Lloyd Smith and his loyal heading dog, Code, make a good team.

The duo were in the back blocks of the Maniototo for the Patearoa Collie Club’s centennial dog trials earlier this week.

Lloyd, who also competed with another of his heading dogs and two huntaways, travelled from Palmerston for the occasion, an event the club has hosted for the past 100 years.

The dog trials were hosted in the hills of the Maniototo.

Lloyd Smith watches his dog, Code, during competitions.

While Lloyd cannot claim to have been taking part that long, his dedication to the sport spans decades.

“I probably started when I was about 17 or 18 and I’m 71 now.”

Over that time, Lloyd has learned many tricks of the trade, but trying to beat the clock is not one of them.

Lloyd Smith and Code, working together during the competitions.

While he had about 13 minutes to complete his task with Code, Lloyd’s focus was on the quality of work, rather than speed.

He said the Patearoa Collie Club course had its “wee traps” and the sheep were not easy.

“It doesn’t take much to make things go wrong.”

However, for Lloyd competitions often go well, as his five national titles would suggest and he continues to take part whenever he can.

“It’s a challenge that keeps you coming back,” he said, of his love of the sport.

Patearoa Collie Club president Andrew Hore said the event, which took place over three days, from March 10-12, featured about 80 runs in the heading course and 70 in the huntaway course.

Andrew credited the landowners, sponsors and volunteers for making the event happen.

“It’s been awesome,” he said.

Photos/video: The Central App