If it is good enough for rugby players, then it is good enough for dog triallists to play indoors.
Preparations are under way for the Southern Indoor Charity Dog Trial, possibly the South Island's first indoor dog trial, at Waimumu, near Gore.
The event will be held in the Southern Field Days Cowhouse Construction Agri Centre on the Southern Field Days site on August 10 and 11, raising money for the Gore St John rebuild.
One of the organisers, dog trialling enthusiast Sharon Paterson, reckoned it would be "absolutely amazing'' and the event could attract competitors from throughout the country.
She plans to compete with her dog Trevor and is already busy practising at home on the farm at Waikaka.
Mrs Paterson, who has been trialling for about 15 years, said the indoor venue removed the "weather factor''.
It would also allow the competition to run "from eight till late''. The gravel surface of the 5000sq m building would bring a different dimension to the sport.
The event was being held during the off-season so it was "something to keep them going'', she said.
It was also a time when it was not so busy on the farm, before lambs start arriving in spring. Putting some fun back into farming was important, she said.
With food and a bar on site, as well as sponsors' stalls, it was hoped members of the public would take the opportunity to come along to what would be a good social occasion.
It was also hoped to attract young and novice competitors; they would be able to learn from those more experienced. There would also be a club team challenge.
Self-described "dog trial nut'' Mike Joyce, who farms in the Wendon Valley, started trialling when he was 16.
Now 69, he still enjoys the competitive aspect.
"I just like the competition. It's just like any sport, the same reason I played rugby and cricket,'' he said.
