Pip Hudson & Kiwi Golda - Australian Supreme Champions 2008
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Anyone who has been remotely involved with Sheepdog trialling and indeed working dogs in general will probably at some stage have heard of Pip Hudson. Characters like Pip do not travel through life quietly. Around the trial ground listen for laughter, or listen for some sheepdog wisdom being shared. Of an evening listen for the poems or a tune on the piano accordion, and you will find Pip and Daph (or Saint Daphne as she is sometimes referred to).
Born smack bang in the middle of World War Two (14th April 1942) , Pip grew up on Cowary station 40 miles out of Wilcannia. His parents Archie & Maisey were responsible for Pips initial interest in trialling. Archie was quite a prominent trialler of that era working Border Collies and whilst Maisey trialled on occasions, she was better known as a sheepdog judge, and no ordinary one as she judged the prestigious Sydney Show Trial and the National Trial at Canberra. Sadly Maisey passed away this year (or as Pip puts it- “slipped through the netting”) aged 96.
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At about 16 years of age young Pip ran his Kelpie at his first trial in the White Cliffs/Wilcannia area but due to work commitments was not able to get fully involved until the early 80’s. Rearing a family of seven children through private schools including 5 away boarding meant that trialling dogs had to take a back seat.
Apart from building up wool growing/grazing properties Lillyvale & Korreo at Cobar, Pip went shearing, roo & rabbit shooting and goat mustering to keep the wolves from the door. Somehow and undoubtedly with the great support from Daph, Pip managed to represent the bush diocese of about 40% of NSW on the Catholic Education Committee. He was an active member of the Rural Fire Brigade and as a result of assistance and help to his community received a Citizen of the Year Award.
When the family started to leave the nest Pip turned his thoughts back to trialling which of course for Pip meant responsibility along with the enjoyment. He took on judging and did stints as a NSW councillor, NSW and the Australian body Presidents roles.
Pip has had many open trial success’s of the last 25 years but this last year saw him most consistently run second at the National in Canberra, second at both big trials Cobar and Nyngan and as if to repel the thought of Pip as a bridesmaid he and his bitch Golda won the Supreme.
If winning is all there is – It’s not enough. Pip gets great enjoyment out of helping and encouraging new people into the sport. Just take a look around Cobar, where the largest in 25 years and superbly run trial was conducted. Most of the committee owe their start to Pip and as he comments it is his turn as he remembers the help of the great men of his early days. Don Smith - Qld, Bill Marshall -Vic, Max Simmons - Tas and Harry Harris - NZ.
Pips advise to new people wanting to have a go at this art of sheepdog trialling is to procure a good dog from a proven breeder and you will save years and tears.
Its not the winning or the loosing that matters the most, play the game straight – hold your head high and be proud of your dog’s good work.
Congratulations Pip on not just your win but your contribution.
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