Profile of Simon Leaning from Mount Helena, Western Australia

How did you first get interested in sheepdog trialing?

I always had some sheep on my small property and was constantly frustrated when we needed to treat or shear them, I would bring in the Reli’s or neighbors’ to form a human chain to round them up. I visited the Royal show and saw the dogs working with Ben Voskuilen and decided that is what I needed. He was kind enough to offer me a pup. My interest grew from there.

When and where did you compete in your first trial?

My first sheepdog trial was in 2000 in Mayanup. 

What dog did you use and how did you go?

My Kelpie Fleetfeet Gypsy won the encourage event.

What was your best dog? Name and Parents name.

My best two dogs have been Boylee Barney (Dajara Woody x Boylee Sweetpea) and Fleetfeet Will (Fleetfeet Wal x Karana Katie) . Both have won or placed in open three sheep and Utility trials. I have been lucky to have two talented dogs going so well.

What do you enjoy most about dog training/trialing?

I enjoy the challenge and seeing the dog perform to the standard that you know they can

Whom do you admire most, or who has helped you the most in your trialing?

Doug Connop was a big support when I first started and of course he was winning almost everything also. I really learned a lot from Greg Prince when he visited Western Australia and I also improved a lot after doing a low stress stock handling clinic with Jim Lindsay.

What is your top training tip?

Learn to read your stock.

What is the best advice you could give to someone just starting out?

Look for the best dogs you can get and be prepared to move it on if it doesn’t suit you. Go to training clinics and watch what the top handlers do, sometimes they cant tell you what they are doing so watch them closely.