NSW HANDLER JESS KIMPTON AND BORDER COLLIE STITCH TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA

Jess Kimpton and her seven-year-old Border Collie, Newcomen Stitch

A 32-year-old sheepdog handler has been selected for the four-strong Australian team contesting the 2025 Trans-Tasman Sheepdog Test in New Zealand, where competitors battle for the Wayleggo Cup across a hybrid course guiding three sheep through four obstacles.

Jess Kimpton and her seven-year-old Border Collie, Newcomen Stitch, secured their spot after finishing among the top performers at the NSW Selection Trial in Bungendore, then contributing the highest individual score for NSW at the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge at the Supreme Australian Sheepdog Championships in Northam, WA.

The result placed the pair in the national top four.

“I’m so excited to be representing Australia,” Jess said. “There’s always an intense rivalry with New Zealand, but it’s built on good sportsmanship.

"We’re out there to win for our country, and that’s pretty special.”

Kimpton is only the third woman to qualify for Australia’s Trans-Tasman team and the second from NSW, reflecting a gradual change in a sport with more than 150 years of history.

“These days, you’re just another competitor,” said Jess.

A lifelong dog-sport competitor who also trains animals for film and television, Kimpton says her approach centres on building the dog’s confidence and decision-making.

“Stitch is more than a ‘trial dog’; she’s my partner,” she said. “When we’re in syn, it’s magic. She’ll even ‘tell me’ when I’m wrong. It’s a true partnership, almost like we can read each other’s minds.”

“I reward what’s right, calmly block what isn’t, and let the dog learn to make good choices. Confidence is everything for both the dog and the handler. You can’t push sheep around a course; you guide them.” NSW

The international test is scheduled for October 31 to November 1.

Kimpton, who juggles training with motherhood on her Hawkesbury Valley property, said family support has helped her keep competing.

“I’m so lucky to have the support I do to keep doing what I love, working sheep, even as a mum,” she said.

“When Evie was younger, I thought the dream of competing might be over. But I proved myself wrong; you can be a mum and keep chasing your dreams.”