Bernard McGlashen steers Australian team to victory against NZ

Mathinna man Bernard McGlashen has captained Australia to victory against New Zealand in the latest Trans Tasman Sheepdog Test.

The Tasmanian dog handler was part of a team of four that beat the Kiwis on their home turf to claim victory.

It was the fourth time Mr McGlashen had captained the Australian team, including in 2013 when they last won on New Zealand soil.

He said he was very proud to have been given the honour of leading the team to its latest victory.

“The opportunity to represent your country is the pinnacle,” Mr McGlashen said.

“It doesn’t get any better than that and representing your country in any sport is a major thing.

“There are about 900 people who are members of the national sheepdog association and I was one of four people selected.”

Mr McGlashen said he was proud to see the Trans Tasman Sheepdog Test continuing.

“It costs a lot of money to get four dogs from Australia to New Zealand, and vice versa.
“The airline companies don’t give us any grace.

“There are a lot of vet fees and all the dogs have to get blood tests before going over.

“I’m just very thankful that we can keep this going for the younger generation that’s coming along and want to have a go.”

Training for sheepdog trials was something that Mr McGlashen said was incredibly intensive.

“The beauty of the sport is that you never know what you’re dealing with.

“You’re dealing with three different sheep every time you go out there and you can train until you’re blue in the face.”

Mr McGlashen said the sport was unique in the sense that the sheepdog was the one who was ultimately in charge.

“The test of the sport is that every time you go out, you’ve got so many variables.

“The dog’s got to be right on the day and be very well trained.

“And whatever sheep you get, you’ve got to be able to adjust and do the best you can.

“It’s a fair task.”