Waikato's Leo Jacentho and Zap scored top marks at the Tux Yarding Challenge at Ōhingaiti. Photo: supplied
Tough and intelligent Huntaway dogs are the centrepiece of the annual Hunterville Shemozzle in Rangitikei, but heading dogs were the stars this time around as contestants and their four-legged friends flocked to the district.
A record number of 255 heading dogs converged at Ōhingaiti as both experienced triallists and rookies scrapped for the silverware at the the annual Tux Yarding Challenge.
The contest organised by the Whanganui Sheep Dog Trial Centre held last weekend has been an annual mainstay for the past 20 years at the Ōhingaiti Domain.
Tux Yarding Challenge at Ōhingaiti 2025 left to right: Timekeeper Elenor Elly, Judge Peter Campbell, Heather Gee Taylor with Haka and Luzia Meara and Mouse (Maiden finalists). Photo: supplied
The local economy was abuzz with the Station Hotel in Hunterville, the Ōhingaiti Hotel and the nearby Flat Hills cabins fully booked for the duration.
Decorated Waikato triallist Leo Jecentho was exceptional over the four-day trials wrapping up last Sunday at the Ōhingaiti Domain with the top prize.
He claimed first, second and fourth placings on the score sheet with Zap, Rob and Cloud.
Takapau's Lindsay Schmidt was third with Fly.
Whanganui Centre president Wayne Falkner said Jecentho and Zap were superb in the final run-off outscoring the 18-strong field with 99.5 points.
"The standard is very, very high," Falkner said.
Luzia Meara and Mouse at the Tux Yarding Challenge in Ōhingaiti, August 2025. Photo: supplied
"The top run was won with a 99.5 out of 100 - well it's just about perfection."
Falkner said the 400 romney ewe hoggets supplied by Josh Brennan of Rangawahia were up to the challenge.
And newly crowned champion in the maiden competition was Luzia Meara with Mouse.
Peter Campbell from Northland judged the Tux Yarding Challenge.
And this year's Huntaway Festival will attract more people to the Rangitikei District in early November.
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