History was made at the South Island Sheep Dog Championships after a woman won one of the main titles for the first time at the event.
The contest was held at Lochiel Station at Hanmer Springs over five days, with competitors vying for spots in the New Zealand championships later in May.
Gisborne woman, Jo Waugh, who is a full time shepherd at Matawai took out the zig-zag competition title, with her dog Guy, while two other female competitors featured in the top seven.
Waugh said she was proud of what she achieved, after a shaky start.
"My first round was not perfect, but my dog worked well - there were a few things I could have done better, but it was to keep me in for the four days and to go on to the run off," she said.
"In the run-off I just got really good sheep, and I was really happy with how my dog went - and we just managed to pull it all together."
She said it was also fantastic that there were three other women in the top seven.
"That's a pretty big thing in itself."
"It's unusual for women to be right up there, and it just goes to show that women are coming through and going well."
Jo Waugh and huntaway Guy will compete in the New Zealand Sheepdog Championships at Ohaeawai in Northland from May 27th.
Newshub.