A RECORD field of dogs and their handlers will test their stockmanship skills in the 2020 Coprice Australian Yard Dog Championship at Lucindale later this month.
More than 300 dogs will compete at the event being held in conjunction with the South East Field Days.
They are expected to complete nearly 500 runs across four full days, working about 2000 sheep.
These figures smash the last time SA hosted the event six years ago, also in Lucindale, where 200 dogs competed in 340 runs.
To accommodate the larger field, the program has been extended by a day, running from Wednesday, March 18 to Saturday, March 21, and a third course is being built in the northern car park in addition to the two permanent courses.
Organisers Rex and Kay Hocking, Avenue Range, say they are excited to be hosting "one of the largest dog trials ever held in Australia".
"The standard of the dogs coming is just mind boggling - the judges have already been saying it is going to be so hard to win any of these events," Mrs Hocking said.
"There are a lot of top NSW handlers coming, 20-odd or maybe more, they have heard what a good course it is from people who have been here before.
"Last time we had a lot of NSW judges and they had a fantastic time so they've spread the word."
Mr Hocking says they are "humbled" by the support with triallers from every state except drought-ravaged Qld, and the NT.
I enjoy the challenge - you always think you have got the best dog at home but until you bring him out here and prove that he is the best dog you can't claim it.
- Rex Hocking, trial organiser
Mrs Hocking says competition will be fierce, with the top 14 dogs and their trusty companions in the open section to join 11 pre-qualified dogs in progressing to the championship.
The open field will include seven past Australian championship winners, including reigning champion Chris Stapleton, Oberon, NSW, who has won six titles, and five-time national champion Joe Spicer, Glenthompson, Vic, who last won in 2016.
Also having a tilt at the crown will be Lee Mickan, Loxton, and his dog Hogan's Toby, along with Travis Ware, Lucindale, and Woodja Lace, who have pre-qualified as the winner and runner-up in the SA championships in Clare in April last year.
"It doesn't matter where you are in Australia representing SA it is always a good feeling but competing for the Australian championship in your home state is that bit more special," Mr Mickan said.
"It is great to get all the best dogs in Australia together and see which is the best of the best."
Lucindale's course can test even the most experienced dogs and handlers according to Mr Hocking with many elements from the paddock to the race, truck section and bridge, but it is also one of the most picturesque with its green watered areas.
The Australian Yard Dog Association president says yard dog trials are as popular as ever and is thrilled to see so many good young handlers and dogs coming through the ranks.
With 37 years' experience himself, including one national title, Mr Hocking is hoping to be in the final action.
"I enjoy the challenge - you always think you have got the best dog at home but until you bring him out here and prove that he is the best dog you can't claim it," he said.
For Mrs Hocking, it is the camaraderie between like-minded dog lovers she enjoys the most.
"When they are competing it is full on and they are a competitor - after that it is social and we all come together," she said.
It is not just the entrants coming from across Australia, with the open and championship judges Ken Atherton from WA and Mathew Sherwood from NSW.
Spectators are welcome to watch the novice, improver and maiden events for free on Wednesday and Thursday and a big crowd is expected at Kelpie Korner during the field days for the open and championship final.
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