ENTERTAINMENT
Eukanuba Shepherds' Shemozzle 2016: a celebration of the Huntaway working dog

Eukanuba Shepherds' Shemozzle 2016: a celebration of the Huntaway working dog

Credit: Matthew Kennedy

Commando

31 October 2016, 1:43PM

Commando

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Eukanuba Shepherds’ Shemozzle entrants Nugget the Huntaway and Shepherd Nick Tipling from Ferndale Station, led the pack for a fantastic finish taking out the prestigious title of overall winner for the 2016 race event held on Saturday 29 October at the Hunterville Huntaway Festival. From the moment the gun went off Nugget was out front with Nick, encouraging him to throw himself down the mud slide (and down a few worm sandwiches) to complete the course for their first win together!

A sell-out 100 working dogs participated in this year’s Eukanuba Shepherds’ Shemozzle with some coming as far away as the South Island to compete in this fantastic event. The course was set out over 3kms of hilly terrain with challenges including mud slide and water obstacles to test dog and shepherd team bonding along the way.

As sponsor, Eukanuba is all about working dogs and supporting this event as a celebration of Huntaways. “These dogs are a vital part of a well-functioning farm.” Said Emma Prideaux, Eukanuba Brand Manager. “They can cover large distances in a working day so nutrition is really important in keeping these dogs going. They need high quality protein for fewer injuries, energy for both endurance and sprints, and overall health support to keep them in the field for longer,” said Prideaux.

The Hunterville Huntaway Festival is a highlight in the rural calendar for many Shepherds and families in the region and all over the country. The Eukanuba Shepherds’ Shemozzle is the main race event of this annual festival, with next year’s 2017 event being the 20 year anniversary. Plan your family trip to Hunterville next year and get involved.