A barking mad night at Howlin’ Hounds
Module Overview
Sheep and beef farmers Meg Horrocks and Kit Kendrick say the Howlin’ Hounds bark-up event they’ve organised promises a night of barking mad fun and a chance for local farmers to get off the farm and enjoy themselves.
Kit, who has co-organised the event with fellow local farmer Meg for the last two years, says it’s super exciting to be holding it for a third time on 28 June at the Dannevirke Showgrounds.
The event also raises funds for Farmstrong and helps raise awareness about the importance of mental wellbeing.
It’s also a chance to showcase and celebrate the Huntaway farm dog – a breed that originated in New Zealand and is known for its loud, deep bark.
“Meg and I have both competed in bark ups before but decided it would be great to have one run by women,” says Kit, who moved to New Zealand from England 12 years ago when she was 18.
“Howlin’ Hounds will be focussed on Huntaway dogs. The dog’s bark will be judged on things like volume, depth of bark, how often it barks and the owner’s control.”
There will be two categories, one for male dogs and one for bitches.
Something to look forward to
Kit, who is herself a proud owner of two Huntaways and two Heading dogs, says holding the event in the middle of winter gives people something to look forward to.
“Winter can be such a slog when it comes to farming, and we really wanted an event that farmers could put in the diary and look forward to with their mates.”
Kit says the event is for everyone, not just dog owners, and she’d love to see the whole community turn up.
“It’s a chance to have a really good time, have some yarns and good food and see something a bit different.”
She says Huntaways are not only unique to New Zealand, but also iconic.
“It’s a great chance to see an icon of New Zealand culture and celebrate the one constant in farming that you feel at your feet – your dog.”
Proud to be representing young women
As young females in farming, Kit says she and Meg are proud to be representing women in the industry.
“We’re trying to break the mould and there are more females in farming than ever, which is fantastic,” Kit says.
“There’s a long way to go before things are equal, but a lot more females are staying in farming now rather than leaving.”
She says seeing women in farming and doing well inspires other women to give it a go.
“It was so huge when Emma Poole won the FMG Young Farmer of the Year in 2023, the first time a woman has ever won it. It was such a great inspiration for women.”
And she has advice for young women starting out in farming.
“Get stuck in, get your elbows out and speak up. And if you need help or advice, ask for it, don’t give up.”
Event Information:
Entry is $20 per dog then $5 per additional dog entries (cash and Eftpos available).
Non-competitors entry will be gold coin donation.
Registrations from 3pm-5pm, first bark at 5:30pm.
For more information, please contact Meg Horrocks on 027 827 8649 or Kit Kendrick on 027 233 6234.
Visit the Howlin’ Hounds Facebook page for more information.
Photo – Meg Horrocks (left) and Kit Kendricks (right) with their dogs Gus and Reggie.
