June 11 2002
For immediate release
More female finalists than ever before at the
PEDIGREE Meaty-Bites National Yard Dog Trials
There will be three female competitors in the finals of the PEDIGREE Meaty-Bites National Yard Dogs Trials to be held
this Friday June 14 at the Mystery Creek Field Days in Hamilton.
Hundreds of farmers from around the country have entered the competition in the lead up to the finals. The competition
is for new as well as seasoned competitors and an Open and a Maiden (inexperienced) winner have been selected from
regional trials in Hunterville, Canterbury, Wairoa, Taupo, Gore, Northland, Pio Pio, Pleasant Point, Ward, Wairarapa,
and Maniototo to attend.
The three female competitors: Andria Swanson, a shepherd from Managakino; Cath Bendall, a farmer from Wairarapa; and
Jennifer Williams, a shepherd from Gore are all Maiden competitors.
Cath says she began dog trialing when she was given a retired sheep dog that was already highly trained. “I enjoy
learning how to run a dog properly and the social competitive aspect of the trials,” she says. “It’s something girls can
do – it’s not a physical thing so they can be equal with the men.”
Contestants say the yard dog trials are more reflective of what their dogs do everyday and a better spectator sport than
standard dog trials.
“The yard dog trials are more hands on and the spectators can get closer to the sheep,” says Colin Grey, a finalist from
Pio Pio. “I find the yard dog series especially enjoyable.”
Open entrants at the final will be competing for total prize money of $2,200, with $450 up for grabs in the Maiden
class. Half the 22 finalists are first-time entrants.
The PEDIGREE Meaty-Bites National Yard Dog series has been held since 1998.
For further information on the trials contact:
Zoe Triggs 09 309 1494