| Shepherd's Shemozzle | |
| Country/Region: | New Zealand |
| Venue: | Obstacle course |
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. 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 as well as the American reality television series The Amazing Race.[7]