2016 Roundup of another successful Casterton Kelpie Association - Clark Rubber Australian Kelpie Muster

The Casterton Kelpie Association again hosted another successful Clark Rubber Australian Kelpie Muster with the crowd bringing over 12,000 people to the township along with the canine friends.

The Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens said “This muster we are celebrating 20 years since it all started and a lot of work has gone into the celebrations. I am and the whole committee are very happy with the way the weekend went. Visitors again came from all over Australia and Overseas even all the way from Norway. We have over 300 volunteers who make this Muster happen over the weekend and during the year. Our sponsors are fantastic and we thank them for their commitment to our event. The World Record for the Kelpie High Jump was broke with a height of 2.915 by Tegan Eagle from Croydon, Victoria with her dog Bailey. This record has been standing since 2007. It was a great event to watch.”

Thursday we commenced with the Acquisitive Art Competition and this was won by Julia Davis and her artwork titled “Rusty – Retirement is not an option”. This winner was presented by the Hon Dan Tehan and the art show was supported by the Glenelg Shire Council.

On the Saturday, the Kelpie Dash which was won by Tegan Eagle and dog Bailey, the Kelpie Hill Climb was won by Tristan Mioni with his dog Cork. Overall Triathlon winner was Tegan Eagle again with Bailey.

The Stockman’s Challenge was hotly contested and won by Robert Copping with his horse Cop That Red Rogue with dog Commander Zac and they also won the highest scoring dog work, highest scoring horse work was Travis Scott and his horse Max.

The RMA Network Futurity was again another successful event which was won by Travis Ware and his dog Hilton Park Bear, 2^nd Monte Warren and dog Steph and 3^rd place was Tricia Carter with dog Diesel.

The Kelpie Pinball was won by Joe Spicer and his dog named Package. This event always draws a crowd. Mutton Mayhem was won by Tim Lawrence. Novelties events were hilarious and loads of fun for all.

The Photo Competition had numerous quality entries and it was a hard decision for the judges for each category.

The street parade again was successful and the number of floats was outstanding with first place going to Casterton Playgroup, 2^nd REaD Float and 3^rd place Sacred Heart Primary School who also won the Clark Rubber colouring in school competition of $500 with the Casterton Secondary College and Casterton Primary School also both receiving $200 each as commendation. 

This year we showcased our 20^th Annual Working Dog Auction, which is proudly sponsored by Clark Rubber in conjunction with the RMA Network.  The highest priced dog Burge a 17mth Black and Tan Kelpie was sold for $10,000 by Andrew Kennedy to Rob and Toni Buckley of Trafalgar. Rob said “they watched this dog demonstrate and he was the won. He was coming home with them and would have paid more if need be. He displayed excellent skills and after talking to Andrew, knew he was the one for them.”

This year we passed the $2 million mark with the a male Red and Tan 26 month old Kelpie named Whitey  was sold by John Ahern to GJ KM Trahar from Yahl, South Australia.

The auction offered 61 dogs with a clearance rate of 83.6% - average price $3,763 and with an overall turnover of $191,900 for breeders.

All results are posted on our festival tab.

Media enquiries to Karen Stephens 0417 527 200 or email secretary@castertonkelpieassociation.com.au