More than $1million worth of sheep dogs were gathered at Hakataramea last week for the Tux South Island Sheep Dog Trials.

300 competitors took part in the event which was organised by the 126-year-old Waitaki Dog Trials Club, the oldest dog trial club in the Southern Hemisphere. There were four events, two hunts and two heading events.

The challenging Zig Zag hunt was easily won by wheelchair bound Grant Calder and his two-and-a-half year old Huntaway, Cramp, from Lauder Station near St Bathans in Otago.

Grant Calder, who has previously won three New Zealand dog trial championships and five South Island Championships, and represented New Zealand at trials in Australia, was almost completely paralysed after a quad bike accident in 2004.

He broke his neck and spent seven months in Burwood hospital.

Grant Calder told Country99tv that his dogs had been a huge part of his recovery.

"I used to sit in my wheelchair on the hill with my dogs around me. They were a great comfort. Then I discovered I could whistle."

This was Grant's first win since his accident. 

"I never thought I would be able to beat 250 people with legs."