King Country "Young Guns" competition, against competitors much older than her.

"Sage is a clever dog. Dad started her off for me and I have finished her off," Phoebe said.

The pair will compete in the straight and zig zag hunts and they were to have their first run this afternoon.

"It does not feel that different to be here today at these championships.

"You don't get treated any differently just because you're the youngest competitor. Everyone is treated the same, which I like."

Phoebe went to her first sheep dog trial as a baby and it has been something she has always been keen on.

"I'm feeling pretty chilled about competing to be honest. I'm certainly looking forward to it."

Her father Jonathan said he was really proud of his girl.

"Phoebe's a quiet achiever. She puts her mind to it and just does it.

"She is a very determined girl."

Her dad will also compete with one dog in the straight and zig zag hunt events.

- Gisborne Herald