EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY: THE 2024 SHEMOZZLE HITS HUNTERVILLE
Source: NZ Herald (Extract)
Posted: October 21, 2024
An event conceived in a pub by local men Tony Theed, Richard Horrocks, and Thomas Powell is set to attract 4,000 to 5,000 people to a town of just 450 residents.
The 26th annual Shemozzle will take place at the Hunterville Huntaway Festival on Saturday, November 2.
The Shemozzle pits farmers and their huntaway dogs against an obstacle course featuring tunnels, ropes, hills, and other challenges that are revamped each year to keep competitors on their toes.
Originally inspired by the Cardrona Shepherd’s Run in the South Island, it has since evolved into a unique experience and is now a trademarked event.
The Shemozzle is not for the faint of heart; past races have included challenges like eating whole chilies, boiled sheep tongues, and raw milk mixed with tuna chunks and squid oil.
Easier versions of the race are offered for younger participants, including an intermediate race and a junior race, along with a teen race that is just as challenging as the Shepherd’s Shemozzle but without the dogs.
This event is so important to the town that a sculpture commemorating all past Shemozzle winners and their dogs stands proudly on the main street.
The popular event has already reached full capacity for stallholders, and entries for the junior, intermediate, and teen Shemozzle sold out within a week.
The Shemozzle has been featured internationally, including on Japanese television and the 2013 season of The Amazing Race.
