by Virginia Caro
It was double delight for the experienced Leo Jecentho at the Bayleys Sheep Dog Trials at Taupō last week, winning the Open trial with his dog Ash on Saturday (June 27), and having trained the Growing Future Farmers Waikato team to win the inaugural training farm cadets team challenge the day before.
Jecentho won the first fundraising dog trials supporting the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter in 2023 and has returned every year since to compete under cover in the huge indoor arena at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre at Aratiatia, near Taupo.
Following this fourth annual charity event, over $100,000 in total will have been raised for the rescue helicopter.
The training farm cadets team challenge, sponsored by Wilson Hellaby, is designed to encourage youngsters to take up the sport and halt the falling numbers participating in this traditional Kiwi pastime. The cadets start training their dogs in their first year, ready to compete in their second and final year. Teams comprise three cadets, with individuals also participating.
The winning Waikato team comprised Hayward Vanstone with Star, Luke Jones with Cruise, and Max Cornes with Pip. Jecentho had helped them initially with advice in choosing dogs to start their training. Vanstone, who has just turned 18, qualified for the final run off on Saturday, placing third in the Maiden man/Maiden dog, and being awarded the Judge’s Choice as most promising Maiden.
He credited Jecentho saying, “You have to listen to learn.” And also acknowledged his farm trainer, Jack Gardiner, at Pukerewa Station, near Raglan, for encouraging him and giving him time to spend with his dog. (The Growing Future Farmers scheme involves practical training on farm by approved farmers, plus online learning, as opposed to being based at a training farm.)
“I am really proud of them,” said Jecentho who had walked the course with them the night before their competition.
They all coped remarkably well with the pressure of the big occasion and had the opportunity next day to watch other competitors from the judges’ gallery - to learn by watching.
Pukemiro Station, near Dannevirke, was represented by Luke Smillie and Mac, Oliver Selby and Steel, and Sophie Chandler and Cully. Pukemiro cadets have competed since 2024, when Harry Peacock and Edge sensationally placed second in the Open trial, and won the Maiden Man/Maiden Dog. Last year Holly Bird won the Judges’s Choice award as the most promising Maiden.
Smedley Station, in Central Hawke’s Bay, had five cadets this year, the team comprising Ged Billing and Prince, Spencer Newman and Faye, and Robbie Evans and Tui. Sophie White and Chop and Fletcher Kopua and Ra competed individually. Smedley’s Bradley Anderson and Merv won the Maiden man/Maiden dog last year.
Competition judge, Peter Campbell, from Northland, was impressed with the cadets’ performance, saying, “It was just marvellous really. They had really good dogs, and were exceptionally well trained. They are a credit to their trainers.” More training farms are expected to participate next year, after putting plans in place to ensure their cadets are properly prepared for the competition.
This year the prestigious Maiden Man/Maiden Dog winner was 26-year-old Hamish McKenzie with Steve who returned to Whakamarumaru Station in Hawkes’s Bay with the $1000 first prize, the biggest purse ever offered at that level.
McKenzie had spent the previous five years working in the Gisborne and Wairoa areas, and credits Rod Mead with his initial understanding of training a heading dog. Steve, now five years old, was bred by Steve Murphy, and gifted to McKenzie as a pup by previous boss, Mark Maddock at Waimaha Station.
The popularity of this unique charity event grows every year, with increasing support from the public, and loyal input from Black Hawk dog nutrition as well as the many businesses whose sponsorship covers the overheads. With all proceeds going to the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, the small but dedicated group who run this now five day event is encouraged to keep on doing so.
