Shepherd's Shemozzle

Shepherd's Shemozzle
Characteristics
VenueObstacle course
Presence
Country or regionNew Zealand

Shepherd's Shemozzle (also called Shemozzle Race or simply Shemozzle) is a New Zealand obstacle course activity involving dogs.

Shepherd's Shemozzle is the trademark race of the Hunterville Huntaway Festival, Rangitikei's signature event.[1] In 2023, 625 people competed, and between 3,000 and 5,000 people attended the event.[2]

The race involves shepherds and their Huntaway dogs competing through multiple challenges. Each year the obstacles are a secret until the festival begins,[3] but challenges in the past have included swinging on ropes, climbing through tunnels, sliding down mudslides,[4] racing through streets, climbing the "gutbuster hill", and eating disgusting foods.[5] The winner of the event receives NZD$1,000 in cash among other prizes.[2] Less physically demanding versions of the event exist for children, teenagers, and families.[6]

The event has piqued interest in foreign audiences, having been featured on Japanese television[3] as well as the American reality television series The Amazing Race.[7]

References

  1. ^ Iconic shepherd's shemozzle returns to Hunterville
  2. ^ a b "'It's going to be huge': 25 years for iconic Hunterville Huntaway Festival". NZ Herald. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Japan tuning in to crazy Kiwi race". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  4. ^ "It's barking mad at the Shepherds' Shemozzle". NZ Herald. 5 November 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Biggest show in Hunterville, the shepherd's shemozzle, celebrates 25 years". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Children, Teen & Family Shemozzle in Hunterville". Running Calendar New Zealand. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  7. ^ Steck, Emily E. (3 March 2013). "'The Amazing Race' Recap: The Shemozzle Race". BuddyTV. Retrieved 6 August 2024.