WITSAND NEWS - The South African Sheepdog Association (SASDA) recently presented the 63rd South African National Sheepdog Championships at Rhenosterfontein Farm outside Witsand and awarded Inemar Tess as this year’s South African National Champion.

Tess’s owner and handler, Ragni Pretorius, explained that the weather conditions during the sheepdog trials/competition posed a challenge. 

“The sheep were quite challenging, the dogs really had to work hard to contain and control them. The finals was very difficult for handlers, dogs and sheep because there was a gale force wind with little showers all day, and it was very cold.”

Over the years Pretorius has won the nationals four times. She started working with Border Collies (Sheepdogs) in 1986 when she got her first trial dog named Flitz. “We farmed with cattle sheep and crops in Mooi River, Kwa-Zulu Natal.”

Furthermore, Pretorius has won Reserve National Champion a few times with Tess’s father, Shepherds Own Jack.

For Pretorius, working with Border Collies is a pleasure. “With my second dog I entered a local sheepdog trial and the bug bit – I will never work sheep again without the help of a dog. Trialing is the cherry on top,” she said.

Pretorius started working Tess - who will be four years old on 28 October 2024 - at the age of six months.

“Tess is very active and friendly. She is always ready to work and to please me, a real pleasure to have. I started working her with sheep at six months and am still at it.”

For more photos of this year’s winners in other categories, visit The South African Sheepdog Association’s website at www.sasda.za.net or visit their Facebook Page.

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