Phoebe at trials since she was a baby

South Island and New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships competitor Phoebe Smailes and her 3...
South Island and New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships competitor Phoebe Smailes and her 3-year-old huntaway, Buttercup, relax after a run on Lethan Valley Farm, near Waikaka this week.PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Buckle up, Buttercup.

The girls are "giving the old boys a bit of a run" at the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships in the Gore District.

Phoebe Smailes (18) was aged 12 when she began competing at sheep dog trials.

She was born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Ohingaiti, about 35km southeast of Taihape,

Sheep dog trials were part of her upbringing, her parents would compete, while she was on their back, inside a carrier.

"I was a teeny, tiny baby in a backpack. It’s been part of my life forever."

She competed in her third national championship near Waikaka this week and of the about 270 competitors, she was the youngest.

She competed in her first nationals in Gisborne in 2017, aged 14, setting a record for the competition’s youngest triallist.

That record was still standing, Ms Smailes said.

"When I started there wasn’t many girls. I knew of two others. There’s about eight of us now and we’re giving the old boys a bit of a run. It’s cool."

She began her first year of study at Lincoln University this year, aiming to graduate with a bachelor of land and property management, majoring in rural valuation.

The gear she brought to Lincoln included her 3-year-old huntaway, Buttercup.

"So I can go dog trialling in the weekends."

As the 3-year-old sheep dog could not stay with her in a residential hall, the dog stayed at a friend’s place nearby.

This week, she and Buttercup competed in two hunts runs — the zigzag on Tuesday and the straight on Wednesday.

Both runs featured "horizontal rain and wind", making it hard for Buttercup to hear her whistle commands.

"I was still really happy with her — she went real good."

She enjoyed how the social sport allowed her to improve by "bouncing ideas off" other competitors and a chance to discuss rural life.

"Talking about dogs, sheep and cows for a wee bit is quite nice."

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz

 

Add a Comment

 

Southern Field Days 2024 - Featured Businesses