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The international event, set for October 31 to November 1, pits the best handlers and dogs from Australia against those from New Zealand on a hybrid course. Teams must guide three sheep through four obstacles, with the top team taking home the coveted prize.
“I’m so excited to be representing Australia,” Jess exclaimed. “There’s always a strong rivalry with New Zealand, but it’s built on good sportsmanship. We’re out there to win for our country and that’s pretty special.”
A Champion's Journey
Jess, 32, from East Kurrajong, has been trialling in three-sheep working dog trials for around 15 years and training sheepdogs for over 12. She grew up in a dog-sport family on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and trained two chickens to weave poles and run tunnels just to prove she was ready for a dog of her own.
“I’m so excited to be representing Australia,” Jess exclaimed. “There’s always a strong rivalry with New Zealand, but it’s built on good sportsmanship. We’re out there to win for our country and that’s pretty special.”
A Champion's Journey
Jess, 32, from East Kurrajong, has been trialling in three-sheep working dog trials for around 15 years and training sheepdogs for over 12. She grew up in a dog-sport family on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and trained two chickens to weave poles and run tunnels just to prove she was ready for a dog of her own.
Her love for canines has led to a decorated career, including earning Australia’s highest herding titles with a Samoyed and a Shetland Sheepdog, with the latter, Fox, being the only of his breed to attain a Herding Champion title. She has also trained animals for film and television, including for the films Rams and The Fall Guy, and the TV series Colin from Accounts.
Jess earned her spot on the Australian team after standout results at the NSW Selection Trial in Bungendore. Despite many competitors running multiple dogs, Stitch was her only eligible entry.
Finishing in the top three secured her a place on the NSW team, which went on to compete at the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge at the Supreme Australian Sheepdog Championships in Northam, WA.
There, the NSW team placed second, and Jess and Stitch led the way with the highest overall score, earning one of just four coveted positions on the Australian team.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
With a history of over 150 years, dating back to the first trials in Forbes, NSW in 1870, the sport of sheepdog trialing remains largely male-dominated. Jess Kimpton is only the third woman ever to qualify for the Australian Trans-Tasman team and just the second from NSW.
“These days you’re just another competitor,” said Jess. “The women in the sport cheer each other on, and we’re proving we’re not just making up the numbers -- we’re competitive!”
The Partnership: Heart of a Champion
For Jess, success comes from the partnership she shares with Stitch and her training philosophy. She believes in guiding dogs to use their natural instinct with confidence and empathy.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Sport
With a history of over 150 years, dating back to the first trials in Forbes, NSW in 1870, the sport of sheepdog trialing remains largely male-dominated. Jess Kimpton is only the third woman ever to qualify for the Australian Trans-Tasman team and just the second from NSW.
“These days you’re just another competitor,” said Jess. “The women in the sport cheer each other on, and we’re proving we’re not just making up the numbers -- we’re competitive!”
The Partnership: Heart of a Champion
For Jess, success comes from the partnership she shares with Stitch and her training philosophy. She believes in guiding dogs to use their natural instinct with confidence and empathy.
“Stitch is more than a ‘trial dog’; she’s my partner,” Jess said.
“When we’re in sync it’s magic. She’ll even ‘tell me’ when I’m wrong. It’s a true partnership – almost like we can read each other’s minds.”
When training, Jess says she rewards what's right, calmly blocks what isn't, and lets the dog learn to make good choices. "Confidence is everything in the dog and in the handler. You can’t push sheep around a course; you guide them.”
Balancing Motherhood with World-Class Competition
Today, Jess balances motherhood, sheepdog trialling, and life on her Hawkesbury Valley acreage. Along with her husband Morgan, a breeder of Border Collies, they are raising their young daughter Evie, along with sheep, horses, chickens, a cat, and a team of six Border Collies.
Balancing Motherhood with World-Class Competition
Today, Jess balances motherhood, sheepdog trialling, and life on her Hawkesbury Valley acreage. Along with her husband Morgan, a breeder of Border Collies, they are raising their young daughter Evie, along with sheep, horses, chickens, a cat, and a team of six Border Collies.
“I’m so lucky to have the support I do to keep doing what I love – working sheep – even as a mum,” said Jess.
“When Evie was younger, I thought the dream of competing might be over. But I proved myself wrong; you can be a mum and keep chasing your dreams.”Good luck to Jess and Stitch to retain the Wayleggo Cup at the Trans-Tasman Sheepdog Test in New Zealand!
For more information about the trial, please visit
www.nzsheepdogs.co.nz/trans-tasmantestseries.
To discover more about working sheepdogs and trials in your state, visit Australian Sheep Dog Workers’ Association on https://asdwa.org.au/.
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