“Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Test your luck! Win a ribbon! Take home the glory!”
If you’ve ever wandered past Sideshow Alley at a country show, you know the call — the bright lights, the promise of triumph, and the slightly over-inflated confidence that this time you’ll knock the bottles over.
In many ways, entering an agricultural show with your Corgi isn’t all that different. Except — here’s the twist — in Maitland and Gunning this season, everyone really was a winner.
But before we talk ribbons and rosettes, let’s pause a moment.
Small rural agricultural shows are the heartbeat of regional communities. They bring together farmers, families, schoolchildren, livestock exhibitors, woodchoppers, bakers, equestrians — and yes, dog exhibitors — under one big country sky.
They are:
Economic drivers for small towns
Social glue for rural communities
A living connection to agricultural heritage
A place where tradition is handed down — ring by ring
And yet, like so many community institutions, they are under pressure. Rising costs. Volunteer fatigue. Declining entries. Insurance. Infrastructure. Weather. The list is long.
It would be easy to overlook these smaller fixtures on the calendar in favour of larger metropolitan events.
But agricultural shows offer something unique.
They introduce our breeds to families who may never attend a specialty show. They spark conversations — “What’s the difference between a Pembroke and a Cardigan?” They place purebred dogs back into a rural context, where working heritage still feels tangible rather than theoretical.
And importantly — they need exhibitors.
When entry numbers drop, viability becomes fragile. When costs rise, committees must make difficult decisions. If we value these events, we must support them.
Every entry form lodged is a small act of preservation.
Yes, we can have a little fun with the Sideshow Alley theme.
“Step right up! Admire the finest low-riders in the land! Observe the glorious ear set! Marvel at the movement!”
But beneath the humour lies something serious.
Country shows are not just competitions. They are community gatherings. Economic contributors. Cultural archives. They deserve our participation — and our gratitude.
Maitland and Gunning reminded us that success isn’t measured only in Best in Group ribbons. It’s measured in participation. In camaraderie. In keeping traditions alive.
Over the weekend at both shows it was great to reconnect with old friends and meet members and exhibitors I’d not met before, sharing the shade of a dappled tree as we waited our turn. Talking dogs, dreams, past glories and future champions the thread of the love we have for our dogs was evident.
When we load up the crates in the blushing dawn light and head down the highway toward a small rural showground, we’re not just chasing points.
We’re helping keep something important alive.
And that, truly, makes everyone a winner.
The sole Cardigan entry for the show was my CH HarryDaisy Blue Rosette At Jeninda, entered in the Puppy Class. Rosie stood proudly representing her breed — small in number perhaps, but never small in presence.
Under Judge Ms A Meyn (NSW) she was awarded Best of Breed and Challenge, earning her place in the Group ring.
Group 5 – Working Dog Puppy was strong and beautifully represented. Six quality puppies stepped forward: an Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd (LSC), Shetland Sheepdog — and my little Cardigan.
But on this Valentine’s Day, Rosie was awarded Puppy In Group.
Standing among the best puppies of the day in General Specials brings a different kind of quiet anticipation. There is a certain stillness while you wait, knowing that every exhibit there has already earned its place. I felt both nervous and excited for Rosie.
Under Prof B Corbitt (NSW), Rosie was awarded Puppy In Show. What a sweet Valentine’s gift!
It was a result I am immensely proud of — not simply for the ribbon, but for what it represented: participation, opportunity, shining a light on Cardigans and the value of supporting our country shows.
The Pembrokes had one of those days that exhibitors quietly hope for but never quite expect.
Every Pembroke entered won its class.
Four beautiful representatives stood for the breed at Maitland, and each was recognised by the judge.
Junior Bitch, BEEDASHIE CANT CALL ME ANGEL, owned by Miss K Smith, Australian Bred Bitch, CH ALIASA LIGHT THE WAY, owned by Richard Wood, went on to be named Best of Breed, with BEEDASHIE CANT CALL ME ANGEL awarded Runner Up to Best of Breed.
In the Neuter classes, NEUT. CH. OCHREHILLS DUSKY DANCING, owned by Ms L Raymond, was awarded Best Neuter of Breed, while CH DAWCO TEA ROSE (AI), also owned by Ms L Raymond, was awarded Runner Up Neuter of Breed.
A clean sweep of classes is satisfying in any ring. At a country show, it feels particularly meaningful. I felt incredibly fortunate to be there supporting the winners and witnessing what was, in many ways, a historic day for Welsh Corgis.
Each exhibit then stepped forward into Group Specials — and this is where the depth of representation truly became apparent.
Out of eight Group class awards on offer, Pembrokes claimed three:
Junior in Group – BEEDASHIE CANT CALL ME ANGEL (Miss K Smith)
Australian Bred in Group – CH ALIASA LIGHT THE WAY (Richard Wood)
Best Neuter in Group – NEUT. CH. OCHREHILLS DUSKY DANCING (Ms L Raymond) with Runner Up Neuter in Group also awarded to CH DAWCO TEA ROSE (AI) (Ms L Raymond).
Every Corgi present — Cardigan and Pembroke — progressed from their breed class into the Group ring, and the day was ultimately topped off with a Best in Show for the Cardigan.
To see the breed step forward not once, but repeatedly, across multiple categories was genuinely exciting. The Pembrokes were not simply winning within their breed; they were standing confidently among the broader Working Dog field.
Three of eight class awards returning to one breed is no small achievement — particularly at a rural agricultural show where competition remains sincere and varied.
At Maitland, the Pembrokes and their owners did their breed proud. It was wonderful to connect with these exhibitors, share conversations under the shade of the trees, and learn more about their beautifully presented champion dogs.
That is the quiet magic of a country show. Yes, there are ribbons and sashes, but there is also community, encouragement, and shared pride in our breeds. On a day when every Pembroke won its class — when Cardigans and Pembrokes alike stepped confidently into Group and beyond — it truly felt as though everyone had a reason to celebrate.
And perhaps that is the real prize: not just the ribbon, but the reminder that when we support our rural shows, we strengthen the community that makes days like this possible.
If Maitland carried the quiet weight of achievement, Gunning brought the joy.
It was at Gunning that I finally met Dee and Leon Milthorpe of Llondee Cardigan Corgis in person for the first time. There are people you feel you already know through messages and shared breed conversations — and then you meet ringside and it simply fits.
Dee and I slipped easily into conversation, comparing notes and admiring the girls, with Leon managing to get a word in here and there as we chatted away.
They were showing their pretty youngster Ronnie – LLONDEE RHAPSODY IN BLUE, whose merle coat is truly striking. In Minor Puppy Bitch, Ronnie was awarded Best of Breed, with my CH HARRYDAISY BLUE ROSETTE AT JENINDA awarded Runner Up to Best of Breed from Puppy Bitch.
It was wonderful to have genuine competition — and to see two quality merle bitches face off in the ring. In the nicest possible way, of course. There is something rather special about standing side by side with another exhibitor whose dog you genuinely admire.
From there, we both stepped forward into Group competition — taking our girls into General Specials with quiet hope and shared encouragement.
On the day, we fell short against some truly lovely exhibits. But that, too, is part of the rhythm of showing. You step into the big ring, you give it your best, you congratulate the winners, and you head back to the shade with a smile.
That is the real fun of the fair.
Friendly rivalry. Mutual respect. A handshake outside the ring. Two beautiful Cardigans enjoying their moment under the judge’s eye.
At Gunning, the ribbons mattered — but the camaraderie mattered more.
If the Cardigans brought friendly rivalry, the Pembrokes brought depth.
Gunning saw a strong line-up of Pembrokes across multiple classes, with dogs and bitches well represented. There was a real sense of substance to the entry — not just numbers, but quality throughout.
Representing Pembrokes at Gunning were:
From there:
And in Group 5 Specials:
Standing out on the day was CH BOJOJAMILE BITE THE BULLET AT HUDDYLU (AI), owned and handled by Kayla Grannall. Awarded Best of Breed, he went on to claim Australian Bred in Group and an impressive Runner Up in Group — a significant achievement in a competitive Working Dog line-up.
ELFOR SATIN SLIPPERS, owned by Lauren and Andrew Leslie, was awarded Runner Up to Best of Breed, adding to the breed’s strong showing.
In the Neuter classes, CH. NEUT. CH. PRICEWEY CASANOVA SWN, handled by Lisa McGinn, was awarded Best Neuter of Breed, stepping forward to represent the breed in Group competition.
One of the most inspiring sights of the day was watching Kayla in the ring. Having recently shared the joyful news of her pregnancy, she handled her dog with calm confidence and poise. There was something quietly powerful about that moment — balancing the focus required in the ring while embracing such an important life milestone.
Congratulations to Kayla on an outstanding day — Best of Breed, Australian Bred in Group and Runner Up in Group — and to Kayla and her partner Tim on their wonderful baby news. It was a reminder that life’s milestones and show ring achievements sometimes walk beautifully side by side.
Just as rewarding as the results was the opportunity to reconnect with fellow exhibitors.
It was lovely to spend time with Lauren and Andrew (Elfor), and with Christina Mobbs (Lwysaf), who brought along her trio of gorgeous dogs. While the results did not fall Christina’s way on the day, she unquestionably won the unofficial cuteness award. Baby Sadie was out for a socialisation adventure — confident, curious and completely adorable. A champion in the making.
It was also a pleasure to share time with Amy Keenan, owner and handler of CH. VELCALLE WHISKY IN THE JAR N.SPRD — Bertie to his friends. Bertie’s exuberant personality makes him impossible to miss — full of beans and making friends wherever he goes. Amy’s young girl joined the day for socialisation too, taking in the sights and sounds of the showground with relaxed confidence.
Another unexpected delight was meeting Lisa McGinn, President of the Welsh Corgi Club of Tasmania. Involved with Welsh Corgi Pembrokes since 1979, Lisa’s dedication spans decades. You never quite know who you will rub shoulders with at a country show — or how much history might be standing beside you ringside.
That, too, is all part of the fun of the fair.
Rural agricultural shows do not have the luxury of expansive judging panels. To keep entry fees reasonable and operational costs sustainable, judges often carry multiple Groups — and with them, multiple standards, temperaments, and structural nuances — across the course of a long day.
At Maitland, the workload was substantial:
Ms A Meyn (NSW) – 3–6 Month Sweepstakes, Terriers, Working Dogs & Non Sporting
Prof B Corbitt (NSW) – Toys, Gundogs & General Specials
Mr B Farrell (NSW) – 6–12 Month Sweepstakes, Hounds & Utility
Alongside this, DOGS NSW Junior Handlers were also conducted.
At Gunning, the pattern continued:
Mrs D Dryburgh (NSW) – Toys & General Specials
Mr G Dryburgh (NSW) – Gundogs & Utility
Mrs K Tresidder (NSW) – 3–6 Month Sweepstakes, Hounds & Working Dogs
Ms M Eather (NSW) – 6–12 Month Sweepstakes, Non Sporting & Terriers
Across both weekends, judges were effectively doing double and triple duty — moving between Groups that demand entirely different silhouettes, movement styles, and breed priorities — all while maintaining consistency, fairness and focus.
And beside them, the stewards worked tirelessly to keep rings flowing, paperwork accurate, and exhibitors informed. Their quiet efficiency ensures that the show runs smoothly, even when the workload is anything but light.
It takes stamina. It takes concentration. It takes experience. And it takes a genuine commitment to the continuation of these rural fixtures.
In a country show ring, success does not belong only to the dogs standing on the podium. It belongs to the hands that guide the ring, the eyes that assess each exhibit, and the volunteers who make the day possible.
When the ribbons are handed out, everyone shares in that win.
After such a wonderful weekend of showing, I high-tailed it back to the city to share a home-made meal with my daughter, my niece in her beautiful new apartment, and my 94-year-old mum.
What a way to finish.
Not only was it a delicious Greek vegetarian feast — generous, colourful and made with love — but it was also quite literally a feast for the eyes. Stepping out onto the balcony and taking in the sweeping city views was one of those quiet “wow” moments that makes you pause.
From country showgrounds bordered by cattle yards and gum trees to glittering skyline horizons — the contrast was striking.
Three generations at the table. Stories from the ring. Laughter, food, and that comfortable kind of contentment that only family brings.
It felt like the perfect bookend to the weekend. Community in the country. Family in the city. Dogs in the ring. Love at the table.
And perhaps that is the greatest prize of all.
