Hill stick in hand, Mr Smith and fellow Tokarahi Collie Club member Dick Watson were on the afternoon shift at Hakataramea, liberating sheep for the short head and yard trials.
The day, fortunately, was fine. The view of the surrounding countryside was magnificent.
Clubs from the North Otago dog trial centre are helping run the championships, which have attracted about 250 triallists.
Mr Smith was used to being involved on the less isolated huntaway course.
"You get to talk to everybody. Here, you talk just to Dick."
But the pair were doing "a bit of male bonding", as Mr Watson jokingly referred to it.
Also, it was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, Mr Smith said.
The hardest part was bringing the sheep up the steep hill because they tended to dawdle.
"It takes the sting out of them walking up here. The zap's not there, or the zip."
Describing himself as a one-man-band on his Livingstone farm, he was able to take a few hours off to help at the championships, then it would be back to the farm, once he got past the marquee at the end of the day's runs.
Mr Smith, who competes only at local trials, was asked whether he might get inspired to compete at a higher level.
He said: "Hell no, not a show."
Mr Watson qualified for the championships with his heading dog Floyd.
He had had a "pretty ordinary" season, he said.
Mr Watson said he enjoyed pitching in and helping out, alongside all the other helpers.
